Have you ever thought about the link between your pee and your blood? There are many things that we sort of know but have never completely thought about and this might be one of them!
All of your urine has once been inside your bloodstream! After you drink liquids or eat food, those items begin the process of being broken down and sent through your bloodstream to be used and delivered to your tissues. One of the key pathways to being alive is the removal of excess water and waste products through our livers, kidneys, bladders, and subsequently our urine.
The liquid portion of our blood is very important at keeping life flowing and is key in clearing out waste, toxins, and excess fluids so that you can keep functioning. These waste products end up in our urine very quickly, so our pee is a great real-time indication of what is going on in our bodies at any given time. Our lymphatic systems are also key in sending excess water and waste materials to the bloodstream so that they can be transported out of the body. This is why paying attention to the volume and color of our urine is super important in making sure we are taking care of our bodies. The best part? It’s free to look at your urine, try it out!
Your Pee and You!
The more hydrated you are, the lighter your urine should be. If your urine is quite clear then you are quite hydrated. The more amber your pee is the more dehydrated you likely are and should try to drink more water; your body will thank you!
The yellow color in our urine is actually the waste products from our bloodstream from breaking down our drinks, food, energy and cells. We are living beings and are constantly working like a factory. Our urine is crucial in helping us maintain good health by removing stuff we don’t need.
Sometimes, however, our pee can let us know that we have something odd or off happening within our bodies. Our urine can sometimes be colors other than yellow or amber. Pee that is red, green, blue, purple, dark brown, or cloudy can be an indication that something not-so-great is happening within us.
If you think there is blood in your urine or your urine is red (and you haven’t had beets for lunch), then it is probably a good idea to check things out with a doctor. Bloody or red urine can be an indication of kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or in rare cases, cancer.
Dark orange urine can be a sign that your liver is struggling and that your liver enzymes are off. This can be caused by medications hurting your liver, alcoholism, disease, or other problems stressing and damaging our livers. This is another time to visit with your doctor.
Blue or green pee can be caused by food dyes, dyes used in bladder or kidney tests, or certain medications. Rarely, and luckily harmlessly, sometimes green or blue urine can be genetic. Some people have inherited hypercalcemia, which is often discovered while they are babies and can be called blue diaper syndrome. You should worry about green urine, however, if you suspect that you have a urinary tract infection because certain bacteria can cause things to be green… in this case, please go see a doctor :)
In rare cases, some people may experience purple urine. This is generally caused by porphyria, a rare metabolic disorder. Definitely see a doctor if your pee turns purple because it is very rare :)
Dark brown (or cola colored urine) can be caused by certain food items or medications. It can be a bad thing when it is coming from a urinary tract infection or kidney issue. Extreme exercise that causes muscle injury or kidney damage can also cause dark brown urine. When in doubt, check it out! Go to a doctor out of caution and your body will thank you!
And finally, cloudy or murky pee can be another indication that something is off in your body. It can be a sign of a damaged organ issue or even tumors. Exercise can often cause a small amount of bleeding in our body which can show up in the blood. This can be very common in long distance runners or people who participate in intense or extreme sports. Get it checked out if you see this symptom.
Massage Therapy and Pee
It is well-known that massage therapy can help tissues release waste products and toxins that they have been holding on to. Lymphatic massage also helps move these things out of your tissues and into the bloodstream, eventually ending up in your pee. As a massage therapist, you will always hear me telling you to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! This is not because I enjoy mothering or nagging at people but because I know that your body will be shedding waste and hydration will help you feel your best before, during, and especially after a massage session. So always do your body a favor and err on the side of hydration! Feel free to bring up this topic in your next session with Posture Massage!
Remember your pee can be your best friend so keep your eyes peeled the next time you visit the water closet!
