What Causes Brown Urine? Discover the Reasons and When to Seek Help

Brown urine can result from consuming certain foods, but it may also indicate underlying health issues such as dehydration, urinary tract infections, or liver dysfunction.

Although urine might seem unimportant, it provides valuable insights into your body's condition. Your kidneys filter waste and excess water from your bloodstream, producing urine.

This waste then collects in your bladder until you urinate, a process essential for removing toxins and maintaining fluid balance. On average, kidneys produce about 1 to 2 quarts of urine daily.

Understanding Why Urine Color Changes

The typical yellow color of urine comes from a pigment called urochrome. When urine is lighter, it means it’s more diluted, whereas darker urine indicates less hydration. Extremely dark urine often signals dehydration.

However, urine can change color for many reasons, including the foods you eat and medications you take. For instance, beets and berries can cause a red tint, and certain medications can turn urine various shades from yellow to blue.

Some colors may suggest health concerns. Red or pink urine could mean blood is present, which requires medical evaluation.

Brown urine may be caused by new medications or could signal more serious health issues. Below are common causes.

Foods That May Cause Brown Urine

Eating specific foods in large amounts can darken urine, such as:

• Aloe
• Fava beans
• Artificial food colorings
• Rhubarb

Health Conditions Linked to Brown Urine

Some medical issues that can cause brown urine include:

• Bleeding within the urinary tract
• Hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells break down prematurely
• Kidney diseases
• Liver conditions like hepatitis or cirrhosis
• Porphyrias, rare genetic disorders affecting blood pigment
• Melanoma
• Urinary tract infections
• Severe dehydration

Medications That Can Darken Urine

Certain drugs may cause your urine to darken, including:

• Antimalarials such as chloroquine and primaquine
• Antibiotics like furazolidone, metronidazole, and nitrofurantoin
• Iron supplements
• Laxatives containing cascara or senna
• Levodopa for Parkinson’s disease

Additionally, intense physical activity or injury can cause muscle breakdown releasing myoglobin, which darkens urine. This condition, called rhabdomyolysis, requires immediate medical attention.

Steps to Take if Your Urine Turns Brown

If you notice your urine is darker, start by increasing your water intake to address possible dehydration. Reflect on recent foods and medications that might be responsible.

If the cause remains unclear, watch for other symptoms like yellowing skin or eyes, which could indicate liver problems and require prompt medical evaluation.

Your healthcare provider can perform urine and blood tests to diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment, whether it involves dietary changes, medication adjustments, or managing an underlying condition.

To find a primary care physician or urologist near you, consider using Healthline’s FindCare tool for convenient access to professional care.

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