Most people will get worried when they look into the toilet and see the green color. While green is rare, it does not cause concern in most cases. The urine color will frequently change as the kidneys filter all the waste products from the blood.
Dyes added to the food are a common cause of neon green urine. Medicine and personal care products can also contribute to this effect. While it is usually not something to worry about, green can also be a sign of a more serious issue.
It can be a symptom of various liver diseases or urinary tract infections. In that case, a doctor should conduct further tests and set the diagnosis and treatment instructions for a fast recovery.
Some foods can also affect the color of urine, such as beet. This vegetable will make the urine orange or even brown. Take a look below at 7 reasons for green pee, where we explain the causes and whether or not it is dangerous for both men and female.
Summary
Green pee can be a symptom of various liver diseases or urinary tract infections. In that case, a doctor should conduct further tests and set the diagnosis and treatment instructions for a fast recovery.
It is certainly worrying but is it dangerous and what does it mean? We have investigated for both men and female and found 7 reasons for green pee and why it may be harmless or why you may require medical attention.
What color should it be?
In normal cases, urine features a color ranging from yellow to amber. It is a result of the pigment called urochrome which is responsible for the dilution and concentration of the urine. But pigments from different foods and medications can change color as well.
There are beets and berries among the multitude of foods that affect the color. They contain strong pigments that will end up in urine, changing its color. Some medications can further change the color, ranging from red to yellow and, in some cases, even blue.
Sometimes, an unusual color can be a warning sign. A disorder of red blood cells will change the color to red, which is far from the normal color.
In normal circumstances, the color varies a lot. It depends on how much water you drink, as fluids will remove the yellow pigments. In essence, the more you drink, the clearer your pee looks.
Reasons for green pee
Strong neon green is not a common color. When it happens, it can be a good indication of certain health problems. Rare genetic diseases should also be considered as a possible reason.
A specific bacteria that cause UTIs can also be responsible for such a strong color. However, most people will experience this after taking medication with strong pigments or after eating specific foods.
Asparagus is a tasty vegetable that does wonders to every plate. It can also be the reason why your pee is green, although asparagus is known for adding a strong odor.
There are many more reasons why it is green. Take a look below at 7 of them, where we discuss their causes and give you a temporary solution.
1. Food Dyes
The most common cause of green urine is represented by food dyes, especially blue and green ones. A well-known food dye is indigo carmine, which will turn it green. Breakfast cereals, ice cream, and candy are among the foods that contain this pigment.
These dyes must be filtered out, and your kidneys do a good job processing them. These dyes are secreted, creating a green tint. The only solution for this problem is to wait and let your body process these pigments.
It should return to a normal color after a day. If you don’t notice any change, the reason might be different from the food you ate. You should see a doctor.
2. Medications
Just like food, medications can have colored pigments. Anesthetics and medical products can also turn it green, just an effect of your body filtering out this medication. Antidepressants and pain relief medications can often change the color of urine.
The green color will only last a day after surgery or certain medical procedures. It is enough time for your body to clear the medication out of your system. If you are following a long-term treatment, inform your doctor about this symptom.
Here is a list of medications that can turn your pee green:
- Cimetidine
- Metoclopromide
- Flutamide
- Indomethacin
- Amitrityline
3. Personal care products
Cosmetics and personal care products will often have dyes. They are not meant for consumption, but they could turn the urine green if you accidentally ingest them.
Most mouthwashes contain an ingredient called thymol, which will cause green urine upon ingestion. Cosmetics and other products with green and blue dyes will have a similar effect.
These changes are not always harmful to your body. The color should return to normal once you stop using the products. However, ingesting personal care products might expose you to risks greater than the green color, and you should seek immediate help.
4. UTIs
The bacteria causing UTIs will create pyocyanin, which is a compound that can change the color of your urine. It is a clear symptom of UTIs, but you should also look for other symptoms. Some of them are fever, frequent urination, and even abdominal or lower back pain.
If you suspect you have UTIs, you should discuss them with your doctor. They will conduct specific tests and set a diagnosis based on the results. Untreated UTIs can lead to severe complications.
Here are some things to try if you have a UTI.
AZO Pain Relief
| Name | Urinary Pain Relief |
| # of tablets | 24 |
| Brand | AZO |
| Daily intake | 2-3 per day |
| Strength | Maximum Strength |
| Works in | 20 minutes |
Pros
- It works great.
- You’ll feel the effects quickly.
- The price is great.
Cons
- You may be sensitive to this product, as some are.
- Some find it too strong.
- It’s not a magical cure.
Native Remedies UTI-Clear
Here’s a great natural way to deal with UTIs. Let’s take a closer look.
| Name | UTI-Clear for Urinary Tract and Bladder Health |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Brand | Native Remedies |
| Ingredients | wild crafted Buchu, Uva Ursi, Yarrow, and Bilberry, Lemon Balm |
| Item Form | Liquid |
| Size | 59 ml |
Pros
- It’s more effective for some than AZO.
- It’s great if you want to use natural solutions..
- It’s still affordable.
Cons
- It’s more expensive than AZO.
- You might need more than the recommended dose.
5. Liver disease
Another reason for green urine might be caused by bilirubin, which results from the breakdown of red blood cells. In a healthy person, bilirubin is cleared by the liver, and it doesn’t become noticeable at all. Green urine can be one of the starting signs of liver disease.
It will continue to be green over time, and you will experience many more symptoms. Some of them include nausea, itching or fatigue, and weakness. When experienced together, they are a clear sign of liver disease.
Contact your doctor and ask for a test. They will be able to diagnose you based on the results and give you specific advice for getting healthy again.
6. Blue diaper syndrome
It is a disease that affects babies. Although very rare, it happens when the body cannot break down nutrients found in various foods. This syndrome will eventually lead to blue or green urine.
As the little one grows up, a child with this syndrome will have a hard time gaining weight and meeting developmental checkpoints. Vomiting and changes in appetite are also common symptoms of this disease.
Check with a doctor as soon as you notice the odd color in your baby’s urine. Based on a simple test, they will diagnose the disease and prescribe the necessary treatment for recovery.
Here are a baby’s symptoms for Blue diaper syndrome:
- Failure to gain weight at the expected rate
- Failure to grow
- Poor appetite
- Irritability
- Visual problems
7. Familial Benign Hypercalcemia
It is a condition where the body cannot regulate calcium levels. Therefore, too much calcium can end up in the blood and a very low amount in the urine, which turns green.
You might have familial benign hypercalcemia if you also experience fatigue and weakness or excessive thirst among green-colored urine.
