Have you ever noticed a change in the colour of your urine while peeing? Urine with a dark amber, brown, or even red tint could be an indication of renal failure.

If you are unsure of the reason behind the unusual colour of your urine, you may need to consult a healthcare professional.

Your next bathroom visit may reveal information about your kidney health. A rise in blood cells, sugars, and proteins can darken or alter the colour of your urine. This colour shift can occasionally indicate that your kidneys aren't working as well as they should.

However, there are a variety of reasons why your urine may change colour, such as dehydration, recently consumed food or drink, or other factors. Read on for more information about your urine colour when you have kidney failure and the other symptoms to look for.

When your kidneys fail, what colour is your urine?

If the colour of your pee is red, brown, or dark amber, it might indicate that your kidneys are failing.

Darker urine, however, is not always an indication of a kidney disease. Dehydration may also be indicated by darker yellow urine. Some people experience a reddish tint to their urine after consuming beets or foods containing certain dyes.

Medication side effects can also cause urine to change colour.

When your kidneys fail, what causes your urine to change colour?

Generally, the kidneys maintain the proper balance of minerals, salts, and water in your body and eliminate liquid waste.

Your body may accumulate toxic waste and retain fluid if your kidneys are failing. If this occurs, you may have too much protein, toxins, and blood in your urine. Urine may turn brown, darker tan, or even slightly red as a result of this.

When your kidneys are healthy, what colour is your urine?

In general, your pee is pale yellow or clear.

Having yellow coloured urine indicates that your kidneys are functioning properly and that you are adequately hydrated.

But you must watch for the following colours of your urine.

Dark yellow: If your urine has this colour, you may be dehydrated and should drink more water.

Pink to reddish: You could have blood in your urine or your urine could be this colour because of something you ate. If you suspect blood in your urine, you might need to get in touch with your doctor for testing.

Blue: If you ingested something that contained food colouring that didn't dissolve during digestion, your urine might turn blue.

Fizzy or foamy: Urine may contain a lot of protein if it is so foamy that you need to flush it multiple times. Kidney failure may manifest as protein in the urine. If the foamy urine doesn't go away, consult a medical expert.

It's important to note that changes in urine colour can also be caused by other factors, such as:

• Dehydration
• Certain medications
• Dietary changes
• Vitamin supplements

What other signs of renal failure should you be cautious of?

Many people initially show no signs of kidney disease. Roughly 9 out of 10 individuals with kidney disease are unaware that they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Furthermore, there are minimal, if any, symptoms in the early stages of kidney failure.

Other signs of kidney failure may appear as kidney disease worsens, in addition to obvious changes in urine colour, such as:

• Less urine when you pee
• Fluid retention that causes your legs, ankles, and feet to swell
• Difficulty sleeping
• Confusion
• Chest pain or pressure
• Muscle cramps, especially at night
• Severe fatigue or drowsiness
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent, lasting nausea
• Seizures

What kidney failure treatments are available?

The particular cause and degree of kidney failure determine the appropriate course of treatment. Options for treatment include:

Modifications in lifestyle

You may be able to better manage kidney health and associated conditions by adopting these lifestyle habits:

• Consume a nutritious, well-balanced diet
• Limit your salt consumption to one teaspoon (less than 6000 mg daily).
• Try to give up or minimise smoking. Try to exercise for at least 150 minutes a week.
• Refrain from using over-the-counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen unless your doctor has prescribed them. They could damage your kidneys.
• Reduce the amount of alcohol you consume
• Cut back on your protein intake.

Medications

The following drugs may be used to treat kidney-related conditions, including kidney failure:

Medications to lower blood pressure, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics, statins, calcium and vitamin D supplements.

If your kidney failure gets bad enough, you might require dialysis or a kidney transplant to help flush toxins out of your body.

Kidney failure management is largely dependent on early detection and intervention. You can protect your kidney health and avoid complications by keeping an eye on the colour of your urine and getting medical help if you notice any worrying changes.

Here are some more tips to keep your kidneys in good condition

• Water is your best beverage throughout the day.
• Keep a balanced diet free of processed and high-sodium foods.
• Regulate your blood sugar and blood pressure.
• Don't smoke or drink too much alcohol.
• Seek routine screenings and examinations.
• Recall that the kidneys are necessary for both removing waste from your body and preserving the proper balance of bodily fluids. Maintaining their long-term health and wellbeing depends on taking care of them.

FAQs About Urine Colour Changes in Kidney Failure

1.Why does my urine colour change when my kidneys are failing?

Healthy kidneys filter waste products from your blood and produce normal-coloured urine, typically pale yellow or straw-coloured. When your kidneys become damaged and lose their filtering ability, waste products build up in your blood and can affect your urine colour.

2.What urine colours should I be concerned about?

Changes in urine colour can be an indication of different stages and causes of kidney failure. Here are some concerning colours to watch out for:

• Dark amber or brown: This can indicate buildup of waste products like bilirubin or urobilin, suggesting advanced kidney failure.
• Red or pink: This could be due to the presence of blood, which can be caused by infections, inflammation, or glomerular disease in the kidneys.
• Foamy or bubbly: This can be a sign of protein in the urine, which is another symptom of kidney damage

3.Are there other symptoms besides urine colour change?

Yes, other symptoms of kidney failure may include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Increased thirst and urination
• Difficulty urinating
• Swelling in the ankles, feet, or face
• High blood pressure

4.What should I do if I notice changes in my urine colour?

If you notice any changes in your urine colour, especially along with other concerning symptoms, it's important to consult your doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment of kidney failure can help manage the condition and prevent complications.

5.Can anything else besides kidney failure cause changes in urine colour?

Yes, certain factors like dehydration, medications, and dietary changes can also temporarily affect your urine colour. However, if the changes persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, it's always best to get checked by a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.