Why Is Human Urine Pale Yellow? What Does Change In Colour Mean? – News18
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Urine plays a crucial role in cleansing the body and is typically pale yellow in colour. However, at times, urine may appear dark yellow, and in some cases, it may even turn red
However, if urine remains dark yellow despite adequate hydration, it may be a sign of jaundice.
The waste products and excess water accumulated in our body are expelled through urine. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood and collect them in the form of urine, helping to maintain the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance.
Urine plays a crucial role in cleansing the body and is typically yellow in colour. However, at times, urine may appear dark yellow, and in some cases, it may even turn red. This raises the question: what is the normal colour of urine, and why is it yellow?
Dr Amarendra Pathak, Vice Chairman of the Urology Department at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, told News18 that human urine consists of 80 to 90% water. In addition, it contains various waste products, including urea, creatinine, uric acid, phosphoric acid, and water-soluble bilirubin. The combined effect of these substances gives urine a light yellow colour. The normal colour of urine is pale yellow. However, if the body is dehydrated, urine becomes more concentrated, making its colour appear darker.
Dr Pathak explained that when red blood cells break down in the body, they produce several by-products, including bilirubin. Some of this bilirubin is excreted through urine, while the rest is expelled via the bile duct, contributing to the yellow colour of urine. If a person refrains from urinating for an extended period, the phosphate crystals present in urine can precipitate, making it appear cloudy.
If urine appears red, it indicates the presence of blood, as normal urine is not naturally red or pink. Addressing concerns about excessively yellow urine, Dr Pathak stated that dehydration can cause urine to become more concentrated, leading to a darker yellow hue. This issue is usually resolved by increasing water intake.
However, if urine remains dark yellow despite adequate hydration, it may be a sign of jaundice. In such cases, individuals should consult a doctor and undergo medical tests. Persistent yellow urine could also indicate an underlying health condition, which should not be ignored. Seeking medical advice and getting tested is essential.
