Is Red Urine After Eating Tomato a Sign of Blood in Urine?

Q: Is Red Urine After Eating Tomato a Sign of Blood in Urine?

Hello, sir： "Red urine can be caused by tomatoes" is not commonly heard. <br>It is recommended that if your urine appears red, you should seek medical attention to test your urine and confirm whether it is hematuria. <br>If it is hematuria, further examination is necessary. <br>C

Eating tomatoes can cause your urine to appear red the next day?

I would like to ask if eating a whole tomato could cause my urine to appear red the next day, and whether this could be a sign of hematuria.
Earlier this July, I experienced hematuria after engaging in vigorous abdominal exercise.
After going to the hospital for examination, I was diagnosed with kidney stones.
Following surgery to break them up, I have not had any further occurrences of blood in my urine.
At that time, blood tests and urinalysis were performed, and the results were normal.
On the evening of August 8th, I cooked a whole tomato for dinner, and the next morning, my urine was completely red.
I drank a lot of water throughout the day, and by the evening, my urine returned to normal.
Since then, I have not experienced any further episodes of red urine.
I am wondering if this could be related to eating the whole tomato.
I have done some research and found that consuming tomatoes, especially when overeating, can cause urine to appear red.
I have also considered the possibility of having kidney stones again, but due to my busy work schedule, I haven't had the time to go to the hospital for an examination.
Currently, I do not experience any discomfort when urinating, nor do I have any abdominal pain.
Therefore, I wanted to inquire about this situation.
Thank you.

Xiao Ou, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/11

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology

Hello, sir: "Red urine can be caused by tomatoes" is not commonly heard.
It is recommended that if your urine appears red, you should seek medical attention to test your urine and confirm whether it is hematuria.
If it is hematuria, further examination is necessary.
Chen Jian-sheng, Urology Department, Xinying Hospital.

Reply Date: 2016/08/11

More Info

Red urine can indeed be alarming, especially for someone with a history of hematuria (blood in urine) like yourself. However, it is important to differentiate between urine that is red due to blood and urine that is discolored due to food consumption, such as tomatoes.

Tomatoes, especially when consumed in large quantities, can cause a temporary change in urine color. This phenomenon is often due to the presence of certain pigments in the tomatoes, such as lycopene, which can impart a reddish hue to urine. This is generally harmless and is not indicative of any underlying health issues. In your case, after consuming a whole tomato, it is plausible that the red color in your urine was a result of the tomato pigments rather than blood.

The fact that your urine returned to its normal color after drinking plenty of water further supports the idea that the discoloration was likely due to dietary factors rather than a medical condition. Hydration can help dilute any pigments in the urine, leading to a return to its typical yellow color.

It is also worth noting that certain foods, medications, and even supplements can cause changes in urine color. For instance, beets, blackberries, and certain medications can also lead to reddish or pinkish urine. Therefore, it is always a good idea to consider recent dietary intake when assessing changes in urine color.

Given your medical history of kidney stones and previous episodes of hematuria, it is understandable that you might be concerned about the possibility of blood in your urine. However, the absence of any discomfort, pain, or other urinary symptoms is a positive sign. If the red urine had been due to blood, it is likely that you would have experienced other symptoms, such as pain during urination or abdominal discomfort.

If you continue to experience red urine or if you notice any other concerning symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. A urinalysis can help determine if there is any blood present in the urine, and if necessary, additional imaging studies can be performed to assess for any potential issues such as kidney stones or other urinary tract conditions.

In conclusion, while red urine can be a sign of blood, in your case, it is likely related to the consumption of tomatoes. Keeping track of your dietary habits and any changes in your urine can help you identify patterns and determine when it is necessary to seek medical advice. If you have any lingering concerns or if symptoms arise, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for peace of mind and appropriate care.

Similar Q&A

Red Residue on Toilet Paper: Is It Tomato or Blood?

Today, while wiping after a bowel movement, I noticed red residue on the toilet paper about 4-5 times. The stool color was normal brownish-yellow. I picked up the residue (see image), and in the past two days, I have eaten tomatoes (from Subway and Burger King). I am wondering if...

Dr. Yu Mingchang reply Surgery
Please take a moment to check the colorectal department at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, as they care about you.

Is My Pink Urine a Sign of Blood? Understanding Urinary Changes

I would like to ask the doctor, this morning when I woke up, I noticed that my urine had a reddish or pinkish tint. Is this hematuria? Additionally, my stool was darker, and when it came into contact with the toilet water, it turned pink. I tried to recall what I did or ate yeste...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Some people may notice that their urine becomes discolored after eating dragon fruit, mistakenly thinking it is blood in the urine. However, this does not happen to everyone. It is still advisable to see a doctor and have a urine test for confirmation.

Understanding Blood in Stool: Should You Worry About Your Digestive Health?

Hello Doctor: I had a health check-up in August of this year, and my stool occult blood test was normal. Recently, I have been eating cherry tomatoes until three days ago when I stopped. Today, when I went to the bathroom, I noticed that the stool had a dark red color at the end,...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If the symptoms do not reappear after discontinuing tomatoes, there is no need to worry too much. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.

Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes and When to Seek Help

Tonight, when I went to the bathroom, I noticed a sensation while urinating. After finishing, I saw blood in the toilet, and I still feel like I haven't completely emptied my bladder. I'm really worried and can't sleep right now.

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology
Hello Mr. Wang: 1. "Why is my urine red? What should I do?" When hematuria is suspected, the physician will first perform a physical examination and a urinalysis to help determine if there is indeed blood present in the urine. Certain food pigments can also cause urin...