In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question” Can you eat before a urine test?” with an in-depth analysis of why a urine test is done. Moreover, we are going to highlight some dietary restrictions for urine tests.
Can you eat before a urine test?
Yes, you can eat before a urine test. If you’re going to conduct a urine test, you can eat and drink before the test. If you’re going to take some other tests, you might need to fast before the test.
What is urinalysis?
A urinalysis is a laboratory test. If you have any problem with your urine, this test helps your doctor to detect problems that may be shown by your urine.
Many illnesses and disorders affect the way of removal of waste and toxins from your body. The organs such as your lungs, kidneys, urinary tract, skin, and bladder are involved in this. If there is any problem with any of these, then it can affect the appearance, concentration, and content of your urine.
A urine test is not the same as a drug screening or pregnancy test, although all three tests involve a urine sample.
Why urinalysis is done:
Urinalysis is often used:
- Before surgery
- During a pregnancy checkup as a preemptive screening
- Can be done as part of a routine medical or physical exam
Dietary Restrictions for Urine Tests:
Before or during the collection of a urine specimen, certain foods, and drugs ingested, can interfere with the accurate results of some tests. In general, if you have one of the urine tests, you should observe the dietary restrictions listed here. If there is no listed urine test, then consult your doctor before discontinuing any medications, or if you are unsure whether a drug you are taking is listed here.
In any case or if you are facing any problem, always follow your doctor’s specific instructions for the test ordered.
Metanephrine Urine Test:
If your doctor has told you to take a test for metanephrine in your urine, you should avoid caffeine for 24 hours and during the collection of your specimen. Furthermore, you should avoid the following drugs for one week before the collection, if clinically feasible:
- Phenothiazines ( this drug is used to treat mental or emotional disorders)
- Tricyclic antidepressants including imipramine, as well as labetalol, sotalol, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Chlorpromazine (used to treat psychosis)
Caution:
Do not stop taking any medications without your consultant’s permission.
Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) Urine Test:
If your doctor has suggested you take a test for VMA in your urine, you should avoid high doses (as determined by your physician) of the following substances. You should avoid using the following doses for a minimum of 24 hours before, as well as during, collection of your specimen:
- Triamterene (it is a water pill used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention)
- Octopamine (it is an organic chemical that is found in drugs such as Norden, Norden, and Epirenor)
- Phenolic amines ( these amines are found in fruit juices and bananas)
- Phenylpyruvic acid
You also should avoid drugs such as labetalol and methyldopa. Both of these drugs are used to treat high blood pressure.
Caution:
Do not stop taking any medications without the approval of your doctor or physician.
Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5HIAA) Urine Test:
If your doctor has ordered you to conduct a test for 5 HIAA in your urine, you should avoid the following foods and drugs for at least 48 hours before and during the collection of your specimen:
- Bananas
- Avocadoes
- Plums
- Cantaloupe and honeydew melon
- Dates
- Hickory nuts
- Grapefruit
- Kiwi
- Eggplant
- Tomatoes
- Pineapples
- Walnuts
- Plantain
- Pain relievers (specifically those containing acetaminophen, salicylates, or phenacetin. These medicines are good for any type of pain.)
- Cough syrups containing glyceryl guaiacolate
- Muscle relaxants containing mephenesin or methocarbamol
- Antidepressants ( which include imipramine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Isoniazid (an antibiotic used to fight tuberculosis and other diseases)
- Methenamine (is an antibiotic used to fight urinary tract infections)
- Methyldopa (used to treat high blood pressure)
- Phenothiazines (these are used to control agitation in some patients and to treat mental or emotional disorders)
Caution:
Do not stop taking any medications without the approval of your doctor or physician.
Catecholamines Urine Test:
If your doctor has ordered you to take a test for catecholamines in your urine, it is preferred if you take no medications for three days before collecting a specimen. But you can take some common hypertensives, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and alpha and beta-blockers. They are okay to take. You should avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before collecting the specimen. You should also avoid the following substances and drugs:
- Acetaminophen
- Alcohol
- Antihistamines
- Aspirin
- Caffeine
- Vitamin B
Caution:
Do not stop taking any medications without approval from your consultant and physician.
Here, you can know how to prepare for the urine test.
Conclusion:
In this brief guide, we answered the question” Can you eat before a urine test?” with an in-depth analysis of why a urine test is done. Moreover, we also discussed some dietary restrictions for urine tests.