Home | Health and Fitness | Definition, causes and symptoms of urine color
Definition, causes and symptoms of urine color

Urine color is an important indicator of your health and hydration; different colors define how good or bad the condition of your urine is. This defining chart is called the urine color chart. A urine color chart shows different shades of yellow and defines the health of your urine through the intensity of the color. Urine colors usually range from transparent to pale yellow to dark amber. Urobilin or urochrome is the pigment that gives your urine the yellow color and its presence or absence is what defines the shades of your urine.

The urine color chart does not cover all possible aspects of change in urine color, in some cases, the color of your urine could change due to your diet or the pigments in certain food products. For example, eating beetroot, carrots or asparagus could bring about a change in the color of your urine. Apart from the food products, some medicines might also influence the color.

When must you consult a doctor?

  • An unusual color of your urine could be a reason for you to visit a doctor and possibly get some medication. If you find your urine to be a dark shade of brown or a deep red, then it might be a case of porphyria. While a dark shade of yellow or orange urine could indicate a condition of your liver malfunctioning.
  • If you find blood in your urine, you must consult a doctor at the earliest. Bloody urine can also cause a burning sensation when you urinate. Blood in the urine usually indicates a kidney stone or a urinary tract infection.

What factors put you at risk of medical conditions affecting your urine color?

  • Age: As you grow older, the risk of attaining a kidney disease or a urinary tract disease increases. Once you cross the age of 50, your prostate gland enlarges. As read above, you might see a change in the urine color or bloody urine due to these diseases.
  • Sex: Your sex could also be a reason for you to witness a change in your urine color, more than 50% women are prone to a urinary tract infection at some point in their life. While men are prone to kidney or bladder stones.
  • Arduous exercise: If you exercise aggressively on a regular basis, then you might find some blood in your urine.
  • Hereditary diseases: If there is a case of kidney problems that run through your family, there is a high probability that you could also suffer from a kidney disease or a kidney stone. These diseases could lead to bloody urine or a change in the color of your urine.

Featured Products

Featured Blogs

  • Everything you need to know about blood sugar and its levels
  • 4 Best Places To Purchase Riding Lawn Mowers
  • 5 popular prepaid plans from Verizon

Recent Blogs

  • 10 types of ice cube trays with a modern touch

    Summer is the most awaited season especially after a long haul of chilly, snowy winter. As the temperatures begin to soar, the importance of ice cube trays becomes more prominent. Gone are the days of plastic ice cube trays where all you received after waiting for so many hours was a frozen block of water. Today, rubber ice trays that allow molding ice in different shapes are purchased happily by customers. While standard ice cube trays do have a strong foothold in the market, those made from other materials have also started finding a place on store shelves.

    • Alphabetical ice cube trays These rubber ice trays that feature numerous alphabets are an interesting way of engaging kids in a more interactive way of learning.
    • Batman ice cube trays These ice cube molds are characterized by the classic Batman logo that is both quirky as well as useful.
    • Cat-shaped ice cube trays These cute little rubber ice trays produce cubes the shape of kittens that will melt your guests’ heart.
    • Coffee bean ice cube trays Nothing can be more interesting than dropping a coffee bean-shaped block of ice in a glass of your favorite frappucino.
    • Ringed ice cube trays These beautiful ring shaped ice cube trays are the most innovative ones you will ever find. Don’t be surprised if your heart craves to put these icy rings on the fingers rather than in the glass.
    • Gem ice cube trays Fill in colorful liquids in these plastic ice cube trays to create your own set of gems and diamonds.
    • Guitar plastic ice trays Equipped with guitar sticks, these ice cube molds are a must have for all those who enjoy grooving to the beats of music along with having a glass of chilled beer. The guitar sticks serve as stirrers and add to the musical ambiance of the party.
    • Angry Birds ice cube trays If you are planning to invite your kid’s friends over for a small party, fill in a flavored drink in these ice cube molds from their favorite game and voila, you have delicious iced lollies ready.
    • Bullet ice cube trays Available on Amazon for around $11, these plastic ice cube trays will be loved by boys for their unique shape.
    • Dog-shaped ice cube trays If you are fond of animals, you will instantly fall in love with the Dachshund ice cube molds that produce tiny iced replicas of the animal.

