50 Shades of Yellow: The Color of Your Urine Can Help You Avoid Dehydration
By Jason M Carlton
Jun 19, 2015
Updated Nov 17, 2023
5 min read
For example, Stephen Curry, point guard with the Golden State Warriors, was treated for dehydration following game five of the NBA finals. Matthew Dellavedova, point guard with the Cleveland Cavaliers, was hospitalized overnight for dehydration after game three.
“Athletes like Curry and Dellavedova could lose up to three or four liters of fluid during a game because of exertion and perspiration,” said Thomas Weed, MD, senior attending emergency medicine physician at Intermountain Medical Center. “That can result in a drop in blood volume, which can cause lightheadedness, disorientation, and weakness. Before they know it, they discover they need medical attention.”
One key indicator of dehydration is the color of your urine. The darker the urine, the more dehydrated you are. However, a dark yellow/orange urine doesn’t mean you need medical attention; rather it’s an indication you need to start drinking more fluids.
Symptoms of dehydration, in addition to a darker urine color, include:
Here are three tips to help you and your kids avoid dehydration, whether you’re playing inside or outside.