Urine comprises about 96 percent water and generally contains only small amounts of salt, potassium, sugar and other waste products. Doctors will test your urine to check whether you have psoriasis, diabetes and even heart disease.

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But even without dipping little sticks into bottles containing pee, you can get plenty of details about your condition. Medications, vitamin supplements, red meat, fish, beetroot, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus can all affect the colour and smell of your urine.

An unheralded change in either could theoretically indicate some health problem, but here’s a basic run-down of what your stream of many colours could mean.

• Red indicates blood, which could mean you have an infection of the bladder or kidneys, or even bladder cancer.
• Dark golden or orange: This is usually a clear sign that you’re dehydrated. Increase your fluid intake immediately. It cold also mean you’re taken too much vitamin C and that your body is ejecting what it doesn’t need.
• Cloudy and yellow: this could also mean you’re somewhat dehydrated, but it could also be a sign of pus or fat droplets. You might want to have a check-up or at least speak to your doctor. Bear in mind that vegetarians’ urine is usually this colour.
• Clear or pale yellow: You’re in good shape. The yellow tinge is caused by the breakdown of haemoglobin, the primary component of red blood cells.

You should see your doctor if: <>
• You notice a significant change in the frequency of your urination.
• You have blood in your urine.
• You have trouble starting to urinate.
• You feel a burning sensation or back pain when you urinate.
• Your urine remains cloudy over a prolonged period and smells strongly or ammonia.
It’s important to remember that your body runs on water. Without it your system can’t deal with out the stuff your ingest each day, such as caffeine and alcohol. Drinking six to each glasses daily will mean you spend more time staring at the wall, but what you see while doing so will probably be far more reassuring. - (William Smook)
 

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