Liver diseases and medical conditions like diabetes insipidus are some of the reasons behind clear urine. It is discussed below:
Is the normal color of urine crystal clear? No! Usually in healthy individuals, the kidneys produce light, straw yellow urine. The urine color is a reflection of what’s happening inside the body. Abnormal urine color is signaling the body’s inner turmoil. However, is clear urine always a sign of illness? Not necessarily as discussed below:
Causes
Well Hydrated
Clear urine in the morning or at any other time means that the person is drinking adequate water. Dark yellow urine has often been associated with insufficient consumption of water. However, when water is consumed in sufficient amounts, urine color appears white and is clear. People drinking 5-8 glasses of water usually pee that is crystal clear, which is not a cause for concern. Thus, when the body is well hydrated, there is no question of abnormal urine color. So, when the pee is clear, it’s indicating healthy hydration levels. Adequate water intake dilutes the concentration of urine. As a result, instead of light straw yellow, the urine color changes to crystal clear.
Liver Problems
Liver disease is also considered to be one of the causes of clear urine. As aforementioned, clear urine is pinpointing towards a well hydrated body. However, that is not the case always. Clear urine is also considered a sign of liver disorders. So, when the liver is not functioning correctly, there is a possibility that the kidneys may manufacture crystal clear urine. Poor digestion, bloating and decreased appetite are some of the common symptoms linked with liver diseases.
Diabetes Insipidus
Clear urine can also suggest the onset of diabetes insipidus (DI). People suffering from DI have frequent trips to the toilet to urinate. The urine color in DI patients is found to be clear white. Frequent urination triggers excessive thirst and this vicious cycle of increased thirst and urine is the hallmark of DI. A point to note that DI is not even remotely related to diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar levels). In DI, blood sugar is in the normal range, the problem lies in the kidneys. As we all know the kidneys filter impurities and excess water from blood to produce urine. For proper kidney function, the production of ADH hormone is very important. Shortage of ADH or kidneys showing resistance against secretion of ADH leads to increased urine output. The urine excreted appears diluted with excess fluid and hence, the urine color in DI patients is crystal clear.
People excreting clear urine daily and not experiencing any other symptoms need not worry as it is rightly indicating good hydration. It means you are consuming water in sufficient amounts everyday. However, change in urinary frequency such as increased urination followed by unreasonable thirst may be due to poor kidney function, and so, demands medical attention. An appointment with a doctor and subsequent urine test may help in diagnosis of the underlying cause. Medical conditions like diabetes insipidus due to ADH deficiency are treated with hormone replacement therapy. The patient is put on drugs that contain synthetically prepared hormone known as desmopressin. On the other hand, treatment for diabetes insipidus resulting from too much urine production involves reducing salt intake. A low salt diet may help to curb the amount of urine being produced.
