What Does It Mean? The color of your urine can reveal important information about your health. But it may not be a serious issue. Many people with this genetic condition dont have symptoms that they notice. Many of these colors fall on the spectrum of what normal urine can look like, but there are cases where unusual urine colors may be a cause for concern. Changes in the color of your urine like green, orange, brown, or red can be a clue to underlying health issues. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. One example is Listerine mouthwash, which can cause green urine if you accidentally swallow it because of its ingredient thymol, Johnson-Arbor says. This includes certain medications. Blue diaper syndrome is a very rare disease that mostly affects babies. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. In most cases, green pee is not a cause for concern. But certain things can change the color. privacy practices. The study examined hydration tests among older adults and found that urine color can be changed by too many other things to accurately predict hydration. There are two artificial food dyes approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Consuming significant amounts of these dyes can lead to greenish pee, usually within six hours. This article discusses orange urine and some of its possible causes, including diet, medication, and certain health . Urine Color: What It Says About Your Health - Cleveland Clinic Denise Mann is a freelance health writer whose articles regularly appear in WebMD, HealthDay, and other consumer health portals. Brown pee. Its always better to be safe than sorry, so if you are at all concerned about the color of your urine, check in with your doctor, she adds. The coloring is dependent on the amount of urobilin, or urochrome, which is the result of the bilirubin in the bloodstream. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. What Does It Mean When Your Pee Is Green? - MedicineNet These include: Kidney or bladder infections or cancers. Trademarks, brands, logos, and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Food Dyes Food dyes, blue and green in particular, are the most common cause of green urine. You probably ate beets, blackberries, or even rhubarb. After these mix with the yellow pigments (urochrome) in your urine, the end result is green pee. This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every year on St. Patricks Day, restaurants, bars, and pubs around the country offer up green beers, burgers, shamrock shakes, and other foods and drinks colored with green food dyes. Which Type of Cranberry Pills Might Help With UTIs? If that's the case, your urine will be back to normal within a day or so. Amber-colored urine can . Support from readers like you helps us do our best work. Accessed Nov. 16, 2022. Green Urine Causes - Health Hearty U Laboratory tests and interpretation of results. Summary Various factors can cause green urine, including some medications, certain foods, and urinary tract infections. The bladder stores urine until it's time to urinate. B vitamins, such as riboflavin (B-2) and cobalamin (B-12), are also known for causing fluorescent yellow-green urine. Pseudomonas aeruginosa in healthcare settings, Spernovasilis N, Psichogiou M, Poulakou G.Skin manifestations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Mol Nutr Food Res. In that case, a doctor should conduct further tests and set the diagnosis and treatment instructions for a fast recovery. Preparing for your appointment. We recommend our users to update the browser. I would also like to sign up for a free GoodRx account, Written by Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, Written by Sonja Jacobsen, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP, Written by Tracy Norfleet, MD, MBA, FACP, ABOM. Orange pee that skews slightly more brown could also just be a sign of dehydration. If you consistently have layers of small or medium bubbles in your urine, it could be proteinuria, or excess protein in your urine. Urology Care Foundation. Terms of Use. Accessed Nov. 16, 2022. In some cases, cloudy urine is another sign of being dehydrated. https://www.urologyhealth.org/healthy-living/care-blog/2018/the-meaning-behind-the-color-of-urine. If you have a UTI, your urine may appear green because of bacteria called pyocyanin. Accessed Nov. 17, 2022. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. If you have a UTI, you'll likely notice other symptoms including: What to do about it: Talk to your doctor. A 24-hour urine collection collects a full days worth of urine. It can also be a symptom of some chronic diseases and kidney conditions. other information we have about you. Accessed Nov. 18, 2022. