Normal urine color can vary from clear to pale yellow, but health issues can change its appearance. Sometimes, you might see white particles or what looks like oil separating in your urine.
Seeing oil in your urine can be due to changes in your diet or serious health problems like diabetes or nephrotic syndrome, a kidney-related illness.
What causes oily urine?
1. Ketosis
When you have ketosis, your body burns fat instead of glucose for energy, producing ketones. These ketones can be found in your breath, blood, or urine. High levels of ketones in your urine can make it look oily. You might also notice a fruity smell on your breath.
Ketosis can be caused by:
.Very low-carb diets
.Eating disorders
.Digestive disorders
.Ongoing diarrhea or vomiting
.High-intensity exercise
.Diabetes
.Pregnancy
A simple urine test can show if you’re in ketosis. Ketosis itself isn’t always a health problem. Some people follow the ketogenic diet to intentionally put their bodies into ketosis. However, it can cause issues, especially for people with diabetes. In diabetes, ketosis can lead to ketoacidosis, a serious condition needing immediate treatment.
Usually, you can manage ketosis by adjusting your diet and exercise habits.
2.Chyluria
Chyluria happens when lymphatic fluid from the intestines leaks into the kidneys. This can make your urine look oily and milky white because of the fat and protein in the lymph fluid.
Other symptoms of chyluria include:
.Blood in your urine
.Increased urination
.urination
Chyluria can be caused by:
.Kidney injuries
.Parasitic infections
.Tumors
.Birth defects
.Genetic syndromes
3.Dehydration
When you are dehydrated, your body loses more fluid than it takes in. This makes your urine more concentrated, which can make other substances like fats more visible, giving it an oily look.
Other symptoms of dehydration include:
.Dark, concentrated urine
.Dizziness
.Lethargy
.Headache
.Urinating less often
.Dry mouth
.Confusion
Dehydration can be caused by not drinking enough water, or by conditions that cause diarrhea or vomiting. Some illnesses, like strep throat, make it hard to swallow fluids.
4.Pregnancy
During pregnancy, severe morning sickness with a lot of vomiting can lead to dehydration. This makes your urine more concentrated, changing its appearance.
Oily urine during pregnancy can be caused by:
.Increased hormonal activity
.Changes in metabolism
.Prenatal vitamins, which may contain fat-soluble components
It’s important to stay well-hydrated during pregnancy to keep your urine diluted and support overall health.
Ketones in your urine during pregnancy might indicate gestational diabetes. If morning sickness stops you from eating enough, you might also experience ketosis.
While mild changes in urine are usually normal during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about any persistent or concerning changes to make sure there are no complications and to ensure the health of both you and your baby.
5.Vitamins and supplements
Water-soluble vitamins, like B-complex vitamins and vitamin C, are not stored in the body. If you take more than you need, the extra vitamins are expelled in your urine, changing its color and appearance.
If you notice changes in your urine after taking these vitamins, stop taking them for a few days to see if your urine goes back to normal.
6. Lipiduria
Having fats or lipids in your urine is called lipiduria, and it causes oily urine. This happens when kidney diseases damage the kidney’s filter that keeps larger molecules like fats out of your urine. When this filter is damaged, fats can leak into your urine, making it look oily.
One common cause of lipiduria is nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disorder linked to conditions like diabetes, lupus, or heart disease. Symptoms of nephrotic syndrome include swelling in the ankles and feet, weight gain, fatigue, foamy urine, and low protein levels in the blood.
7. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
UTIs themselves don’t usually cause oily urine, but severe infections can sometimes create a layer on top of the urine that might look like oil. UTIs often come with other symptoms such as pain or burning when you pee, needing to pee frequently, and fever.
8. Certain foods
Certain foods high in fats, like fatty fish, nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil, can sometimes cause oily pee. These foods contain unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy but can lead to oily substances in the urine when consumed in excess.
Taking supplements like fish oil capsules or omega-3 supplements can also contribute to oily urine. It’s important to balance your diet and consult with your doctor about any concerns with your urine’s appearance.
9. Some Medications
Certain medications can affect the composition of urine, potentially causing it to appear oily. Medications that contain or influence fat metabolism, like lipid-lowering drugs such as fibrates, might lead to the excretion of fatty substances in urine.
Additionally, supplements such as fish oil capsules, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can also contribute to an oily appearance of urine. It’s important for people taking these medications or supplements to be aware of possible changes in their urine’s appearance.
If you often see oil in your urine, it’s important to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. This is especially crucial if you have any of these symptoms:
Painful urination
Blood in urine
High fever
Severe headache
Persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Extreme tiredness and sleepiness
Abdominal pain
Very thirsty or dry mouth
Dark, concentrated urine
Dizziness
Less frequent urination
Confusion
Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet
High blood pressure
Rapid weight gain or weight loss
Foamy or frothy urine
Difficulty breathing
These signs could indicate a serious health problem that needs immediate attention.
When you see your doctor, they will order tests such as urinalysis and blood work to figure out why your urine looks oily. This helps them plan the right treatment for you.
