The more hydrated you are, the less concentrated the ammonia is. But when you're dehydrated, the ammonia concentration is stronger — and so is the smell. This is why you may notice your urine smells stronger in the morning right after you wake up. Dark-colored urine is another sign of dehydration.
If you've not had enough water, you may notice the urine changes to a darker yellow and gives off a stronger smell. Staying hydrated will help dilute the chemicals in your waste so the odor is more typical. Try avoiding coffee and alcohol, too.
About urine (pee)
some people find that their urine smells stronger and is darker first thing in the morning (this is when it's more concentrated, or generally when they're dehydrated) certain food and drinks, including asparagus, beer, garlic and coffee, may temporarily give urine a stronger smell.
Dark yellow urine can be normal, but it might mean you need more fluids. When your urine appears as a darker shade of yellow, or even brown, it could be a sign that you have low urine volume.
Dark yellow urine might indicate that you have a severe infection, an underlying kidney condition or it could additionally mean that you are dehydrated: Temporary conditions or medication affecting the liver and kidneys can also sometimes cause this effect.
When kidneys are failing, the increased concentration and accumulation of substances in urine lead to a darker color which may be brown, red or purple. The color change is due to abnormal protein or sugar, high levels of red and white blood cells, and high numbers of tube-shaped particles called cellular casts.
If your urine takes on a dark-yellow color, it may be your body's way of telling you to drink more water. This change in color may be caused by dehydration, so drink up. Whether you're sitting at the office, working out at the gym, or laying out at the beach, it's important to stay hydrated.
If your urine is dark, think back to what you've eaten. If you've had beets, berries, rhubarb, or fava beans, these can all cause your urine to appear dark. Some medications can cause dark urine. Usually your doctor will let you know beforehand that this is a possible side effect.
If there is bilirubin n your urine, it may be an early sign of a liver condition. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that your body makes during the normal process of breaking down red blood cells. Your liver uses bilirubin to make bile, a fluid that helps you digest food.
Dark urine.
Urine that is dark orange, amber, cola-coloured or brown can be a sign of liver disease. The colour is due to too much bilirubin building up because the liver isn't breaking it down normally.
Some foods and medications, such as asparagus or certain vitamins, can cause a noticeable urine odor, even in low concentrations. Sometimes, unusual urine odor indicates a medical condition or disease, such as: Cystitis (bladder inflammation) Dehydration.
Cystitis
It's often caused by a bacterial infection, such as a UTI. The bacteria from the infection can result in a strong fish smell in the urine.
Liver disease and certain metabolic disorders may cause musty-smelling urine. Some conditions that can cause changes in urine odor include: Bladder fistula. Bladder infection.
Urine that is dark orange, amber, cola-coloured or brown can be a sign of liver disease. The colour is due to too much bilirubin building up because the liver isn't breaking it down normally. Swollen abdomen (ascites). Ascites happens because fluid is retained in the abdomen.
Stage 3: Cirrhosis
During this stage of disease, symptoms become more noticeable: pain and discomfort, fatigue, appetite loss, fluid retention, jaundice, and an itchy feeling around the liver.
Clear to yellow urine falls within the normal, healthy range, Clayman says. Odd colors such as blue or orange are usually the result of medications such as certain antibiotics, antidepressants and laxatives. But there are two colors you should never ignore: dark brown and red.
Medications including rifampin, doxorubicin, and propofol can cause urine discoloration ranging from red or orange to blue-green. Dark brown or black urine has been associated with drugs such as nitrofurantoin, acetaminophen overdose, and metronidazole.
Some foods and drinks can cause a change in the color or smell of urine. Beets and blackberries can turn the urine red and eating rhubarb can result in a dark brown or tea-like color. Some medications can also cause changes in urine color: Senna, chlorpromazine, and thioridazine can result in red urine.
Conditions that cause brown urine
kidney disorders. liver disorders, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. porphyrias, a group of rare, inherited conditions that affect hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in blood. melanoma.
When your urine is dark because of exercise, it'll typically resolve with some rest within a few hours. If you frequently see dark brown urine after exercise, or if your urine doesn't return to normal after 48 hours, you should speak with a doctor about possible underlying causes.
Cloudy or milky urine is a sign of a urinary tract infection, which may also cause a bad smell. Milky urine may also be caused by bacteria, crystals, fat, white or red blood cells, or mucus in the urine.
Foamy, frothy or bubbly urine.