What does it mean if pee is clear?

While green indicates something wrong, clear one might not have the opposite meaning. It often indicates that you are drinking more water than necessary. It is good to be hydrated, but your body will lose electrolytes if you drink too much water.

While there is no reason to panic if your urine looks clear, it is a good indication that you should reduce your daily water intake. However, cirrhosis and hepatitis can also manifest through clear urine. If you suspect that you have liver disease, check with a doctor and seek professional help. 

Ounces of Water DailyWeight
168 ounces250 pounds
161 ounces240 pounds
154 ounces230 pounds
148 ounces220 pounds
141 ounces210 pounds
134 ounces200 pounds
127 ounces190 pounds
121 ounces180 pounds
114 ounces170 pounds
107 ounces160 pounds
100 ounces150 pounds
94 ounces140 pounds
87 ounces130 pounds
80 ounces120 pounds
74 ounces110 pounds
67 ounces100 pounds

Should you worry?

For most people experiencing it, it is not a cause of concern. It happens because of dehydration. It can also result from pigments from the food you ate.

However, there are two serious causes of concern when you notice green urine. Both of them are very rare, so you should not jump to conclusions quickly. The first cause is a UTI, where the bacteria can change the color of your pee.

The other cause is jaundice, a medical condition resulting from an excess bilirubin pigment. Liver diseases can cause it, so further investigation might be necessary. 

Symptoms of jaundice:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Change in skin color
  • Fever
luxurious toilet

When pregnant

Pregnant women can often notice a change in their urine color. It is usually darker than the light yellow we are all used to. This change is completely normal. In some specific cases, it can be a sign of pregnancy problems. There are various reasons attributed to these changes. 

Normally, the color should be light yellow. In a pregnant woman, this change is more noticeable as the color changes from a light to a dark shade of yellow. 

When the body is fully hydrated, the concentration of urobilin increases and the urine gets a lighter shade. If there is a lack of urobilin, the color will become dark yellow or even orange.

Color chart

Urine colorMeaning
ClearClear is a sign of too much water intake. You should drink less water during the day.
YellowThis is a good indication of healthy urine. It is also the most common color.
Red or PinkRed can result from red-dyed things. In some rare cases, this is a symptom of an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or even tumors in the bladder. Contact a doctor as soon as possible.
OrangeIn most cases, orange is a clear symptom of dehydration. You should increase your water intake and drink more water even if you are not thirsty. In some rare cases, orange can be an indication of issues with your bile duct.
Blue or GreenIt is a very rare color that is usually connected to something that you ate. Pigments can change the color, and specific foods will turn your pee green or blue. It can also be a sign of a bacterial infection in some rare cases.
Dark BrownDark brown signifies severe dehydration, and you should drink more water. It can also be a side effect of certain medications. In some rare cases, dark brown is related to liver diseases.
CloudyIt’s another shade that is related to dehydration and can also be a sign of a UTI. Chronic diseases and kidney conditions are also possible, although rare. If the cloudiness is also foamy, it is a serious indication.

Just like humans, pets can also have health problems related to their kidneys. If your puppy is peeing in small amounts frequently, you might want to check this article to find out the reasons.

Medication

A common cause of green urine can be specific medications that change the color of your pee once it is eliminated from your body. Depending on your condition, several medications will have an effect on your pee, and some of them are:

  • Reglan: This medication treats nausea.
  • Phenergan: Another medication that treats allergies and nausea.
  • Indocin: This medication can be used for pain relief.
  • Diprivan: An anesthetic is common in surgery.
  • Methylene blue: This water-based dye is used in surgery and treatment for a rare blood disorder.
  • Amitril: An antidepressant that treats depression.
  • Tagamet: This medication is used for acid reflux and heartburn.
  • Indocin: An anti-inflammatory.
  • Robaxin: Used as a muscle relaxant for neck and back pain.

Failing Kidneys

It will have a dark color: brown, red, or even purple. It happens because the kidneys are failing, and the increased accumulation of substances changes your pee color. 

An abnormal protein or sugar is responsible for this, but high levels of red and white blood cells can also contribute. In case of kidney failure, seek help immediately. 

Orange pee

Orange is typically a symptom of dehydration. But in some rare cases, it can indicate the presence of bile in your bloodstream caused by liver issues. Some medications will also cause orange pee, and the color should return to normal within a day. 

Dark yellow

The shade of dark yellow can be a sign of low urine volume. It happens mainly because of dehydration or strenuous exercise. You should drink more water and stay hydrated at all times, especially when it is hot.

Brown

Just like yellow urine, brown is a common sign of dehydration. But it can also be a sign of excess waste products circulating in your body, which can be potentially dangerous. Liver diseases will often manifest through the brown color. 

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