Most of you may know that fasting blood test are specially performed to determine different health markers. Some of the common ones include:
- Glucose levels.
- Cholesterol levels.
And many more. Fasting before the blood tests is usually recommended to ensure accurate results. This is so because eating food or other beverages just before the test will definitely make some changes.
However, drinking water, especially filtered water, is completely permissible before fasting. This raises questions among people. In order to end the debate, we have decided to come up with a detailed guide.
In this blog post, we will discuss whether you can drink filtered water before fasting for a fasting blood test or not.
Can You Drink Filtered Water Before Fasting Blood Test?
Yes, it is recommended by the experts to drink an adequate amount of filtered water just before fasting for a blood test. This is so because, filtered water is completely safe and clean as compared to tap water, all thanks to the water filtration system that treats it.
There can be a number of benefits that you will experience if you consume filtered water before fasting for a blood test.
Benefits of Drinking Filter Water Before Fasting Blood Test
Helps in staying hydrated
We all know that hydration is highly necessary for a number of bodily functions, such as blood circulation, digestion, body temperature, and many more.
So, when it comes to fasting, drinking an adequate amount of filtered water can greatly help to make sure you are perfectly hydrated and ready. And do you know? Proper hydration will make it easier to draw blood out of your body. This is because well-hydrated veins are usually more accessible and smooth.
Prevention of toxic contaminants
It is already understood that filtered water is completely free from toxic contaminants and impurities that are usually found in tap water. So, when you consume the highest-quality water, this means you are eliminating the risk of harmful substances that can potentially interfere with the blood test results.
Hazardous substances such as chlorine, bacteria, or viruses in the normal water that you consume can have an impact on the accuracy of the fasting blood test. So, for maximum accuracy, it is recommended to drink filtered water.
Maximum comfort
Fasting before testing the blood can be a challenging task for some individuals out there. They may not be able to spend a good amount of time without consuming a single drop of water. So, by drinking adequate filtered water, they can adjust their thrust and fill their tummy so that spending fasting time with maximum comfort.
Moreover, consuming filtered water will prevent dizziness, fatigue/low energy, etc., which is common in fasting.
So, these are some of the major benefits of drinking filtered water before fasting for a blood test. However, it is important to note that if you have some serious health conditions, then it is recommended to always take suggestions from a medical expert regarding the consumption of filtered water.
Considerations to Keep in Mind While Drinking Filtered Water
Below are some things that you must need to take into your consideration while consuming filtered water.
Always avoid flavor enhancers
It is recommended not to add any kind of flavors to the filtered water. Avoid flavors such as sugar, lemon, or any kind of sweetener. Now, you may wonder why we are saying this. This is so because preventing flavor enhancers will help to ensure compliance with the fasting requirements for blood tests.
Additionally, you should also avoid colored juices, sodas, or energy drinks before fasting for a blood test. The reason for this is that, these are usually loaded with sugar and additives that may negatively affect the blood test results.
Quantity of filtered water
There is no doubt that staying hydrated during fasting is crucial, but excessive consumption of filtered water can dilute the blood sample, which will further result in potentially affecting the test results.
Due to this reason, it is recommended to consume a moderate amount of filtered water that is enough for hydration and also for the test.
These are multiple things that you must take into account before consuming filtered water for blood tests.
Other Recommendations That You Should Follow
It would be good if you also follow the considerations discussed below.
Beverages to Avoid Before Test
Before fasting for a blood test, you should avoid consuming alcohol and dairy products. Because consuming alchohol can impact the liver function test, on the other hand, dairy products may affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels, leading to skewed results.
Follow Health Provider Instructions
Before a blood test, your healthcare service provider will give you certain instructions that you just need to follow for maximum accuracy of the test. If you fail to follow the instructions, it can have severe consequences.
For instance, it can result in inaccurate results, which will further lead to misdiagnosis or mistreatment of the diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it permissible to consume filtered water before fasting for a blood test?
Yes, it is completely okay to drink a moderate amount of filtered water just before fasting for a blood test.
Can I drink normal tap water instead of filtered water?
It is not recommended because tap water around the world is generally found to be polluted with numerous contaminants and impurities. These can affect the test results.
Can I drink other beverages besides water before a fasting blood test?
It’s generally advised to only drink water before a fasting blood test. Avoid other beverages like coffee, tea, juice, or soft drinks during the fasting period.
How long before the blood test should I stop drinking water?
For this, you will need to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding when to stop drinking water before the fasting blood test. Typically, you may be advised to fast for a certain number of hours prior to the test.
Wrapping Up
Before blood tests, doctors usually recommend that the person to fast for accurate results. However, just before fasting for a blood test, it is permissible to drink filtered water. There are multiple benefits of doing so that we have discussed in this article.
