What urinary symptom is indicative of dehydration?

Dark amber urine is a strong indicator of dehydration. When a person is dehydrated, the body conserves water, leading to more concentrated urine which appears darker in color, often resembling amber or even brown. This change occurs because the kidneys are filtering and excreting waste while minimizing water loss, thus concentrating the solutes in the urine.

Clear urine, on the other hand, typically suggests adequate hydration, as it indicates that the body is effectively eliminating excess water. Cloudy urine might suggest the presence of an infection, protein, or crystallized minerals rather than dehydration. Foul-smelling urine can indicate various issues, including a urinary tract infection, but is not a specific sign of dehydration. Therefore, dark amber urine serves as a distinct indicator that someone may not be consuming enough fluids and needs to increase their hydration.