Why does urine become yellow when drinking less water, and what should be done?

Aug 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Cao Zhiqiang

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, dark yellow urine due to low water intake may be caused by factors such as insufficient hydration, dietary influences, simple cystitis, acute hepatitis A viral infection, favism (G6PD deficiency), and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and follow medical advice to improve the condition through general treatments or medication. In daily life, maintain regular water intake, avoid holding urine, and keep a consistent sleep schedule without staying up late.

Generally, dark yellow urine due to low water intake may be caused by insufficient hydration, dietary factors, simple cystitis, acute hepatitis A, favism, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then follow medical advice to improve the condition through general care or medication. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Insufficient hydration: When water intake is low, urine becomes concentrated, increasing the concentration of metabolic waste, which results in yellow urine. It is recommended to drink 1500–2000 milliliters of water daily in multiple servings to maintain light yellow urine and support urinary and metabolic health.

2. Dietary influence: Consuming foods rich in carotenoids such as carrots and pumpkin, or foods with natural pigments like beets, can cause yellow urine due to pigment excretion. Reducing intake of these foods typically restores normal urine color within 1–2 days, during which time maintaining normal hydration is advised.

3. Simple cystitis: Bacterial infection causing inflammation of the bladder can lead to yellow urine accompanied by frequent and urgent urination. Follow medical advice to take anti-infective medications such as Cefaclor Capsules, Levofloxacin Hydrochloride Tablets, or Nitrofurantoin Enteric-coated Tablets. Drink more than 2000 milliliters of water daily, avoid holding urine, and maintain good perineal hygiene.

4. Acute viral hepatitis A: Hepatitis A virus damages the liver, leading to abnormal bilirubin metabolism and dark yellow urine, often accompanied by fatigue and poor appetite. Follow medical advice to take liver-protective medications such as Diammonium Glycyrrhizinate Enteric-coated Capsules, Reduced Glutathione Tablets, or Silybin Capsules. Bed rest, a bland diet, alcohol avoidance, and proper isolation are also necessary.

5. Favism: Patients lack certain enzymes, and after consuming fava beans or taking certain medications, red blood cells undergo hemolysis, causing tea-colored urine along with dizziness and jaundice. Immediately stop exposure to the trigger, follow medical advice to take medications such as Adrenochrome Tablets, Vitamin C Tablets, and Folic Acid Tablets to alleviate symptoms, and blood transfusion may be required in severe cases.

In daily life, maintain regular water intake, avoid holding urine, keep a regular sleep schedule without staying up late, eat a balanced diet low in spicy foods, engage in mild physical exercise to enhance immunity, and reduce the occurrence of abnormal urine conditions.

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