by Pat Lunsford

Created on: December 19, 2007   Last Updated: November 25, 2009

When urine is dark or cloudy, it simply represents the amount of fluids being consumed or perhaps something recently ingested such as certain medications, dyed foods, or even milk.

There are a number of things that can change the color of urine including vegetables and fruits like beets, blueberries and asparagus. Certain candies can also change the color along with vitamin B2 and other supplements.

An unusual change in urine color can be alarming and most of us will automatically assume the worst. But dark, cloudy or clear urine, unless it is accompanied by other symptoms, is not particularly serious.

Symptoms associated with urinary tract disorders include pain around the bladder or kidneys, burning during urination, and frequent urges to go. If none of these symptoms are present with the change in urine color, there should be no problem.

Clear urine represents a well-hydrated person. Drinking lots of water dilutes urine giving it a clear appearance which is actually healthy unless you are drowning yourself in water which can lead to water intoxication.

Water intoxication (hyper-hydration) is when electrolytes are severely imbalanced from extreme water consumption. However, water intoxication normally occurs in extreme situations such as athletic and drinking competitions and is quite rare under normal circumstances.

Typically, cloudy urine is also nothing to worry about. While change in the color of urine is certainly cause for concern, unless other symptoms accompany the cloudy urine, the cause, likely as not, could be something as simple as mild dehydration. Most commonly, cloudy urine is a result of phosphaturia, a benign condition in which excess phosphate crystals form in the urine.

Most often, cloudy urine occurs following a large meal or ingesting a large quantity of milk. It occurs largely with night or morning urination as no fluids were consumed so urine is more concentrated, which is perfectly natural and no cause for concern.

Dark yellow urine is usually indicative of dehydration. Without adequate fluids to eliminate waste, urine becomes more concentrated, which also gives it a strong, acidic odor. Brown colored urine could be signs of a liver problem and pink or red urine indicates blood somewhere in the urinary tract; all of which should be reported to your doctor.

Changes in the color of urine lasting for more than a few days which is not accompanied by other symptoms or not associated with food, beverages, or medicine should be brought to your doctor's attention.

With climate changes creating such suitable environments for mosquitoes to breed, new diseases such as SARS and H1N1 (Swine Flu) have been surfacing more frequently than ever before. Therefore, it is vital that you monitor your health closely. Consider the times in which we are living.

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