Symptom 8. Dark Urine: A Cloudy Clue of Liver Dysfunction
Dark urine can be a telltale sign of liver dysfunction. The liver plays a crucial role in processing and eliminating waste products from the body. One of these waste products is bilirubin, a yellowish substance produced when red blood cells are broken down. When the liver is not functioning properly, bilirubin can accumulate in the body, leading to changes in urine color.
Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and excretes it in bile, which eventually makes its way to the intestines and is eliminated in stool. However, when the liver is damaged, it may not be able to process and eliminate bilirubin effectively. This can lead to an excess of bilirubin in the bloodstream, which can then be excreted in urine, causing it to darken.
Dark urine can range in color from deep yellow to amber or even brown. It’s important to note that while dark urine can be a sign of liver problems, it can also be caused by dehydration, certain medications, or other medical conditions. (8)
