We almost always notice when there is something different in our urine. Under normal conditions, urine is: A light yellow liquid; The color tone may vary slightly, but is never too dark or has no color; It is transparent and homogeneous; It has a characteristic, but practically imperceptible, odor. Many changes to this pattern have no problem. This is the case when they are related to something we eat or drink, some medication we are taking. If so, everything will return to normal. However, there are also visible changes in urine that are a sign that something is wrong with your health and that medical help should be seek. Many health problems have related changes in urine due to the multiple functions of the kidneys. These organs produce urine and also, for example: Regulate the body water and electrolyte balance; Eliminate products that are in excess or residues from the body metabolism, such as urea, uric acid, creatinine, bilirubin, ammonia, among others; Regulate blood composition and volume; Regulate acid-base balance. Appearance of urine Normal urine is liquid, transparent and homogeneous. Changes in the consistency and appearance of urine – for example, cloudiness, milky appearance, presence of clots or other foreign substances, formation of bubbles or foam – are not due to food, beverages or medicines. They reflect a problem that may or may not be related to the urinary tract. In general, they are accompanied by other symptoms and must be evaluated so that their origin can be clarified as soon as possible and treated with the greatest probability of success. Urine color The yellow tone of urine changes with the amount of water we drink. The more water we drink, the clearer it will be, because the urine is more diluted. If we drink little, it will be darker because the urine is more concentrated. Attention: Drinking adequate water to maintain a good state of hydration is very important. Drinking excess water can cause electrolyte imbalances, particularly of sodium, which can be very serious. Orange, pink, red, brown, black, blue or green are other colors that urine can present. When caused by food, beverages or medicines, they are not accompanied by other symptoms. Beets, rhubarb or blackberries are examples of foods that can make urine red. Food coloring, widely used for example in decorating cakes and sweets, can also change the color of urine, and not just to red. Some medications, including vitamin supplements, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, anesthetics, antibiotics, antidepressants, antacids, antimalarials, digestive transit regulators, muscle relaxants, and chemotherapy medications, among others, change the color of urine or its tone. When the color of urine is due to a health problem, it may or may not be accompanied by other symptoms. The presence of blood in the urine (hematuria), which turns it pink or red, may be due to intense physical exertion, urinary infections, stones in the urinary tract, or other diseases or injuries that affect the urinary tract. Urine may turn brownish in some liver diseases, for example bile duct obstruction or liver failure, or in situations of severe destruction of muscle fibers. Some bacteria that cause urinary infections give rise to a bluish or greenish color in the urine. Urine odor Hydration status and drinking more or less water affect the characteristic odor of urine: The odor becomes lighter or stronger (ammonia smell), depending on whether the urine is more diluted or more concentrated, respectively. Some foods and drinks can also cause changes in urine odor: Examples are asparagus, Brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, coffee and alcoholic beverages, as well as some medications, such as group B vitamin supplements and some antibiotics, among others. The odor may also be altered in several diseases , which generally also have other symptoms. These include, for example, urinary infections, uncontrolled diabetes (where the urine has a sweet odor), liver disease, genital infections, including some sexually transmitted infections. Attention is essential Pay attention to any changes in urine and, if they happen, think about whether there was anything in your daily life that could justify them. Drink adequate amounts of water to maintain a good state of hydration. This is the first step for the urine to have the light yellow color and practically imperceptible odor, which are normal, and also for the kidneys to perform their functions correctly. Be sure to seek medical attention: Whenever your urine is different from normal and you also have any unusual symptoms. When a change in urine lasts for more than 2-3 days, without any reason to justify it, even if you do not have any other symptoms. And, if you go to the doctor, this is important information you should have with you: How long have you had the complaint; Other symptoms you have and for how long; What medication do you usually take; What natural products, supplements or teas do you usually take; Personal or family history of urinary tract diseases. Author: Betânia Ferreira Meet the Internal Medicine medical team from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
