Can Food and Drinks Really Change the Color of Urine?

In the United States, St. Patrick’s Day is a time for people to come together for good food and good drinks, some of which follow a green theme. But how do those green food and drinks affect our bodies? Have you ever wondered if colored food and drinks could make your urine turn green too? Don’t worry – you’re not the only one who has thought that before!

Here are a few things to keep in mind about how food and drinks can affect the color of your urine:

• Light yellow urine typically means a very healthy urine.
• Food or drink can turn the urine green.
• Asparagus can turn the urine dark yellow or green if eaten in large amounts and can give the urine a unique odor.
• Artificial food coloring taken in large amounts can also change the color of urine. So, if you are consuming "green" food and drinks this St. Patty's day, then watch out for green urine!
• Black licorice when eaten in large amounts could turn the urine different shades of green.
• Other foods such as beets, blackberries and fava beans consumed in large amounts can turn the urine pink or red.
• Always discuss with your doctor if you see pink or red colored urine because this could also be a sign of a health problem.

So this St. Patrick’s Day, or any holiday where colored food and drinks are consumed be sure to keep these things in mind, enjoy yourself with friends and family and always talk to your doctor about any concerns with the color of your urine.

For more details about urine color, check out this Urine Color Fact Sheet.