Why does my wee look funny?

Last week a Personal Training client came into the gym complaining that their wee had looked a strange colour when they went to the bathroom. Now ordinarily the subject of urine and personal training don't mix but on reflection I thought it prudent to have a brief discussion about changes in urine colour and potential causes.

Proteinuria is the presence of protein in the urine. Typically the urine does not contain protein and therefore the presence of protein in the urine generally means that damage to the kidney has occurred either to the filtration barrier or to the kidney tubules. The urine will have a foamy appearance, though a foamy appearance is not always due to proteinuria. 

Haematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine and can have a variety of causes. It typically presents as red urine, though it must be pointed out that urine can turn red due to foods such as beetroot and certain drugs.

Whilst it is true that vigorous exercise can cause transient proteinuria and haematuria without any underlying pathology, experiencing multiple episodes of red or foamy urine is an indication to go and see your local doctor.

Tis better to be safe than sorry...

Personal training Sydney CBD