November 4, 2025 | 09:29 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The liver serves to filter toxins, aid in digestion, balance hormones, and produce essential proteins. When the liver is not functioning properly, there are warning signs that can be recognized, some of which can be identified in the urine.
The signs that should be watched out for include changes in color, odor, or frequency. These signs could indicate that the liver is under stress. Here are five things to be aware of:
1. Odorous or foamy urine
It is normal for foam to appear during a strong urine stream. However, when the foam does not dissipate after a few minutes, it can be a dangerous sign. This type of foam in urine often indicates an excessive leakage of protein into the urine. This could be related to advanced liver diseases such as cirrhosis or possibly kidney disease. A damaged liver struggles to maintain protein balance in the blood, causing some of the proteins to escape through the kidneys.
2. Changes in urine color
The color of urine depends on the amount of fluids entering the body. However, when the intake of fluids is normal but the urine changes to dark yellow, golden yellow, or brown, it could be a sign that bilirubin is accumulating. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells are damaged.
A normal liver will filter out bilirubin. However, according to Medlineplus, if the liver is damaged or inflamed, this function is impaired and an excess of pigment seeps into the urine.
3. Strong odor
When adequately hydrated, urine should have little to no odor. If there is an accumulation of toxins in the body, the urine will have a strong odor. This can occur when the liver is unable to effectively filter out harmful substances, causing them to be released through the kidneys. The excess of these substances can alter the chemical composition of the urine, resulting in a strong odor.
4. Frequent urination
If urination is frequent but in small amounts, this condition can also be associated with liver dysfunction. Because the liver is not functioning properly, the body tries to expel toxins through the kidneys, resulting in frequent urination. However, there are other causes for frequent urination, such as urinary tract infections.
5. Burning sensation during urination
A burning sensation during urination is not always caused by a urinary tract infection. Liver disorders can also cause the same symptoms. This is due to high levels of ammonia in the blood irritating the urinary tract, leading to a burning sensation.
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