We know how easy it is to just flush and go. But taking just 2 seconds to examine your urine can give you instant insight into how your body is doing, says Allan Pantuck, MD, a professor of urology at UCLA Health in Los Angeles. Whether you just need to step up your water intake or get checked for an infection — or even cancer — that quick peek will guide you.
Here are a few things your urine can show you:
Your hydration level
Healthy urine should appear light yellow or light amber, says Dr. Pantuck. If your urine is clear, according to the Cleveland Clinic, that could mean you’re consuming too much fluid and can actually consider cutting back.
On the flip side, if you’re not drinking enough fluid, your urine could become overly concentrated and appear darker. If this happens, it means you need to hydrate better. Despite the old 8-glasses-a-day rule, everyone’s needs are different. Paying attention to the color of your urine is a good way to tell how you’re doing.
Your liver and muscle function
If your urine starts leaning into cola-colored territory, call your doctor. A brown shade could indicate liver problems or muscle damage, Dr. Pantuck says. If your liver isn’t working well, it can leak a compound called bilirubin into your urine, which causes it to turn brown. Your doctor might also test for the protein myoglobin, which is released when the heart or skeletal muscles are injured in some way, either from an underlying condition (such as muscular dystrophy or a heart attack) or extreme overuse (like running a marathon).
Your kidney-stone future
The more concentrated your urine, the greater chance you have of developing a kidney stone, says Dr. Pantuck. According to the Cleveland Clinic, you may also just not be getting enough water. If you’ve had kidney stones or have a family history of them, it’s especially important to drink up.
