Few Things That Your Urine Tell About You

There are some things that we take for granted. Our seemingly innocuous trips to the washroom could be a significant pointer towards the status of our health. You wonder how? Our urine can offer insights into how healthy we are. Here are a few things that it can tell.

* Dehydration

One of the prime things that our pee can tell us is how well hydrated we are. Dark urine is a sign of dehydration which means that we are taking in much fewer fluids than what our body requires. The amount of water your body needs depends on your gender, body type, diet, where you stay, and how active you are. Though, the standard norm is to drink a minimum of eight glasses.

* Vegetable Intake

Eating certain fruit and vegetables can change the color of your urine. For example, overeating beetroot changes the color to red or pink. Other food items that cause discoloration are rhubarb, aloe and fava beans, carrots, and asparagus.

* Effects of Medicine

Urine can also get discolored because of the impact of some medicines. Malaria medication turns it to dark brown. Medicines that have blue dye like indomethacin and promethazine are responsible for a blue or green hue to the urine.

* Too Much Water

Pale urine that is straw-colored is considered normal. Anything that deviates from this norm should be worrisome. While having fewer fluids could cause dehydration, too many fluids are also not healthy. Overhydration can lead to loss of essential salts from your body and can trigger a fatal chemical imbalance that can cause even death. This is known as water intoxication.

* Notice the Smell

Smelly urine is the first sign of trouble. While being dehydrated and eating specific items can add some odor to your urine, certain diseases also make it smelly. Diabetes, urinary infection, kidney problems, and liver issues can add obnoxious odor to the urine. If you notice a smell, talk to your doctor.

* Urinary Tract Infection

The state, color, and smell of the urine can point out the possibility of a urinary tract infection. If it is green, smells strong, and is cloudy, and you feel a burning sensation, you might be suffering from a urinary tract infection. Check with your doctor for further treatment. You may check out some home remedies for UTI and see if it helps you to some extent before starting medications.

* Pregnancy

Another thing that can be figured out from testing a urine sample is pregnancy. This can be done through over the counter tests that check for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone that is present only in the bodies of pregnant ladies. The tests show the best and most conclusive results five to ten days after missing periods.