What is the Proper Color, Odor and Frequency of Urine?

What proper Urine means for your Health

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Just like a snowflake, every person’s urine is unique. Some have a bold color and a distinct smell, while others are more water-like. Quantity and frequency differs as well, based on health and lifestyle. In any case there is no “right” type of urine. But if your normal urination begins to dramatically differ, there may be a good chance you are experiencing certain health issues.

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What is the Right Color of Urine?

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The color of urine has a vast range, almost a rainbow-like range, if you will. Generally urine color ranges from clear to gold. Unusually, urine color ranges from deep reds, to blues.

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If your urine is clear, it could indicate the intake of too much water or coffee (diuretics). If your urine is a deep gold or amber color, it could indicate that you are dehydrated.

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When urine is in blue-green range, certain medications such as laxative, chemotherapy drugs, or vitamins might be the cause. If you aren’t taking any of these medications or treatments, and this color continues, you should definitely see a doctor.

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When urine is in the neon, bright yellow-orange range, you may have been consuming a lot of vitamin C, carrots, beets or other foods in the orange-colored family. This color may also be a result of certain medications. Again, if you are not consuming a lot of vitamin C, or you are not on any medications, seek a doctor.

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The dark orange or brown range is when you should really be concerned. This could indicate liver problems, where bile is being expelled through your urine. In this case, seek medical attention immediately.

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Pink or red colored urine can be similar to the bright yellow, orange urine, in that you may have consumed some sort of red-tinted food. That being said, it could also be that blood is in your urine. This is never a good sign. This could be an indicator of Urinary Tract Infection, internal injury, kidney issues, or even cancer.

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If your urine is it’s typical color, but has a cloudy aspect, this could indicate an excess of phosphates. This may suggest a precursor to kidney stones. When and if the cloudiness gets worse and you experience an urgent need to urinate, and pain when urinating, seek a doctor as soon as possible.

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What is the Right Smell of Urine?

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If you are healthy and drinking enough clean fluids, you should not have strong smelling urine. But you may be able to detect a health issue if you notice a distinctly strong smell after urination. Strong odors can indicate trouble.

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Foul smelling urine is usually associated with Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). The bacteria that causes UTIs are known to produce a foul smell. If you feel a burning sensation, fever, chill and back pain along with the foul odor, you may have a UTI. Antibiotics are the typical treatments for this infection. Generally UTIs are easily treatable, but you must be prescribed this antibiotic by a physician.

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Sweet smelling urine can indicate diabetes or liver disease. The sweet smell is mostly associated with diabetes, as those with diabetes have higher blood sugar. Along with the sweet smell, indicators of diabetes include weight loss, thirstiness, and fatigue.  If you have liver disease, other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and the yellowing of skin and eyes.  Seek a doctor if you notice a sweet smell, because untreated liver disease and diabetes can be dangerous.

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Musty smelling urine may be caused by certain metabolic disorders. That musty smell is a major symptom of all metabolic disorders, like Hunter Syndrome. So as soon as you notice this smell, seek medical attention. This could help you avoid health emergencies like stroke.

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Although your urine should generally be odorless, certain types of foods can cause strong scents. Beverages and foods like coffee and asparagus can give your urine a stronger smell, and this is very normal.

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What is the Right Frequency of Urination?

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The majority of people urinate about six to eight times every day. This also depends on the amount of fluid you drink on a daily basis. But if you notice you are feeling the constant urge to urinate without drinking too many fluids, other health issues may be the cause. Urinary Tract Infections, interstitial cystitis (painful urination without infection), diabetes, and Urinary Incontinence are all possible issues causing your frequent urination.

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Urgent or overly frequent urination is a major symptom of Urinary Incontinence. Several factors can cause Urinary Incontinence, ranging from pressure on the bladder (like pregnancy or obesity) to an enlarged prostate. The prostate surrounds the urethra, the canal in which urine leave the body. When the prostate gland grows, it can press on the urethra and affect urination.

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Not urinating enough is also an issue. The majority of the time, the inability to completely drain your bladder is called Overflow Urinary Incontinence.  When the bladder does not empty properly, you experience “dribbling”, or leakage of urine. And enlarged prostate, and other health issues, can cause Overflow Urinary Incontinence. Anything that does not allow the urethra or bladder to drain will cause this sort of discomfort.

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If you are urinating too much, intaking less fluid is not the way to go. Dehydration can cause other health issues, like kidney problems, and worsen the symptoms of frequent urination.

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That being said, there are lots of treatments to handle these issues. If you are urinating too much or too little and can’t control the flow, disposable adult diapers are always a great healthy choice to maintain cleanliness. Speak to your doctor about the frequency of urination, and they will help you decide which kind of treatment is best for you .

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What is the Importance of Urine tests at an Annual Physical?

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When you go into the doctor’s office and they hand you a cup to urinate in, you may not understand why. If your urine is the same old color, scent and amount, why would you need to get it tested? Well not all signs of blood and sugar are seen or smelled in your urine.

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A urinalysis is great for indicating health issues that are not recognizable by the human eye. With proper testing you can ensure your health, and even find out exciting information like pregnancy. Urine is a great tool for diagnosing differences in the body. So pay attention to the color, odor and frequency of your urine and need to urinate to maintain a healthy lifestyle.