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Have you ever noticed that your pee changes colour after eating certain foods or taking specific vitamins?
It might surprise you to learn that your diet can influence the colour of your urine. While urine colour can vary naturally based on hydration levels and other factors, some foods and supplements can cause noticeable changes.
In most cases, these colour changes are harmless and temporary, but they can sometimes indicate underlying health issues.
Normal vs. unusual urine colors
Typically, healthy urine ranges from pale yellow to amber, thanks to a pigment called urochrome. This range indicates good hydration and proper kidney function. However, various factors, including foods, medications, and health conditions, can cause urine to deviate from this spectrum.
For instance, dehydration can result in dark yellow or amber urine, while certain medical conditions can cause more unusual colours like red, brown, or even blue-green.
RELATED: Urine Colour: What's normal and when to see a doctor
Foods that can change your pee's colour
Here are some foods you eat that can sometimes cause surprising changes in your urine colour:
1. Beets
Beets are well-known for their ability to turn urine a reddish or pink colour, a phenomenon often referred to as "beeturia." This effect is due to the natural pigments called betalains found in beets, which can be visible in urine if not fully broken down during digestion. Although seeing red in the toilet can be alarming, it's generally harmless and should subside within a day.
2. Rhubarb
Rhubarb can also give your urine a reddish tint, similar to beets. The anthocyanins in rhubarb, which give it its distinctive colour, are responsible for this effect. In large amounts, rhubarb may even turn your urine dark brown. Like beeturia, this colour change is typically benign but can be surprising if you're not expecting it.
3. B vitamins
B vitamins, particularly B2 (riboflavin) and B12, can cause bright yellow or even orange urine. This is more common with supplements than food sources, as high doses of these water-soluble vitamins are excreted through the urine. While bright-coloured pee might be startling, it's a normal response to excess vitamin intake and isn't harmful.
4. Foods with bright dyes
Brightly coloured foods, such as certain candies, cereals, and drinks, often contain artificial dyes that can colour your urine. For example, blue and green dyes can result in greenish or bluish urine. While this change is usually harmless, it's a good reminder to be mindful of artificial additives in your diet.
5. Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a pigment that can give your urine an orange hue. This effect is similar to how excessive carrot consumption can tint your skin. Like the other foods mentioned, this change is temporary and not a cause for concern.
When to see the doctor
Most urine colour changes from food are harmless, but there are times when you should consult a medical professional. If your urine is consistently dark yellow, orange, red, brown, or another unusual colour, and it doesn't improve with increased hydration or dietary adjustments, it may indicate a health issue.
Conditions like liver or kidney problems, urinary tract infections, or even certain cancers can cause abnormal urine colours. Always pay attention to other symptoms, such as pain or discomfort during urination, and seek medical attention if you're concerned.
This content was created with the help of an AI model and verified by the writer.