What the Color of Your Urine Means

Urine color shows health clues. Clear/pale yellow means hydrated. Dark yellow suggests dehydration. Pink/red see a doctor. Foamy urine may indicate kidney disease.

The color of your pee can offer clues into your health, but kidney disease typically doesn't show any visible symptoms, so the only way to know if you have it is to get tested. Even if your urine looks okay, kidney damage may be hiding in the form of protein. Get checked to know for sure!

Clear/Pale yellow

Good! This means you are well hydrated and have been drinking plenty of water and fluids!

Dark yellow

You might be dehydrated. Drink more water.

Pink to reddish

May be caused by some foods or it may be blood in your urine. Have your doctor test your urine to be sure.

Blue

Certain food dyes can turn your urine blue when your body doesn't absorb them during digestion.

Foamy or fizzy

Excessive bubbles in the urine – especially those that require you to flush several times – may indicate protein in the urine. Protein in the urine is an early sign of kidney disease, so ask your doctor to perform a urinalysis to check for protein.

Your kidney health is unique. Your path should be too.

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© 2024 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.