Why is my urine red?

Red urine can be disconcerting, since urine should normally be a pale yellow color. There are many reasons why urine may be red, ranging from harmless dietary factors to health issues that require medical intervention. We can consider diet. For example, eating too many beets, blueberries, or certain food colorings may cause your urine to turn red. This is usually harmless and will return to normal over time as the food is metabolized.

But if dietary factors are ruled out, red urine may be a sign from the body that a health problem needs attention. Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is one of the more common causes. Hematuria may be caused by a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, cystitis, or other urinary tract diseases. Urinary tract infections may also be accompanied by symptoms such as frequent, urgent, or painful urination, while kidney stones may cause severe pain in the lower back and abdomen.

Certain medications can also cause urine color changes, such as some antibiotics and anti-tuberculosis drugs. If you are taking medication, it is important to check the medication instructions or consult your doctor to find out if this is a side effect.

In daily life, maintaining good drinking habits can help urine maintain a normal color. Drinking enough water every day not only helps the body's metabolism, but also helps prevent urinary tract infections and stone formation. If you find that the color of your urine is persistently abnormal, especially when accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms, it is very important to seek medical attention in time. The doctor can determine the cause through urine analysis, blood tests or imaging tests and give appropriate treatment.

Red urine doesn't necessarily mean a serious health problem, but it shouldn't be ignored. Paying attention to your body changes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and consulting professionals in a timely manner can help you better maintain your health. I hope this article can help you better understand the potential causes of changes in urine color and take appropriate measures when necessary.