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2023. Treatments Outlook If your urine looks foamy, it could be because your urine is hitting the toilet fast enough to stir up the water. If this is the cause of your green urine, you'll notice that the green continues over time. A blue pigment in the medication mixes with the natural yellow color of urine and makes it look green (or bluish-green). Important: If you accidentally ingest a product that's not meant to be ingested, call poison control online at www.poison.org or by calling 1-800-222-1222. Changes in the color of your urine like green, orange, brown, or red can be a clue to underlying health issues. See a healthcare provider if green pee persists for more than a day or is accompanied by: In most cases, green pee doesnt need treatment and will go away on its own. KellyBurchis a New Hampshire-based freelance journalist writing about finances, health, family, and more. It's not easy being blue-green. Youre basically peeing out pus. Take those symptoms straight to the doctor, who can prescribe the appropriate treatment plan to help you feel better ASAP. While being hydrated is a good thing, drinking too much water can rob your body of electrolytes. information submitted for this request. 26 Aug 2020 10174593_258Getty Images Wondering what the colour of your urine means? But probable? you may be worried and panicking a little after seeing the unusual shade. UTIs can cause cloudy urine and an unpleasant odor. Light-brown or tea-colored urine can be a sign of kidney disease/failure or muscle breakdown. Have you eaten beets, blackberries, or rhubarb lately? Go here to subscribe to Prevention and get 12 FREE gifts. 30, 2022 Medically reviewed by Tia Jackson-Bey, MD Your urine color can sometimes be a surprise, whether it's bright yellow or even red or violet. Urine Color Chart: What's Normal and When to See a Doctor - Healthline If you accidentally consume them, they could turn your urine green. If you notice that your urine looks cloudy instead of its usual clear . Mahabadi N., et al. Green or blue pee is typically the result of consuming food that contains dyes or taking medications, such as the following: Some imaging tests and treatments use a dye, such as methylene blue, which can also result in greenish urine. Certain color changes may signal a health condition that needs medical attention. This can be a sign of kidney disease. These are small, hard crystals that form in your urine and can become trapped in your bladder. Dark brown urine can also be an indicator of liver disease, as it can be caused by bile getting into your urine. So can consuming a days worth of green alcohol cause green pee? Blood in urine (hematuria): Causes and treatment. In some rare instances, though, green urine could be a sign of a specific form of urinary tract infection called a proteus infection. While urine thats red or pink might be from something you ate recently, there are sometimes other causes. So can a treatment for ulcers and acid reflux called cimetidine (Tagamet HB). Like foods, many medications contain colored dyes. You should get in touch with your healthcare professional right away and let them know if you develop cloudy or bubbly urine during pregnancy. Green urine also can be caused by propofol (Diprivan), a strong medicine that helps people sleep or relax before surgery. American Kidney Fund. When you have bleeding in urine and are not certain why, see a doctor who can do an analysis of the urine and guide you to see a specialist, she says. This not only includes green dyes but also blue dyes that turn green when introduced into urine. She has received numerous awards, including the Arthritis Foundation's Northeast Region Prize for Online Journalism; the Excellence in Women's Health Research Journalism Award; the Journalistic Achievement Award from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery; National Newsmaker of the Year by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America; the Gold Award for Best Service Journalism from the Magazine Association of the Southeast; a Bronze Award from The American Society of Healthcare Publication Editors (for a cover story she wrote in, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 8 Changes Your Vagina Needs You to Make This Summer, Can You Have Sex With a UTI? rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/10828/familial-hypocalciuric-hypercalcemia, niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/hematuria-blood-urine, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3819447/, What You Need to Know About Discolored Urine, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, 6 Causes of Non-STI Burning at the Tip of the Urethra, Everything You Need to Know About Urinary Hesitancy, light pink or dark red (this can be a sign of a serious health condition), orange (which can be a symptom of kidney and bladder disease). Make sure you drink enough fluids daily to stay hydrated and keep yourself healthy. Common medications associated with green pee are: What to do about it: If you have green pee after surgery or a medical procedure, it will likely only last a day or two, until the one-time medication clears your system. In most situations, the color of your urine will depend on how diluted this pigment is. Why Is My Urine Green? Normal Pee Color Explained - MedicineNet Whats more, if you have single layer of relatively large bubbles when you pee that quickly dissipates, thats considered normal and nothing to be concerned about. Chloroquine and primaquine, which treat and prevent malaria. Follow her on, 9 surprising tricks to hold your pee just a tad longer when there's no bathroom in sight, Stress incontinence is common here's how to properly treat it so you can get your life back on track, 6 reasons you feel like you need to pee right after you've peed, according to urologists, 7 reasons why your pee has an unusual odor. