Getting ready for your DOT physical exam? What you eat the day before—and even the morning of—can make a big difference in your results, especially for blood pressure, blood sugar, and urine testing.

At DOT Modesto, we want you to walk in prepared, confident, and ready to pass. Here’s what to eat (and what to skip) before your exam.

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🥗 Why Food Choices Matter

The DOT physical checks:

• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar
• Vision & hearing
• Urine for protein/sugar levels
• General health and medications

Eating right can help you avoid:

• Elevated blood pressure readings
• High blood sugar from sugary snacks
• Dehydration that affects your urine test

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✅ Best Foods to Eat Before Your Exam

These foods help calm your system, keep your blood pressure low, and support clean urine results.

🥬 Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, and romaine lettuce are rich in potassium and magnesium, which help lower blood pressure.

🐟 Grilled Fish

Fish like salmon and tuna are heart-healthy and packed with omega-3s. Avoid fried options.

🍌 Bananas

Full of potassium, bananas can help relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.

🍚 Brown Rice or Oats

Whole grains stabilize blood sugar and provide long-lasting energy.

🥒 Cucumbers and Celery

Hydrating and low in sodium—great for avoiding bloating and water retention.

💧 Water

Drink water throughout the day before your exam. A well-hydrated body gives a cleaner urine sample.

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❌ Foods to Avoid Before the Exam

Skip anything that can spike your numbers or raise red flags.

• Caffeine (coffee, energy drinks, pre-workout) – may raise blood pressure
• Salty snacks – chips, fast food, processed meats
• Sugary foods or drinks – soda, candy, pastries
• Heavy fried foods – hard on digestion and may elevate blood pressure
• Red meat – can cause a spike in blood pressure if eaten in large amounts

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⏰ When to Eat

• Eat a balanced meal the night before
• Eat a light breakfast the day of if your appointment is in the morning
• Don’t skip meals—it can cause dizziness or abnormal readings

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🚛 Stay Ready, Stay Healthy

At DOT Modesto, we make DOT exams simple, stress-free, and flexible—with appointments on evenings and weekends. Preparing with the right foods is just one way to improve your results and pass on the first try.

📍 1620 N Carpenter Rd, Unit D46, Modesto, CA
📞 Call or Text: (350) 216-5774
🌐 Book Online: dotmodesto.com