Ask The Expert: What Color Should Your Pee Be?

What Is Your Pee Telling You?

Your pee is not holding back; what it looks like is revealing your body’s secrets. So, what color should your pee be? 

It may look like she’s already flushed.  The bowl is clear. Our expert tells us: that’s a great sign.  

Dr. Joshua Thurman:” When you are well hydrated, your kidneys keep the urine dilute and it appears clear.” 

Clearly, this lady has been drinking all the water she needs to keep her body healthy. Since she weighs about 130 pounds, that’s at least 64 ounces a day. 

But you can see - this guy has been slacking. 

Dr Josh: “ When you are dehydrated the kidneys hold on to water, concentrating the urine and making it appear dark yellow.”  

Even if he may have been drinking coffee, soda, beer or another form of liquid, nothing beats water to keep you hydrated throughout the day. 

So grab your water bottle. It can remind you to drink the water you need, even when you don’t think you’re thirsty!

ABOUT OUR EXPERT

Dr. Joshua Thurman, MD is a board-certified nephrologist and Professor of Medicine specializing in renal medical diseases and hypertension at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and his undergraduate degree from Harvard University. He has been in practice for more than 22 years.