Urobilinogen

Urobilinogen

Hey Practitioners! Ready to become a world class gut health expert? Join Jeannie Gorman, MS, CCN, for a Free Live Class that dives into how popular diets impact the gut microbiome, the clinical dietary needs of your gut, biomarkers to test to analyze gut health, and gain a clear understanding of the Doctor’s Data GI360™ profile. Register here.

What's

Urobilinogen

Urobilinogen is a substance formed in your intestines as a result of the breakdown of a molecule called bilirubin. Bilirubin is produced when your body recycles old red blood cells, and it's what gives your poop its brown color. Urobilinogen plays a key role in this recycling process, helping your body to eliminate waste products and maintain a healthy balance. It's normal to have small amounts of urobilinogen in your urine, as it's one of the ways your body gets rid of excess bilirubin. In a nutshell, urobilinogen is an essential part of your body's waste management system, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

If Your Levels Are High

High levels of urobilinogen in the urine could indicate that your body is breaking down more red blood cells than usual, which might be due to conditions like hemolytic anemia, liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, or an obstruction in the bile ducts. Additionally, certain medications, like antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, can also cause increased urobilinogen levels. In essence, elevated urobilinogen levels suggest that there might be an issue with your body's waste management system, specifically in the processing and elimination of bilirubin.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of urobilinogen may include fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, swelling, and itching.

If Your Levels are Low

Low levels of urobilinogen in your urine could indicate that your body is not breaking down bilirubin effectively, which might be due to a variety of reasons. Some possible causes include liver problems, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, which can impair bilirubin processing, or a blockage in your bile ducts, preventing bilirubin from reaching your intestines. Additionally, certain medications, like antibiotics or antidiarrheal drugs, can affect the bacteria in your gut responsible for urobilinogen production. In essence, low urobilinogen levels might signal an issue with your liver, bile ducts, or gut bacteria, impacting your body's ability to process and eliminate waste products efficiently.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of urobilinogen may include jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss.

See References