Dark urine is a sign of dehydration, an underlying health condition, or a medication side effect. It is not usually caused by toxins, although some medications and medical conditions can cause changes in the color of the urine.
Dehydration
Dark urine is a common symptom of dehydration, which occurs when the body does not have enough fluids. Mild dehydration can cause urine to be a darker yellow color than usual. Severe dehydration can cause urine to be dark brown or even black.
Symptoms of dehydration include feeling thirsty, a dry mouth, or feeling tired. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and get adequate rest to avoid dehydration.
Underlying Health Conditions
Dark urine can also be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or diabetes. It can also be caused by an infection. If the dark urine is accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, fever, or nausea, it is important to see a doctor for an evaluation.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications, such as antibiotics and antimalarial drugs, can cause dark urine. If the dark urine is due to a medication side effect, the symptom should improve once the medication is stopped.
It is important to note that dark urine is not always due to toxins. In most cases, dark urine is caused by dehydration, an underlying health condition, or a medication side effect. If you are concerned about dark urine, it is important to see a doctor for an evaluation.