What Your Pee Color REALLY Means

urine testAt some point in your life you’ve heard, “Just pee in this little cup…” or some variation of this phrase and complied without question. Can the truth about your health really be revealed filling a cup up to that all-important line? Yes! With just one sample, your doctor can check for high protein levels, an indication of inflamed kidneys and possibly multiple myeloma (a form of bone marrow cancer); sugar and keotone, signs of uncontrolled diabetes; and even red or white blood cells, which means there is blood in your urine and sign of a possible urinary tract infection or kidney disease.

Yellow is often the color associated with urine, but it isn’t the only shade. Certain medications and your diet can affect the color, but using the colors below will help you decode what your body is trying to tell you and if you need to seek a doctor’s care.

Transparent/No color: You are very well hydrated, maybe even TOO hydrated! There’s nothing wrong with being on your water game this much (you must be taking the Gallon Water Challenge, huh?), but you don’t have to be. It’s okay to cut back a little.

Pale straw color/Transparent yellow: A normal, healthy color for your urine that shows you’re getting enough water. Good job!

Dark yellow: Normal, but you need to start drinking more water SOON.

Amber or honey: Your body isn’t getting enough water. Increase your intake immediately.

Brown ale or syrup: This could be a sign of severe dehydration and possibly liver disease. Increase your water intake and…