THE colour of your pee is a good gauge of how well hydrated you are.

A pale straw hue probably means you’re having enough water, while a darker amber colour indicates you might need to get drinking.

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But a crystal-clear stream is not what you should be aiming for, a GP has warned.

According to Dr Sermed Mezher, a London-based locum GP and author: “If your pee stream could be sold in Swarovski, then you’re doing it wrong.”

Yes, your urine should ideally be pale-coloured most of the time, he explained in a recent video posted to his Instagram page.

But drinking so much water that your pee is transparent instead of yellow-tinged can be “dangerous” according to the GP, and could put you at risk of a condition called water intoxication.

This is when you have more water in your body that you need, causing a chemical imbalance that may in some cases be fatal.

“Drinking too much water in a short period can lead to a condition called water intoxication, or hyponatremia,” Dr Mezher wrote in the accompanying post.

“This occurs when the excess water dilutes the sodium levels in your blood, disrupting the balance of electrolytes that your body needs for proper function.

“When sodium levels drop too low, cells start to swell,” the GP said.

This can be problem for essential organs like your brain, he noted.

Your brain is in “an enclosed cavity with limited space”, Dr Mezher explained, so “the only way it can go is down” when it starts to swell inside the confines of your skull.

When you get too much water in your brain cells, it increases pressure on your brain and affects how it works.

This can lead to symptoms like headaches, nausea, confusion and seizures, he warned.

In severe cases, water intoxication may even put people in a coma or result in death, the GP added.

So, what colour pee should you be aiming for?

He went on: “It’s important to note that your urine shouldn’t be completely clear all the time.

“While staying hydrated is crucial, some yellow tint in your urine is normal and indicates healthy hydration.

“Urine that is pale yellow reflects a proper balance of water and waste, while clear urine may suggest overhydration.

“On the other hand, dark yellow or amber urine could signal dehydration.

“Maintaining a balance is key – hydrating adequately without overconsumption ensures that your body can regulate fluids effectively.”

How much water should I drink daily?

This begs the question of how much water you should be drinking throughout the day.

According to Dr Mezher, “two litres is good for most”.

The NHS Eatwell Guide recommends that people should aim to drink six to eight cups or glasses of fluid a day.

Water, lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count towards that.

But you may need to drink more if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, in a hot place, are doing lots of physical activity or you’re ill or recovering.

THOUGH it might leave you feeling deflated, trouble getting an erection is usually just caused by the stress of expectation or having a few too many drinks.

Most men will experience it at some point or another and it’s usually nothing to worry about.

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If you’re quite often unable to get an erection or can’t keep one for long enough to be intimate, then you might be suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED).

It can feel embarrassing to speak about but the condition is in fact extremely common.

Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy says: “Erectile dysfunction affects millions of men around the world.

“Overall, it is estimated that around 50 per cent of men between the ages of 40 and 70 will experience ED at some point.

“That’s why locating potential causes is vital.”

ED may be caused by health conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol or diabetes, as well as depression and anxiety.

But sometimes, the culprit may in fact be inside your medicine cabinet.

“Medication can play a massive role in causing this limiting condition,” Dr Grant explained.

This can include drugs geared towards treating specific conditions, or pills as common as painkillers and anti-histamines.

Here are four medicines that could increase your risk of ED.

1. Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are drugs that lower blood pressure.

“Blood pressure medications, also known as antihypertensives or beta blockers, list erectile dysfunction as a common side effect for many medications – including popular treatments such as atenolol and propranolol,” Dr Grant says.

“These medications can lower testosterone while also impacting blood flow – both are requirements for achieving and maintaining a healthy erection.”

Don’t stop taking the drugs if you’re experiencing problems with ED, but you can speak to your GP about it if it’s bothering you.

2. Antidepressants

Medications to treat depression often list reduced sex drive and sexual dysfunction as a side effect.

According to Dr Grant: “Popular antidepressants such as Citalopram, Sertraline and Fluoxetine could also be contributing to men’s ED risk.

“Antidepressants have a direct impact on hormones, increasing serotonin which can influence testosterone and dopamine levels – affecting libido and the ability to become sexually stimulated.

“It’s often listed as a side effect of antidepressant medication.

“However, it’s important to stay in dialogue with your GP to assess the best treatments available.”

3. Painkillers

A common class of painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be another cause of ED, according to Dr Grant.

“NSAIDs are some of the most commonly used medications, with Aspirin and Ibuprofen falling under this category,” the GP says.

“Erectile dysfunction is a potential side effect as these tablets can negatively impact blood flow and the ability to maintain erections.

“While these tablets are available over-the-counter, managing intake and abiding by recommended dosages is so important.”

The GP also recommends taking a look at potential side effects of the drugs on their leaflets before taking.

4. Antihistamines

At certain times of the year when pollen levels reach their peak, many people will pop an antihistamine to cope with allergy symptoms.

They’re also used to relieve hives, conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites or stings.

They work by blocking the effects of a substance called histamine in your body.

Histamine is normally released when your body detects something harmful, such as an infection, helping protect the body by causing blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell.

In people with allergies, histamines can cause uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous reactions.

But the substance can also play a role in erections, Dr Grant says.

“Histamine is crucial for developing an erection as the chemical helps dilute blood vessels, improving blood flow and allowing men to become erect.

“Therefore, it’s no surprise to learn that antihistamines can drastically increase men’s risk of developing ED.

“It highlights the importance of monitoring dosage and speaking openly with medical professionals about the harmful side effects common medications could have on an individual basis.”

Tips to deal with ED

“Overall, it’s intriguing to uncover so many over-the-counter medications that can escalate men’s ED risk,” Dr Grant concludes.

But maintaining a healthy lifestyle and making sure you’re not over consuming these medicines can help protect you against this common condition.

Having regular GP visits and check-ups is also key to preventing and treating ED, the GP adds.

“Aside from medication, I recommend incorporating foods into your diet that boost blood flow – this includes apples, walnuts and dark leafy greens.

“I also suggest managing a healthy alcohol intake as drinking can play a massive role in the development of erectile dysfunction.”