Let’s talk pee:
Your pee color chart and what it means.
Urine color can range from clear to brown (see chart below for the full spectrum).
Clear
If you thought clear urine was a sign of good health, you’re not alone.
A lot of people think the more water, the betterbut that’s not necessarily true.
What it means:Clear pee is one of the first indicators ofoverhydration.
Light yellow
What it means:A light yellow urine is completely normal, Simma-Chiang says.
This is the optimal urine color to maintain.
What to do:Whatever you’ve been doing, because it’s working.
(Here: Apee health routineto follow.)
It can also happen throughout the day, though, if you’ve gone too long without hydrating.
Simply put, Simma-Chiang says, “It probably means you’re slightly dehydrated.”
What to do:Drink some water, and consider limiting dehydrating food and drinks.
It could also be caused bygreen food dye.
“That’s a slight, light green,” Simma-Chiang says.
“It shouldn’t be bright.”
What to do:Take note of the vitamins or food you’ve consumed.
If the color persists or seems alarming, consult with a doctor.
Certain blue-dyed foods can also be the cause.
Call your doctor with any concerns.
Light pink can also be an indicator of kidney stones or bleeding in the urinary tract.
If you’re unsure whether or not it’s menstrual blood, call a gynecologist.
It may also indicate blood in the urine, liver disease, kidney disease, or an infection.
What to do:Call a doctor or urologist to get this examined.
Especially if urine is red, pink, brown, or has a strange smell and consistency.
Other FAQs about pee color:
What about the consistency?
What about the smell?
So your urine is smelling…um, different…and you haven’t had any asparagus?
“That could be medication changes, or if you ate something unusual,” Simma-Chiang says.
How often should you be peeing?
If you’re peeing any less than that, you may need to drink more water.
