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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Freddie Bennett

Doctor shares what the colour of your urine says about you - and what shade to aim for

It's something you might not pay too much attention to, but the colour of your urine can be an important indicator of underlying health issues.

A doctor has shared just how important the colour of our urine really is and what factors can affect it, as well as the shade you should be aiming for.

Doctor Leyla Hannbeck, a pharmacist and CEO of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, has shared which exact shades mean you are well hydrated, and those that suggest you need to see a doctor.

The doctor told The Mail that if your urine is a pale, straw colour then it's looking healthy, as this indicates you are well-hydrated.

Your urine should be a pale, straw colour (NHS)

On the other end of the spectrum, if you find that your urine is very dark, or even a brown shade, this could be a cause for concern as it indicates you are not drinking enough water.

The NHS chart above shows the different shades of urine to help educate people on whether they are experiencing anything to be concerned about.

The NHS recommends that at we drink six to eight glasses of water throughout the day. The key here is to space them out across the day so that you don't have loads in the morning then nothing in the evening.

It advises that men need around 3,600ml of fluid per day, while women need approximately 2,600ml.

Doctor Hannbeck states that dehydration can cause plenty of issues for you such as fatigue and even nausea.

It could also be an indicator of more serious issues like jaundice or liver failure.

It's important to note that slightly different hues aren't always bad news, as the expert indicates there could be other factors at play.

"Orange/brown urine may be caused by anti-inflammatory medication or some chemotherapy drugs," she explained.

Having darker urine could mean you are not having enough water (stock photo) (Getty Images)

The foods you eat also affect the colour of your pee, as some ingredients can change the colour of it. If you eat asparagus you might find your urine turns a slightly green shade, for example.

Equally, the doctor also says there's no need to worry if you have just eaten a beetroot and find your urine turns a bit pink, as the same thing happens there.

However, if this shade continues for a prolonged period of time beyond when you ate the food, it could be a sign of excess vitamin B, or a bacterial infection.

"Some bacterial infections can also cause urine to appear green or blue," stated the doctor.

On the other end of the colour spectrum, while clear urine suggests you are well-hydrated - it can also be a sign you are having too much liquid.

According to doctor Hannbeck, if you are not drinking huge amounts of water but you notice the urine is still running clear every time, it's best to chat to a doctor.

"Drinking too much can dilute the electrolytes, often having clear urine is not a good thing," she said.

Clear urine could also mean something more serious is going on, such as liver problems like cirrhosis.

If your urine is occasionally clear this should be no cause for concern but the aim is to get it to a pale, straw colour.

If you have concerns about the colour of your urine, it's important to visit your GP.

Do you have a story to share? We want to hear all about it. Email yourmirror@mirror.co.uk.

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