Can you eat before a urine test?
In this short article, we will provide an answer to the question, “Can you eat before a urine test?” with an in-depth analysis of urine test, how to prepare yourself for a urine test, why urine test is done and substances to avoid before a urine test
Can you eat before a urine test?
Yes, you can eat before your urine analysis. However, there are certain foods and drugs, which should be avoided before the urine test, as they can interfere with the accurate results of some tests.
What is a urine test?
A urine test also known as urinalysis is done to diagnose a broad range of health problems, for instance, kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and diabetes.
It includes examining the colour, content and consistency of urine. Unusual reports may indicate an illness or a disease that may require further testing to diagnose the source of the problem.
Why is it done?
Urinalysis is often done:
- before surgery
- For pregnancy checkup
- as part of a routine medical exam
- to detect various diseases including diabetes, urinary tract infection, liver disease and/or kidney disease
- If you have any symptoms of painful urination, blood in your urine, abdominal pain or back pain
Dietary Restrictions for Urine Tests
Metanephrine Urine Test
If you are being tested for metanephrine in your urine, you should not consume caffeine at least 24 hours before and during the specimen collection. Furthermore, if possible you should avoid using the following drugs one week before the collection:
- Phenothiazines (medications for emotional or mental disorders)
- Chlorpromazine (prescribed for psychosis)
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as labetalol, imipramine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and sotalol
Do not discontinue taking any medicines without asking your doctor.
Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) Urine Test
If you are being tested for vanillylmandelic acid in your urine, you should not consume high doses of the following foods and drugs for at least 24 hours before, and during the specimen collection:
- Triamterene (prescribed for high blood pressure and fluid retention)
- Octopamine (found in medications such as Epirenor and Norfen)
- Phenolic amines (present in bananas and fruit juices)
- Phenylpyruvic acid
You also should avoid the medicines, methyldopa and labetalol, which are prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure.
Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5HIAA) Urine Test
If you are being tested for Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid in your urine, you should not consume the following drugs and foods for a minimum of 48 hours prior to and during the specimen collection:
- Fruits including avocadoes, pineapples, bananas, honeydew melon, plums, tomatoes, grapefruit, kiwi and eggplant
- Dried fruits including dates, walnuts and hickory nuts
- Cough syrups containing glyceryl guaiacolate
- Pain relievers (particularly those comprising salicylates, acetaminophen, or phenacetin)
- Muscle relaxants comprising methocarbamol or mephenesin
- Methyldopa (prescribed for treating high blood pressure)
- Antidepressants including monamine oxidase inhibitors and imipramine
- Isoniazid (an antibiotic used to combat tuberculosis and other diseases)
- Phenothiazines (used for the treatment of emotional or mental disorders)
- Methenamine (an antibiotic used to combat urinary tract infections)
Catecholamines Urine Test
If you are being tested for catecholamines in your urine, avoid taking any medications three days before specimen collection. However, you can use several common hypertensives, such as ACE inhibitors, diuretics, alpha and beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.
You should not do any strenuous exercise 24 hours before specimen collection and avoid taking the following drugs and foods:
- Antihistamines
- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
- Alcohol
- Vitamin B
- Caffeine
Substances to avoid taking before urinalysis
- Tonic Water
- Granola Bars
- Poppy Seed Bagels
- Coca Tea
- Baby Soap
- Ibuprofen
- Cold Medicines
- Antibiotics/Supplements
- Antiretroviral Medication
How to prepare yourself before a urine test?
If you are only being tested for urinalysis, you will be allowed to eat and drink normally before the test. However, certain foods must be avoided before the procedure, such as food dyes and beets as they discolour your urine. Make sure to tell your doctor regarding all the medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements or vitamins. If you are having menstruation, tell the doctor prior to the test.
You can either collect the urine sample at home and bring it with you, or you can do that at the clinic, where you will be provided with a container for collecting the sample.
For best results follow the following steps:
- Wash the area around the urethra
- Start to urinate and collect 1-2 ounces of “mid-stream” urine in the container
- Turn the lid of the container closed
- Wash your hands thoroughly
Conclusion
In this short article, we have provided an answer to the question, “Can you eat before a urine test?” with an in-depth analysis of urine test, how to prepare yourself for a urine test, why urine test is done and substances to avoid before a urine test.
