Who knew that pee was a pretty handy measuring tool for ones health?
When it comes to your health, hydration plays a vital role in the functioning of the body from mental health to sexual performance, making it extremely important that you pay attention to the colour of your pee.
You probably notice a colour change on a daily basis or maybe even on a hourly basis, depending on how often you visit the loo. So below you will find a chart explaining the various colours and what they mean.
(Image taken here)
Transparent – This could mean that you are probably drinking more water than the recommended amount. Also remember if you are taking too many trips to the loo you are certainly over doing it. The average adult should take 4 – 10 trips to wee within a 24 hour period.
Lemonade to light beer – This is the perfect shade, indicating that you are solidly hydrated. Also known as #peegoals. Drinking water is the most obvious way to stay hydrated but eating fruits such as strawberries and melons and vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber are also great sources of H2O.
Amber – This is an indication that it is time to drink some water. This colour doesn’t always mean that you are hydrated but it certainly means you are headed in that direction. So if your pee is this colour rubies it is time to get drinking.
Burnt Orange – If your pee appears to be a burnt orange shade you are severely dehydrated. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and a fever. If you have reached this stage of dehydration your body will require extra electrolytes. Meaning you will need to not only drink water but a energade or even take a rehydrate. In some severe cases some people require a drip to rehydrate their body, so before you reach this stage ensure you monitor your pee colour and your water intake to avoid any of the above.
When it comes to how much water one should drink, the daily recommendation is 8/9 cups for women and 13 cups for men.
Do remember this is only a general guideline as everyone is different. Especially when you throw in factors such as age, pregnant, weather and your daily physical activity as these all impact on how much water is a healthy amount for you.
X
I learned about the different urine colours when my son was admitted for dehydration. That’s when I also learned that being over hydrated is as dangerous as being dehydrated. I make sure I drink at least 2 litres of water daily. Eat my fruit n veggy treats as well to keep healthy
This article was very informative, thank you very much.
I literally just learnt now that I have to drink up to 8-9 cups of water daily which is something I don’t do. But from today I will make sure I monitor my pee colour and water intake.