What causes a bitter taste in the mouth and yellow urine?

Aug 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Introduction
Bitter taste in the mouth and yellow urine may be caused by factors such as insufficient water intake, spicy diet, urethritis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, and others. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding late nights is important. Additionally, one should maintain a balanced diet, limit alcohol consumption, reduce irritation to the liver, gallbladder, and urinary tract, and support normal body metabolism.

Generally, bitter taste in the mouth and yellow urine may be caused by factors such as insufficient water intake, spicy diet, urethritis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, and others. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Insufficient water intake: A low daily water intake can lead to concentrated urine, resulting in yellow urine. Simultaneously, reduced saliva secretion may cause a bitter taste in the mouth. Increasing daily water consumption to maintain light yellow urine and a moist mouth can help alleviate the bitter taste.

2. Spicy diet: Consuming excessive spicy foods such as chili peppers and garlic can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and urinary system, leading to a bitter taste and yellow urine. Adjusting the diet by reducing spicy food intake and consuming more bland vegetables and fruits can gradually improve symptoms.

3. Urethritis: Bacterial infection of the urethra causes inflammation, which deepens the urine color. The inflammatory irritation may reflexively cause a bitter taste in the mouth. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as Levofloxacin Hydrochloride Capsules, Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets, and Sanjin Tablets. Drinking more water helps promote urination.

4. Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder affects bile excretion, potentially causing a bitter taste in the mouth. When the inflammation affects the urinary tract, yellow urine may accompany it. Patients can follow medical advice to take anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting medications such as Xiaoyan Lidan Tablets, Ursodeoxycholic Acid Capsules, and Cefixime Dispersible Tablets. Avoiding greasy foods in the diet is also recommended.

5. Hepatitis: Abnormal liver function affects bilirubin metabolism, resulting in yellow urine. Bile reflux can also cause a bitter taste in the mouth. Patients should follow medical recommendations to use medications such as Compound Glycyrrhizin Tablets, Silybin Capsules, and Yin Zhi Huang Oral Liquid. In cases of severe cirrhosis, liver transplantation may be performed to replace the diseased liver and restore function.

In daily life, maintaining a regular routine and avoiding staying up late are important. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and reducing irritation to the liver, gallbladder, and urinary system can support normal body metabolism.