Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Hi guys!

This is something I've been noticing lately. Background: I've been paleo in diet for about 9 months, only in the last 1-2 months have I also primal-ized my lifestyle and begun to exercise more regularly (following general advice from Mark Sisson).

I hydrate well, always have, but I've been noticing in the last few weeks that no matter how much water I drink that day or right after exercise, my pee is a really dark yellow. There's nothing wrong aside from that, except maybe I have more energy than usual :-), but I just find it so odd and maybe slightly alarming.

For reference, the kinds of workouts I do vary, but are sometimes yoga, bikram yoga, 20-30 min sprint intervals running or on the elliptical, and body weight exercises. When I work out, whatever I'm doing, the total time is 60 to 90 minutes of pretty intense work with minimal rest. I don't hydrate while exercising because it gives me cramps.

Any ideas on what's going on here? I had bloodwork done a few months ago to test for Crohn's and all the kidney stuff was normal, so I don't really think it's something to be scared of, but what could it be?

flag	asked May 6 2012 at 22:01 Allie 61●6

D. McGuff · Answer 1 · 2012-05-09 13:43:54Z UTC

Collect a post workout urine sample and have your doctor run a urinalysis. If it is dipstick positive for blood but no red blood cells are seen on microscopic exam, then you are spilling myoglobin and may have rhabdomyolisis. If red blood cells are seen then you need to see a urologist to make certain you do not have pathology in the urinary tract. If there is no blood on dipstick or microscopic exam, you are probably just concentrating your urine.

If you have findings of rhabdo and are appropriately conditioned (not a weekend warrior), you may have a genetic disorder that makes you prone to this. Glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency if you are of African or Middle Easter dissent or certain glycogen storage disorders would be possibilities.

Hope my comment helps. Good Luck.

Sam Knox · Answer 2 · 2012-05-06 23:08:30Z UTC

Urine that is not discolored, but only a darker yellow, means mild (probably very mild) dehydration. Even if you're well hydrated to begin with, 90 minutes is along time to go without drinking.

Also, most people have elevated ketone bodies after exercise, especially low-carbers, but ketones usually discolor urine.

As others have said, rhabdomyolysis discolors urine, as well.

Roth · Answer 3 · 2012-05-06 22:13:16Z UTC

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Are you taking any multivitamins or supplements? That's the most likely cause and is generally nothing to be alarmed over. Are you consuming green smoothies/whey protein/fermented beverages?

answered May 6 2012 at 22:13

Roth
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Yeah, but I have been for about 6 months and this is new. I take fish oil, B-complex (which makes pee bright yellow, but in a different way), B3, zinc + copper, D3, and sometimes C or Mg or Ca, depending on muscle cramps. I eat seaweed most days, no dairy, and a ton of veggies, including beets, but again that's a dif color pee than this. Thanks for your help! – Allie May 6 2012 at 22:28

killer Nibs · Answer 4 · 2012-05-06 22:18:49Z UTC

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http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/archive/rhabdomyolysis.html

Possibly.

i don't know much about about it, but like most things it seems to exist on a scale. a little is not such a big deal, and a by product of intense exercise, alot is serious and asking for trouble.

hope this helps

answered May 6 2012 at 22:18

killer Nibs
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	Thanks for your help, but I have some comments 1. That article says women are immune to rhabdo 2. There is some sketchy semi-science listed there 3. Thanks for drawing my attention to the fact that this condition can exist on a scale, not only acutely. It's worth thinking about. – Allie May 6 2012 at 22:26
	That was my first thought from the subject line, but rhabdo would be much closer to the color of coca cola, not bright yellow. At least that's my understanding of it. As a CrossFit coach, we had to learn some basics of it, and it doesn't sound like the intensity of exercise is enough to bring it on. That being said, I suppose it's better safe than sorry. – CoachCanadan May 6 2012 at 22:28

dg · Answer 5 · 2012-05-06 22:46:22Z UTC

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uh oh...uncle rhabdo? better get smarter with your training if you think your nutrition is dialed in.

answered May 6 2012 at 22:46

dg
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Ike · Answer 6 · 2012-05-06 23:04:43Z UTC

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The post workout somewhat darker pee is the norm for myself and has been for years. Not too worry.

answered May 6 2012 at 23:04

Ike
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Robert Scott Lawrence · Answer 7 · 2012-05-09 00:13:31Z UTC

Drink more water. It's really that simple.

I find I have to drink at least twelve 8-oz glasses a day to stay hydrated on paleo. With exercise, a bit more. Drink it when you're not really thirsty (or don't think you are) and you'll soon notice the problem disappear.

Domtx008 · Answer 8 · 2012-05-09 14:59:57Z UTC

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Are you supplementing with heavy D3? If so, you might have small kidney stones that are causing blood in the urine. A friend and I both experienced post exercise haematuria after 3 mnths of supplementing with 5,000-10,000IU of D3 daily. Doctor said excess Vit D3 can cause kidney stones.

answered May 9 2012 at 14:59

Domtx008
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I only take 400 to 800 IU D3 daily, usually 400 is all. I don't think that would be enough to cause what happened to you- I hope you're okay now! – Allie May 9 2012 at 16:08

franky · Answer 9 · 2012-07-25 07:40:46Z UTC

i noticed this symptom myself. i do not think it is a problem. i do bikram yoga and even though i drink through out the class and after. i dont pee for at least 6-8 hours after class. it is usually concetrated yellow. i have this idea i am getting rid of shit and toxins during the class and it gathers up until my bladder is full again. cant help but feel it is okay and not to worry but i dont know shit.

Dark pee after exercising

9 Answers