The two or more litres of urine you pass in a single day can tell you a lot about your health
1. How often should I pee?
Around seven times a day is considered typical, but everyone’s “normal” is slightly different, depending on factors such as age (you pass water more often as you age), bladder size and how much and what you consume. Caffeine is a diuretic, and so—surprisingly—are grapes and celery. But there might be a medical reason for weeing more frequently, including a urinary tract infection, diabetes, kidney stones or an overactive thyroid.
2. What colour should it be?
Pale yellow is good—that means you’re properly hydrated. Dark amber, on the other hand, might mean you’re not drinking enough, though orange urine can sometimes imply a liver issue. Alarming but harmless is red urine caused by eating beetroot. Some medications can have that effect too, including senna for constipation. But if there’s no good reason for your pee turning red, it could be blood, which needs to be investigated, as it could signal an infection, kidney problems or even cancer.
3. What’s making my urine smell?
Eating certain foods can give your wee a bizarre odour. Asparagus is a shocker, while coffee and garlic can also cause pee to pong. If you’re dehydrated, your urine will have a stronger whiff, and a fishy, foul-smelling or sweet odour could indicate a medical problem.
4. Why am I weeing less?
Dehydration is the usual culprit. But there are sometimes medical causes. An enlarged prostate which can block the flow of urine is one reason. Medications, including some blood pressure drugs which can damage the kidneys, can make you pass less water too.
5. How can I stop getting up in the middle of the night?
Needing to pee at night (no
