Ever wonder why doctors require urine samples when you go for a medical check-ups? This is because not only doctors but naturopaths use urine samples to gain insight into a person’s health. Recently, a U.S. medical clinic has turned the information into a handy infographic that people can refer at home for their own convenience.
The Cleveland Clinic explained 11 pee colours from a honey or deep amber colour to a light straw colour. These colours indicate from how hydrated you are, to whether you might have an undiagnosed illness.
As expected, the lighter and clearer the color of your urine, the more hydrated you’re likely to be. A darker pee colour will tell you that you’re probably dehydrated or have a liver condition.
According to the diagram, it is not possible to have purple pee but there have been cases where people have reported having purple urine. Based on the case study of Al-Jubouri and Vardhan J Clin Patholby, purple pee is caused by a heavy growth of Providencia rettgeri, a form of bacteria that produces ammonia. Cancer victims undergoing mitoxantrone chemotherapy may also have purple pee. But if you’ve consumed any red beets or red dragonfruit, there’s a high chance your urine will be purple due to the natural coloring of the fruit.
When it comes to water consumption, the Institute of Medicine suggests that an adult man should drink 3 liters (about 13 cups) of water a day, whereby an adult woman should drink roughly 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of water a day.
The state of your urine can also tell whether your body is acidic or alkaline, which is a measure of our overall health. It is best to keep your body alkalised by eating healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables. It is crucial to add those foods into your diet especially with your busy and stressful schedule at work to maintain the alkalinity of your body.
