A person’s normal urine color is either clear or a pale shade of yellow. However, many people often experience a change in urine color. Examples of these colors are brown, red, pink, blue, green and orange.
What do these different colors of urine mean?
While a change in color can possibly indicate a health problem or a person’s level of hydration, the discoloration can also be caused by one’s food intake. Here are common urine colors and the foods that cause urine discoloration:
Foods rich in B vitamins and carotene often cause one’s urine to turn bright yellow. Whole grains are an example of food rich in B vitamins. At times, vitamin supplements can also cause discoloration.
Eating excess amounts of asparagus can cause urine to be a dark yellow color. Other times, asparagus can also cause it to turn blue or dark green. B complex vitamins can also cause discoloration of a dark yellow or gold hue.
Fava beans, aloe, and rhubarb are some examples of food that turn urine brown or tea-colored. Foods containing brown food dyes can also cause discoloration.
Common foods that turn urine into an orange color are carrots, winter squash, and senna. Drinks that contain dyes can also cause urination to turn orange. The orange color can also be caused by other foods that contain B complex vitamins, carotene or vitamin C. Large amounts of carotene can also cause the discoloration in your palms and the soles of your feet.
Red or pink
Several foods can cause a person’s urine to turn red or pink in color. Examples of these foods are beets, rhubarb, boysenberries, and blackberries. Artificial cereals, drinks and other foods containing red-colored dyes can also be the cause of discoloration in urine.
Blue or dark green
Blue or dark green urine can be caused by the excess consumption of foods such as asparagus, which also produces a distinct smell. Foods and drinks that contain artificial colors can also cause discoloration.
Urine discoloration is quite common and can be caused by a number of different foods.
If, however, you notice a discoloration in your urine and have not eaten any of the above-mentioned foods, it is best that you see a physician as soon as possible. A physician will be able to determine whether foods, chemicals, drugs or medical conditions cause the discoloration.