Get to know 7 urine colors to observe, recognize warning signs of health problems

Urine color is one of the indicators to observe abnormalities of the body that should not be overlooked, because each day the body may be sending health warning signals through urine without being aware. Paying attention to small details such as the color of urine is therefore an important starting point in taking care of health.

This article will take you to get to know 7 urine colors that should be observed as urine colors indicating disease, along with explaining the basic meaning of each color, to help recognize abnormalities that may occur and be able to take care of yourself appropriately from an early stage.

Key Takeaways

• Urine can have many shades of color, which can indicate the condition of the body, such as dehydration or may be related to abnormalities of the urinary system and kidneys

• In general, urine should be clear or light yellow. If the urine color changes from this for a long time, it may be a warning sign that should not be overlooked

• Urine that is very dark, red, pink, or has abnormal colors such as green, blue, purple should consider seeing a doctor as soon as possible, especially if there are other symptoms together such as burning pain during urination or abnormal odor, in order to receive diagnostic examination to find a clear cause

• If it is found that urine is dark yellow, should start by increasing the amount of water intake each day, avoiding alcoholic beverages and sweet drinks, including should eat foods with high water content such as vegetables and fruits to help initially balance the body

• In cases where it is suspected that urine is abnormal or the color has clearly changed from before, it is recommended to undergo diagnosis by a doctor

7 urine colors indicating body conditions

Urine color can clearly indicate health signals in the body, including water intake, food consumed, to indicating some diseases that may be hidden without being aware. Examples of the 7 urine colors indicating disease that can indicate the health condition of the body are as follows:

Clear like water

A color that is so clear that it is almost colorless may seem like a sign of cleanliness or adequate water intake, but in fact if urine is clear all the time, it may mean drinking too much water, which may cause the body to lose electrolyte balance. In some cases, abnormally clear urine color may be related to liver disease or kidney disease. Therefore, the amount of water consumed per day should be observed whether it is too much, and if unsure should consult a doctor.

Light yellow to dark yellow

What causes dark yellow urine? Urine color in the yellow range is considered the most normal. These colors are caused by urochrome (Urochrome) that the body produces from the breakdown process of red blood cells. If drinking a lot of water, the color will be light yellow, but if drinking little water, it will make the urine darker yellow. Some B vitamins that are consumed may make urine appear noticeably darker yellow, which is considered a normal condition that does not need to be worried about.

Is foam in urine also a warning sign of disease? Read more at foamy urine.

Red or pink

Urine color that appears red or pink may come from consuming strongly colored foods such as beetroot, cranberry, or roselle, but if these foods were not consumed, it may mean the presence of blood mixed in urine, called hematuria, which may be caused by many reasons such as urinary tract infection, kidney stones, cystitis, kidney disease, and prostate. Should see a doctor if red urine persists.

Orange

Orange urine color may occur from many causes such as medication use. If not taking medication, dehydration or problems with liver and gallbladder function. Should observe accompanying symptoms such as pale stool or if the skin is yellow, should see a doctor if orange urine persists.

Dark brown

May indicate severe dehydration, but in some cases may mean liver disease or certain muscle diseases such as rhabdomyolysis, which is very dangerous. In addition, taking certain medications or herbs such as antimalarial drugs or herbs with dark pigments can also change urine color. If urine is brown continuously without known cause, should urgently see a doctor immediately.

Blue or green

Urine color that is blue or green is a condition that is rarely found, often related to consumption of certain foods or medications such as antibiotics or food coloring in some types. In some cases it may be related to medical examinations that use dye injected into the body, including may be a symptom of certain bacterial infections such as Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.

Cloudy white

Urine color that is cloudy white may be caused by the presence of other substances mixed in such as pus or white blood cells, which indicates infection in the urinary system, especially in people who have a urinary catheter for a long time. In addition, precipitation of minerals or certain proteins in urine may also cause cloudy white color. If urine is found to be cloudy white and has abnormal odor, should quickly see a doctor for appropriate examination and treatment.

What should be done if urine color is dark

If it is observed that urine color is darker than normal, most is caused by the body lacking water. The simple solution is to drink enough water, at least 2 liters per day or more if in a hot place or exercising heavily.

• Choosing to eat fruits with high water content such as watermelon, orange, cucumber can also help add water to the body in another way.

• Avoid beverages that cause the body to lose moisture such as carbonated drinks, alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee.

• If drinking enough water but the color is still dark or there are other abnormal symptoms together such as burning sensation, little urination, should quickly consult a doctor.

Some people may believe that if urinating frequently it will help make the color not dark and is a good behavior, but sometimes urinating too frequently can also be a sign of cystitis as well.

Observe urine color to understand your body

Urine color is a simple health signal that should not be overlooked. If the urine color is clear or light yellow, it shows that the body receives enough water, but if it starts to be abnormally dark, it may be a warning signal to pay more attention to drinking water and taking care of health. If it is observed that urine has abnormal color frequently or there is concern about kidney health, it is recommended to receive consultation from the Kidney Disease Institute of Praram 9 Hospital in order to diagnose and receive care from a doctor appropriately

For more information

Facebook : Praram 9 Hospital International & Expats

Line : @Praram9Hospital

Tel. 1270

Frequently asked questions about urine color

1. What urine color should see a doctor?

If it is very abnormally dark, red, pink, brown, or urine is cloudy or foamy, should quickly see a doctor because it may be a sign of health problems such as kidney disease, cystitis, or blood in urine

2. What factors affect urine color?

Color can change from many factors such as amount of water intake, certain foods and medications, heavy exercise, dehydration or diseases related to the excretory system

3. What urine color is considered healthy?

Urine color that indicates good health is clear yellow or light yellow. If urine is dark, may need to drink more water, but if the color is abnormal or changes continuously, should undergo health examination

References

Changes in urine: Color, smell & appearance. (2023, September 28). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15357-urine-changes

Urine color chart: Healthy colors and when to seek help. (2025, April 9). Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/urine-color-chart

Watson, K. (2024, August 26). Urine color chart: What’s normal and when to see a doctor. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/urine-color-chart#faq