Every single part of your body could be hiding important clues about your overall health, and your pee is no different.
While you might be reluctant to look into the toilet bowl after using it, your urine could signal health issues, ranging from excess of B vitamins to cancer.
Fortunately, Chris Dubberley, a gut health expert at Incontinence Shop, has explained the spectrum of normal urine colours and revealed what your pee may be telling you about your overall health.
Dubberley said: “It’s normal for urine colour to change day-to-day based on factors like your diet, any medications you’re taking, and how much water you drink.
“For instance, eating foods like beets or carrots might temporarily alter your urine colour, but this isn’t typically a cause for concern.”
Normal urine colours
Largely determined by your hydration levels, the range of normal urine colours extends from clear to amber, according to the expert.
Dubberley said: “Clear urine often means excessive water intake, while a ‘pale straw’ to amber tone indicates healthy levels of hydration.
“It’s important to remember that staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining good gut health.”
Colours to look out for
If the colour of your urine falls out of the clear-to-amber scale, especially over a long period, it’s worth taking a note of the colour and raising it with your GP.
Dubberley said: “Bright yellow might simply be due to an excess of B vitamins, but red, pink, or orange urine, although sometimes caused by certain foods like beetroot, should be taken a closer look at to make sure liver problems aren’t the cause.
“Consistently dark urine, especially if coupled with other symptoms, could suggest dehydration or more serious health concerns like tumours or infection. Speak to a GP as soon as you can if your urine doesn’t get lighter in colour.
“Blue or green urine is uncommon and often linked to food dyes or certain medications.
“However, if you consistently notice unusual colours in your urine, get in touch with a healthcare professional, as it could be a sign of an underlying health issue affecting your gut or other organs.”
