What causes urine to be the color of iced tea?

Aug 31, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Introduction
Urine color resembling iced black tea may be related to factors such as dehydration, food and beverages, glomerulonephritis, hemolytic anemia, and porphyria. If experiencing any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Patients are advised to maintain a light diet and avoid excessive intake of foods containing artificial pigments, which may help alleviate symptoms.

Urine color resembling iced tea may be related to dehydration, food and beverages, glomerulonephritis, hemolytic anemia, or porphyria. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Dehydration

When the body lacks sufficient water, urine becomes concentrated, which may cause its color to darken, appearing similar to iced tea. It is recommended to replenish fluids promptly by drinking more water.

2. Food and Beverages

Certain foods and drinks contain pigments that, after being metabolized in the body, are excreted through urine, causing the urine to darken and appear tea-colored. Maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive intake of pigmented substances.

3. Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis may be associated with bacterial infections or extrarenal diseases. Damage to the glomerular filtration membrane may allow red blood cells and proteins to leak into the urine, resulting in darker, tea-colored urine. Patients may also experience symptoms such as edema and foamy urine. Treatment may include medications such as prednisolone acetate tablets, cyclophosphamide tablets, and irbesartan tablets, as prescribed by a physician.

4. Hemolytic Anemia

Hemolytic anemia may be caused by genetic factors, infections, or other conditions. The widespread destruction of red blood cells in the body can release hemoglobin, which is then metabolized by the kidneys into heme, leading to darkened urine. Patients may also experience fatigue, palpitations, and other symptoms. It is recommended to take medications such as ferrous sulfate tablets, ferrous fumarate granules, and folic acid tablets under medical supervision to alleviate symptoms.

5. Porphyria

Porphyria may result from genetic factors or certain medications, causing abnormalities in the body's porphyrin metabolism pathway and accumulation of porphyrins, which may lead to darker urine. It is recommended to use medications such as hydroxyurea tablets, chloroquine phosphate tablets, and natural beta-carotene softgels under a doctor’s guidance.

Maintaining a scientifically balanced diet, eating light meals, and avoiding raw, cold, spicy, and irritating foods can support recovery.

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