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. As the excess bilirubin is excreted in pee, it can initially cause your urine to take on a greenish hue. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. For example, indigo carmine, also known as Blue #2, is a common food dye that can cause green urine, Das says. 7 Common Causes of Cloudy Urine - WebMD People with FBH usually do not have symptoms and are often diagnosed by chance during routine bloodwork. Perzella M, et al. Last medically reviewed on January 27, 2022. 7 Different Pee Colors and What They Could Mean, Explained by a Doctor, Resistance Training Can Delay Alzheimers Disease, pretty sweet (and slightly disturbing!) U Differential diagnosis. However, in rare cases, green-colored urine can be a sign of something more serious, like a urinary tract infection or liver disease. Glomerulonephritis - NHS It should clear up by the next day. Ann Lab Med. "The discoloration should go away after you stop using the products, and it's unlikely that affected individuals will have additional worrisome symptoms or require medical treatment.". People with a compromised immune system are at greatest risk. While urine is usually a light yellow color, certain substances can filter through the kidneys and cause your pee to turn greenbut usually for only a short period. Squadrito F, et al. Infections have other signs, including burning when urinating, urgency, and/or fevers, she says. Any deviation in normal urine color may seem alarming. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes. Top 3 Causes of Green Vaginal Discharge | Buoy - Buoy Health Aside from dehydration, there are a few possible causes. Green vaginal discharge is typically considered a sign of an infection. Urine that falls in the pale yellow category signals that you're healthy and hydrated, says Dr. Bajic. This isnt considered unusual. And when we are dehydrated, there is less water to dilute these things.. When youre staying hydrated, your urine will be a light yellow, close-to-clear color. If its dark yellow, brown, or even orange, you can be very dehydrated, while crystal clear to no color suggests that you are adequately hydrated, she says. And some medicines can give urine vivid tones, such as orange or greenish-blue. Red urine isn't always a sign of a serious health problem. In: Miller's Anesthesia. A water pill called triamterene (Dyrenium) also can turn urine greenish-blue. Dehydration. It is typically thin, fluid, and transparent, or it may be cloudy white, or off-white. Some things that put you at risk of health problems that can affect urine color are: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. .css-26w0xw{display:block;font-family:NationalBold,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-26w0xw:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-26w0xw{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.575rem;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:-0.5rem;}}5 Reasons You Gain Weight During Your Period, 21 Reasons Youve Got Bumps On Your Vagina, 12 Reasons Your Vagina Hurts So Much, Per Doctors, The Best Cleansers For Avoiding Vaginal Irritation, 13 Easy Ways To Soothe An Itchy Vagina Area, Say Goodbye To Those Ingrown Hairs On Your Vulva. Porphyrias are also a rare class of disorders that typically involve sensitivity to light and can sometimes lead to brownish urine due to the way red blood cells are broken down in the bodies of people with the condition. This isnt always a concern, but it could be a sign of an underlying problem. Different colors can mean different things. 4th ed. Should I Be Worried About My Urine Color? - UnityPoint Health Medications that can cause blue or green urine include cimetidine (Tagamet), amitriptyline, indomethacin (Indocin), promethazine (Phenergan), and B vitamin supplements. Ferri FF. