Why Does Urine Appear Yellow?

Urine is a normal excretion of the human body, and its normal color is clear or light yellow. Under the influence of certain factors, it may also appear as a darker yellow urine. The reasons for yellow urine can be divided into two types: physiological and pathological. Frequent yellow urine should be taken seriously. In order to better respond, we need to have a comprehensive understanding of the possible causes. So, what causes yellow urine? Let's take a look below.

1. Morning urine is often yellow, which is mostly a normal physiological phenomenon. After a night's rest, the urine in the body becomes concentrated, with a higher concentration of waste products, resulting in a yellow color.

2. Drinking less water is a factor that can cause yellow urine. Most of the urine is water, and only a small part is solute. One of these solutes is called urochrome, a yellow substance produced by the kidneys that stains the urine yellow. The color of urine varies depending on daily water intake, sweat production, and other factors.

3. Yellow urine caused by heatiness is mainly a symptom caused by descending heart fire. It is often related to improper diet and insufficient water intake.

4. Food can also affect the color of urine. Consuming acidic foods can darken the urine color. Eating carrots can also cause yellow urine, but this is usually temporary and resolves quickly.

5. Medications can also affect the color of urine. Taking certain medications can cause yellow urine, which usually disappears after discontinuation. Some of these medications contain riboflavin, which can cause yellow urine, as well as other drugs such as furazolidone and metronidazole.

6. Acute fever or vomiting and diarrhea can also cause yellow urine due to water loss through sweat or feces, resulting in concentrated urine.

7. Prostatitis can also cause yellow urine due to symptoms related to the urinary tract.

8. When the liver or gallbladder is diseased, bile can be excreted through the urethra, causing deep yellow urine. Urine from patients with hepatitis may also appear dark and concentrated. Additionally, when the urinary organs are infected, yellow and cloudy urine may be excreted.

If a patient drinks less water, their urine may naturally appear yellow. This can be alleviated by increasing water intake. Physiological causes can also include conditions such as vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive sweating, which lead to fluid loss. Appropriate replenishment of fluids can restore the urine to its original light yellow color.

If a patient consumes a large amount of carrots or takes medications such as rifampin and berberine, this can also cause yellow urine. In such cases, discontinuing the medication will resolve the issue.

Pathological causes can include urinary tract infections, where bacteria proliferate and decompose to form impurities. Additionally, liver disease or obstructive biliary disease can lead to elevated bilirubin levels, which cause jaundice. When bilirubin is excreted through the urine, it can also cause yellow urine.

A simple way to differentiate between physiological and pathological causes is to perform a urine test. An increase in white blood cells may indicate an infection. Elevated levels of urobilinogen in the urine may suggest liver or biliary disease, and further consultation with a specialist is recommended.