• Question: why is our urine different colours?

    Asked by brandonmc2013 to Karen on 19 Nov 2013.
    • Photo: Karen McCarthy

      Karen McCarthy answered on 19 Nov 2013:


      The colour of your urine can be a good indicator of your overall daily health. Typical urine is a pale yellow colour (due to the presence of urochrome, the result of haemaglobin in your red blood cells breaking down).

      If your urine is a darker yellow colour, it probably means you haven’t drank enough water or fluids , resulting in the concentrated colour.

      If its a reddish colour, there may be blood or muscle breakdown in your urine. This is more of a reason for concern, and if you don’t feel well should see a doctor, just in case. You may have a kidney or bladder infection.

      However, eating certain foods can also have a colour-changing effect too – eating beetroot can may your urine go a purple-red colour, and asparagus can create a pale green colour too!

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