When it comes to going a “number one” in the bathroom, some people might not pay too much attention to what colour it is.
Simply do the business, flush, wash your hands and be on your way.
Experts have revealed you really should be paying attention to what colour it is, which is usually linked with what you eat and drink.
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Now, if it’s more on the orange side in colour, then you definitely should be paying attention.
Dr Shree Datta, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at MyHealthcare Clinic in London told The Sun “most adults pass between 800 to 2,000 millilitres a day if they have a recommended minimum fluid intake of about two litres.”
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Generally speaking, urine should be a yellow-to-clear-yellow hue, depending on how hydrated you are.
Datta recommends having a white bowl to see he colouration properly.
If it’s heading to the orange side here a five reasons that might explain why:
1. Food
We know that what we eat can cause a different colouration in our urine and if your diet is high in beta carotene this might be why.
Beta carotene is a colour pigment found in foods such as carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato and even spinach.
According to Dr Dena Rifkin, a professor of clinical medicine at UC San Diego, told Insider, “this shouldn’t happen if you haven’t changed your diet.”
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2. Dehydration
It’s not rocket science to know that water is extremely important for flushing out the body’s toxins.
Generally speaking, and as mentioned previously, the colour of urine moves between yellow and clear, so the amount of water you intake will affect this.
On the flip side, if you’ve drunk something that isn’t water, for example energy drinks even alcohol, the colour will change.
3. Medication
Usually if you’re on medication for any reason, experts say this can affect urine colour.
For example, laxatives and some chemotherapy medication might have some effect.
4. Supplements
Supplements such as vitamin A, B-12 and C can change urine colour.
This is due to the body not always being able to absorb it so it comes out in the urine.
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5. Liver issues
When having problems with your liver this will certainly affect the colouring of your urine.
According to Dr Rena Malik, an American urologist, it can be caused by a condition known as cholestasis.
It occurs when there’s a blockage in the bile.
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The substance found in bile, bilirubin can then build up in your body.
“This can be released in your urine, causing the urine to look very dark yellow or orange in colour,” Dr Malik said.
If you think this could be the cause of your orange-coloured pee, this may be when it’s time to see your GP.
The medical information in this article is general in nature. Please always seek advice from your doctor to ensure that it addresses your specific health needs.
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