11 things you never knew about urinating

The body produces between two and 2.5 litres of urine every day. But that doesn’t mean you have to drink jugs of water to keep up. “It doesn’t just come from what you drink, it comes from what you eat, too. Fruit and veggies high in water also contribute,” says Dr Steven A. Kaplan.

Weeing might just be the healthiest detox on the market. Urine is made by the kidneys (the body’s natural filtration system) and helps rid the body of toxins and other waste that would otherwise remain in your blood. “Wee gets rid of poisons in your body. It’s very natural and very important,” says Dr Kaplan.

Unsure if you’re suffering from dehydration? Here are 7 signs and symptoms that tell you your body is dehydrated.

Think twice before making fun of your ‘wee shy’ friend. Paruresis is a social anxiety disorder (also known as Shy Bladder Syndrome) and affects about 7% of the population. Sufferers are fearful of using the toilet when other people are nearby. The good news: it’s likely treatable with behavioural therapy if your weeing-in-public phobia is particularly disruptive.

If you’ve ever sat on the toilet and then suddenly woken up on the floor beside it, you might have micturition syncope, a condition that causes sufferers to faint during or immediately after urinating. Doctors still don’t know the exact cause but according to Mayo Clinic it’s likely due to a severe drop in blood pressure, related to opening of the blood vessels that occurs during rapid emptying of a full bladder. Micturition syncope is most common in older men, usually occurs at night after a deep sleep, and may also be affected by alcohol, hunger, fatigue, dehydration or use of alpha blockers to improve urination in men with prostate problems.

“Weeing every hour isn’t normal unless you’re drinking tons of water or consuming a diuretic like coffee or alcohol,” says Dr Kaplan. While excessive weeing isn’t dangerous, it can signal another issue that’s causing it, such as diabetes, overactive bladder, an infection, prostate problems or even a heart problem.

If you’re suffering from an overactive bladder, here’s how you can cope with it.

Believe it or not, people with a condition called acute urinary retention can’t wee at all, even though their bladder is filled to the brim; it’s usually accompanied by pain and is so dangerous it requires immediate medical attention.

…unless that smell is fishy, in which case you might have an infection. Otherwise, food like asparagus, curry and chillies can give wee a scent, as well as food that contain nitrates or some other preservatives. Dehydration can also produce smelly urine because it’s so concentrated.

“Some people stress or clench their bottom without knowing it, which can cause different patterns of urination and even pain,” says Dr Kaplan. The best technique is to relax and let it flow.

Normal urine colour ranges from pale yellow (this means you’re hydrated enough) to deep amber (this probably signals you’re dehydrated). But pigments and compounds from foods and medications can also give your wee some unusual hues. Beetroot, berries and some medications can turn your urine bright red, while some over-the-counter and prescription medications can turn it highlighter yellow and even greenish blue. Deep red or brown urine is common in people with a rare inherited disorder of red blood cells called porphyria. Orange urine, especially if you also have pale stools and yellow skin or eyes, could be a sign your liver is malfunctioning. And bloody urine is never normal unless you’re menstruating; it could mean you have an infection, kidney stones and, in the most serious cases, cancer.

If your wee looks foamy, it could simply mean your stream was powerful and fast. But if it persists over time, this can be a sign of increased protein levels in the urine, which could indicate a serious kidney problem and you should see a doctor.

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