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with What Are the Most Common Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections? Curr Opin Infect Dis. More often than not, the issue is harmless and caused by something you drank or ate that had green or blue food dye in it. This dye is in many types of candy and some medications. Doctors refer to the standard color of your urine as urochrome. Urine naturally carries a yellow pigment. This could signal an easy-to-treat urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney stone or something more serious, such as urinary tract cancer. This is just a sign that your body is absorbing the vitamins correctly. Green pee is rare, but in most cases it's not cause for concern, says Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a toxicologist and medical co-director for the National Capital Poison Center. Drinking liquids can dilute the color, so bright yellow pee may indicate dehydration. You can now get common mens health medications like Sildenafil and Tadalafil for less at your local Walgreens pharmacy. A red or pink color could indicate blood in the urine or it could be due to some food or medications. (2005). Green vaginal discharge is often a sign that you have a vaginal infection. Foamy Urine: Symptoms, Causes, and More - Healthline In fact, urine can be clear (water-like), yellow, orange, or amber. Some sexually transmitted diseases. Bloody urine. Some UTIs are caused by a bacteria called pseudomonas aeruginosa. Possible Causes of Blood in Urine (Hematuria) in Females, How to Know When Pale or Clay-Colored Stool May Be a Problem, Understanding Unusual Urine Color, Odor, or Appearance, The metabolism and potential bioactivity of chlorophyll and metallo-chlorophyll derivatives in the gastrointestinal tract, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in healthcare settings, Skin manifestations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, Hypercalcaemia- presentation and management, Phenergan (promethazine): An antihistamine used for, Urinary symptoms, such as burning, pain, frequent urination, or difficulty urinating, Hepatitis symptoms, such as jaundice, extreme weakness, and pale stools. Cloudy urine with foam or bubbles is called pneumaturia. Medications. Download the iOS GoodRx app on the App Store, opens in a new window, Download the Android GoodRx app on Google Play, opens in a new window. Enter your email to sign up. B vitamins can cause urine to turn neon yellow or greenish in color, such as riboflavin (B2), according to Mayo Clinic. 2021;34(2):72-79. doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000717. Per the Mayo Clinic, brown urine can also result from eating tons of fava beans or rhubarb, medications (including some antibiotics, laxatives, or muscle relaxers), or even extreme exercise that causes a muscle injury. 7 reasons for green pee: Is it dangerous & what does it mean? (female A pale yellow color reflects a good balance between over- and underhydration, he says. Additionally, if someone has red or brown urine without being on their period or consuming foods with pigment (i.e., beets, tomatoes, and leafy greens, among others), they should consult with a healthcare professional ASAP. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Pregnant with Green Discharge - Testing & Treatment - Healthline If the color of your urine is bright green in color, it may be due to excess intake of vitamin B. It doesnt have to be bright red blood either. There are some cases where urine is foamy, and doctors cant determine the cause. Journal of Anaesthesiology Clinical Pharmacology. 1. Why Is Me Pee Green? 6 Causes and When It Is a Cause for Concern - Insider For example, indigo carmine, also known as Blue #2, is a common food dye that can cause green urine, Das says. What Is Leqembi, the New Alzheimers Treatment? The normal color of urine is pale yellow, though it can be deep amber or dark yellow if you have consumed less water throughout the day or if you have become dehydrated due to conditions such as diarrhea. Prakash S., et al. Methocarbamol (Robaxin), a muscle relaxer. This condition can happen if you have serious problems with your liver, pancreas, or gallbladder. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. What Causes Green Diarrhea and What to Do About It. Low to moderate calcium levels may appear in your urine and change its color when you have this condition. Please seek medical advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment. Here's what you need to know about pee color, including what's normal and what's not. Exercise. The other serious cause of green pee is jaundice. Constipation medicines that contain senna (Senokot, Ex-Lax, others). B Differential diagnosis. Occasional psudomonas UTI causes green . Learn more about the causes and treatment. Even if you have blood one time, call your doctor. If you see red when you pee, its tempting to hit the panic button. The bottom line: Changes in urine color alone typically arent a cause for concern. A child with blue diaper syndrome might have trouble gaining weight, or be diagnosed with failure to thrive, a condition where a baby is not gaining weight or meeting developmental milestones. Wein AJ, et al., eds. Urinalysis (urine test, drug test) is a test performed on a patient's urine sample to diagnose conditions and diseases such as urinary tract infection, kidney infection, kidney stones, and inflammation of the kidneys, or screen for progression of conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Heres what experts want you to know. The shade of yellow in your pee depends on your urochrome levels. Here are three possible causes of green urine.