Noticing Dark Urine? 4 Possible Causes Of Dark Urine

Urine is a waste by-product created by the body via its natural processes. It results from the excess water and wastes when blood is filtered in the kidneys after it passes through the whole digestive and circulatory system. While urine is typically a healthy shade of yellow, it can sometimes appear darker for various reasons. Some causes of dark yellow urine are generally harmless, while others may signal more serious health issues. Let us share a few of these common causes and get things back to normal.

Possible causes of dark yellow urine

1. Dehydration

Dark yellow urine is generally one of the main symptoms of dehydration. Dark yellow urine occurs when the body lacks sufficient water to carry out its many processes, leading to other symptoms such as:

• Thirst
• Dry mouth, lips, and skin
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Dizziness and headaches

Treating dehydration is straightforward: simply increase your intake of clear fluids, such as water or herbal tea. While dehydration is rare in most healthy individuals, those with severe illnesses, such as cancer, may be more susceptible.

2. Diet

A person’s diet primarily affects their overall health, but it can also lead to changes in the appearance and colour of their waste products, such as coloured stools and dark yellow urine. For instance, blackberries and beets can give urine a reddish colour, while rhubarb can lead to urine having a dark brown hue. Eating plenty of these and other foodstuffs in a short period will naturally lead to a sudden change in your urine’s colour. However, this is only temporary, and you can expect it to lighten up after the food leaves your system.

3. Medications

Besides one’s diet, prescription drugs and other medical treatments may also be the reason for a change in urine colour. If this is one of your medication’s side effects, your doctor will inform you about it beforehand. Some of the medicines known to cause dark yellow urine include:

• Chemotherapy drugs
• Rifampin
• Phenazopyridine

4. Health Conditions

There are several diseases associated with dark yellow urine. A few of them include:

• Hepatitis C
• Gallstones
• Bladder or kidney stones
• Bladder cancer
• Liver disease
• Kidney cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Hemolytic anaemia
• Urinary tract infections (UTI)

Many of these conditions occur in vital parts of your body, such as the kidneys, liver, and bladder. For instance, dark urine accompanied by intense pain in the lower back is generally due to UTI or kidney stones.

Most people will have difficulty telling if their dark urine is caused by dehydration, one of the severe health conditions listed above, or other causes. As such, it is best to take note of any other symptoms felt besides noticing darker urine and seek out a gastroenterology clinic in Singapore for a professional diagnosis.

How to prevent dark urine

If your urine colour changes are due to medications, continue taking them based on your doctor’s prescription. Always consult them regarding your urine colour concerns about your prescribed treatment. Moreover, make it a habit to drink plenty of water － 3.7 litres and 2.7 litres for men and women, respectively.

In rare instances, overly strenuous or excessive exercise can result in muscle injury that leads to the body releasing waste products in excess, giving urine either a pink or cola-coloured hue. Thus, observing moderation when exercising is advised to avoid this, including potential muscle injury. If dark urine does not go away even after drinking plenty of water or traces of blood in your urine, seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

Urine can change colour and take on a darker hue depending on what is causing it: dehydration, medications, one’s diet, or a health condition. Most of these causes are harmless and will only affect its colour temporarily. However, if other noticeable symptoms accompany darker urine, it is recommended to seek a doctor immediately. With our experienced and esteemed group of doctors, you can be sure that you will get the best possible treatment. Contact us now to book an appointment with us!