It’s not funny if your urine bubbles or foams like beer; this can mean a life threatening condition.
If you’ve noticed lately that your urine is full of bubbles, here is an explanation from Michael D. Lutz, MD, board certified urologist with Corewell Health/Beaumont Hospital; President, MIU Men’s Health Foundation.
“Bubbly urine with the appearance of a ‘head of beer’ can occasionally occur during periods of mild dehydration and a rapid, forceful, and/or turbulent stream.”
Urine that foams or bubbles like beer is NOT caused by drinking beer.
Dr. Lutz further explains, “However, if you have a consistently foamy [or bubbly] urine, it is likely that you are spilling excess amounts of protein in the urine which is usually secondary to an underlying kidney disease.”
A simple urinalysis from a sample of your urine can show if there is excess protein.
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If you’re noticing persistent bubbling, make an appointment with your doctor.
Kidney disease, says Dr. Lutz, “is one of the earliest effects of diabetes mellitus upon the kidneys in addition to the spillage of excess sugar in the urine which may give it a ‘sweet’ odor.
“If you start spilling significant amounts of protein in the urine, you may develop secondary effects like swelling of the legs or around the eyes.”
The swelling in the legs is called edema, but the absence of this or any swelling around the eyes does not mean that you’re in the clear from kidney disease.
Diabetes Mellitus
The term “mellitus” does not indicate type of diabetes; it’s simply used as part of the name of this condition.
Type II diabetes is closely linked to lifestyle choices. The pancreas produces insulin, but the system of insulin delivering blood sugar to muscle cells is impaired in type II.
Type I diabetes seems to have no connection to unhealthy lifestyle choices.
The body’s ability to metabolize blood sugar may be in perfect working order.
The problem in type I is that the pancreas does not produce insulin.
Additional Causes of Bubbly or Beer-Like Urine
• Enlarged kidneys from pregnancy
• Excessive protein consumption
• UTI (urinary tract infection)
You should keep a regular visual surveillance of your urine for any abnormal or unexpected changes in its color or other characteristics.
Collecting your urine in a plastic cup will help you more readily see if it’s bubbling abnormally or truly looks like foamy beer.
Dr. Lutz is experienced in all areas of adult urology and has special interests in urological cancer, male fertility and urologic stone disease. Men’s Health Foundation
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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