Photo: Kindel Media

Does beetroot affect your poop?

Yes, eating beets or drinking beet juice can give your urine and/or your stool a slightly reddish or pink tinge. This phenomenon, called beeturia, is usually not cause for alarm. Some studies show it affects up to 14 percent of the beet-eating population.

allrecipes.com - Can Beets Make Your Pee (Or Poop) Red? - Allrecipes

What is the healthiest juice to drink for breakfast?

No juice is more popular at breakfast time than orange juice – and with good reason! Orange juice is rich in vitamin C, and just one glass provides...

Last updated Jan 7, 2019

How do you get a kidney infection?

Bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra can multiply and travel to your kidneys. This is the most common cause of kidney...

Last updated Nov 7, 2019

Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

Though red-tinged pee or poop is never a welcome sight in the toilet, it may not be cause for alarm if you've recently eaten beets. Here's what you need to know about beeturia (and when it's time to call your doctor): Yes, eating beets or drinking beet juice can give your urine and/or your stool a slightly reddish or pink tinge. This phenomenon, called beeturia, is usually not cause for alarm. Some studies show it affects up to 14 percent of the beet-eating population. While occasional beeturia in and of itself is harmless, you should definitely consult a doctor if you're experiencing discoloration every time you ingest the root vegetable. This could be a sign of underlying conditions. If you have discolored pee or poop more than a day or so after eating beets, call your doctor immediately — this could indicate bleeding, and should be examined ASAP.

What Causes Beeturia?

Betanin, a compound in beets, gives the veggie its vibrant red hue. Some bodies aren't able to completely break down this compound during digestion. This can result in red-tinged urine or stool. Occasional beeturia is normal. However, if it happens often, it may be a sign of iron deficiency or low stomach acid.

Beeturia and Anemia

Anemia, or iron deficiency, occurs when you don't have enough healthy blood cells to carry oxygen to your body's tissues. This condition can affect your ability to absorb certain pigments. While beeturia can affect up to 14 percent of people, the rate is much higher in people who have anemia (up to 80 percent of iron deficient people experience beeturia).

Other signs and symptoms of anemia include:

Unusual tiredness

Unusually pale skin, gums, or inner eyelids

Shortness of breath

Dizziness

Headaches

Dry or damaged hair, skin, or fingernails

Consult your doctor if you're concerned about iron deficiency. The condition can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. You can also eat iron-rich foods, like spinach and liver, to prevent anemia.

Beeturia and Low Stomach Acid

Beeturia can also indicate low stomach acid. Stomach acid helps your body metabolize vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. When your acid levels are low, your body may not be able to break down betanin as it should.

Other signs and symptoms of low stomach acid include:

Constipation

Heartburn or acid reflux

Gas and/or bloating

Nausea

Cramping

Talk to your doctor if you suspect you have low stomach acid.

Even if you suspect your red or pink urine or stool is a result of beeturia, you should consult your doctor if it happens often or continues days after you've eaten beets. Blood in stool or urine can indicate serious health conditions that need immediate diagnosis and treatment.

Health Benefits of Beets

While all this talk of beeturia isn't exactly appetizing, there are plenty of reasons to eat beets. High in fiber, folate, vitamin C, iron, and potassium, the tasty root veggie packs a seriously nutritious punch. Here are just a few things beets may be able to do: Lower blood pressure and improve exercise capacity, thanks to high levels of nitric oxide.

Beet Recipes

NINJETTE

Incorporate more beets into your diet with one of these delicious recipes:

Explore our entire collection of Beet Recipes.

How many pounds is realistic to lose in 2 weeks?

Set realistic goals Over the long term, it's smart to aim for losing 1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kilogram) a week. Generally to lose 1 to 2 pounds a...

Last updated Sep 2, 2018

What qualifications do you need to be a food photographer?

Usually, this would mean a bachelor's or master's degree in photography or some other related subject. Equally, if you're already trained in...

Last updated Jun 22, 2020

Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Does beet powder help memory?

joybauer.com - 6 Foods To Boost Memory - Joy Bauer

Beets

Beets may be a secret weapon against memory loss. Researchers at the Translational Science Center found that giving older adults a daily dose of beet juice helped to increase blood flow to the area of the brain associated with dementia. If guzzling this earthy purple drink is just not your thing (I know, but figured I’d try), get a dose of plant medicine by adding beets to your bowl whenever you hit the salad bar. At home, try mixing grated raw beets into coleslaw, or enjoy the classic, elegant combo of roasted beets, goat cheese, and arugula in a salad or sandwich. Here’s a time-saving tip: Check the produce section for convenient vacuum-sealed pouches of cooked, peeled beets that are ready to slice and eat!

Give this Beet Ginger Carrot Juice a shot!

Are beets good for your liver?

Beetroot juice helps protect the liver from oxidative damage and inflammation, all while increasing its natural detoxification enzymes.

Last updated Oct 8, 2019

Which bread is best for gut health?

Sourdough. Sourdough is easier on the stomach than other kinds of bread due to its prebiotics, making it easier to digest. Additionally, sourdough...

Last updated Jan 15, 2019

Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

Does fiber cleanse your liver?

Dietary fiber has been shown to increase the activity of antioxidant and detox enzymes in your liver. It can alter bile acid pools. These pools are...

Last updated Aug 18, 2022

Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

What food has all 13 vitamins?

List #1: The Omnivore. If meat and animal products are part of your diet, here's a list of foods that in summation contain all 13 essential...

Last updated Dec 17, 2019