    There are various other types of distinct styles and designs of rubber ice trays and plastic ice cube trays such as those in the form of grenades, hearts, shells, Iron Man, Homer Simpson, Lego blocks, Super Mario, etc. to feed your imagination and creativity.

  • 5 common risk factors of mesothelioma cancer

    Mesothelioma cases have seen poor life expectancy rates. Hence, it is very crucial to identify the risk factors that cause mesothelioma cancer, so that they can be treated at an early stage. This will help increase the chances of survival.

    Here is a list of risk factors that need to be highlighted at an early stage.

    • Asbestos exposure: More than 80% of people are expected to fall victim to mesothelioma cancer due to excessive exposure to asbestos. Asbestos has strong flexible fibers and also fire-proof properties. There are high chances that people involved in a job that requires the making of products using asbestos, and installing or maintaining asbestos products might inhale or swallow some asbestos fibers. Once the asbestos fiber enters the body, it starts affecting the immune system adversely and the symptoms of mesothelioma might become apparent.
    • Zeolite exposure: Zeolite is a mineral that is chemically related to asbestos. You should avoid exposure to such minerals and if you encounter it as a part of your work environment, then take all precautionary measures and cover yourself properly so that zeolite doesn’t enter your body by any means.
    • Radiation: According to a recent study, radiation used to treat cancer patients also makes a person prone to mesothelioma cancer. If a high dosage of radiation is given on the chest or abdomen of a patient, then it might result into mesothelioma.
    • SV40 Virus: Infections with  SV40 virus have a high risk of developing into mesothelioma. Previously, some polio vaccines contained SV40. Hence, some people were exposed to this virus and the chances of a large population being subject to this type of cancer increased.
    • Genetics: Around 1% of the cases have inherited mesothelioma cancer i.e. the disease was carried from a parent to a child. Normally, it happens as a result of mutation or a change in BAP1 gene.
  • 6 superfoods for lactating mothers

    Lactating moms should fuel their bodies with the best foods so the child grows healthier. During the time of breastfeeding, the mother’s body is making milk 24 hours per day. Generally, breastfeeding moms feel hungry ever so often. This appetite comes from the energy the body polishes off for producing milk. High on energy and low on calories, these six superfoods offer adequate nourishment for the mother and the child.

    Avocados
    Avocados contain healthy fats that will not only provide you with necessary energy over the course of the day but also assist you in controlling your cholesterol levels. Avocados are also plentiful in protein, vitamin E, and folate, all of which assist in the improvement of your child’s focal sensory system.

    Nuts
    Nuts are full of essential minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B, and vitamin K. They contain fatty acids and protein. Nuts are considered lactogenic in many parts of the world, meaning they are sometimes used to produce breast milk.

    Legumes or beans
    Legumes are a versatile food option for breastfeeding mothers, as they are a rich source of folate, iron, protein, vitamins, minerals, phytoestrogens, and fiber. Breastfeeding mothers require extra 25 grams of protein per day. You can snack on hummus or put extra beans in chili.

    Seafood
    Seafood is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, which is essential for brain development in the child. Include salmon, herring, pollock, sardines, and trout in your meals but avoid albacore tuna, swordfish, shark, and king mackerel, as they are high in mercury.

    Dairy
    Pregnancy and breastfeeding take away calcium from the bones, so it’s necessary to replenish it. Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt are good sources of calcium and vitamin D. Aim for a minimum of 3 cups of dairy products each day.

    Whole grains
    Lactating mothers should eat at least 8 ounces of whole grain per day if breastfeeding and 6 ounces if they are also formula-feeding. Quinoa, brown rice, fortified cereal (without added sugar), and whole-wheat bread are good options.

    Cigna Breast Pumps
    Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, expecting mothers can get breast pumps covered under insurance. If you have Cigna Insurance, you can apply for breastfeeding pumps like Elvie for free. However, Cigna does not fully cover the cost of popular breast pump models, so you may have to pay a part of the cost out-of-pocket.