7 Side Effects Of Beetroot Juice
- Low blood pressure. Beetroot juice can lower blood pressure, which is beneficial for people with high blood pressure. However, too much beetroot juice can cause blood pressure to drop too low, especially in people who are already taking blood pressure medication.
- Kidney stones. Beetroot is high in oxalate, a substance that can contribute to kidney stone formation. People with a history of kidney stones should limit their intake of beetroot juice.
- Pink or red urine (beeturia). This is a harmless side effect that is caused by the betalain pigments in beetroot. Beeturia is more common in people who are unable to metabolize these pigments.
- Gout. Beetroot is high in purines, which can trigger gout attacks in people who are susceptible to this condition.
- Allergic reaction. Beetroot allergy is rare, but it can occur in some people. Symptoms of a beetroot allergy can include hives, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
- Digestive upset. Beetroot juice can cause digestive upset, such as diarrhea and stomach cramps, in some people. This is more likely to occur if you drink a lot of beetroot juice at once.
- Liver damage. Beetroot is high in nitrates, which can be converted to nitrites in the body. Nitrites can damage the liver in high doses. However, it is unlikely that drinking beetroot juice would cause liver damage in most people.
It is important to note that beetroot juice is generally safe for most people to consume in moderation. However, people with certain health conditions, such as kidney stones, gout, and low blood pressure, should talk to their doctor before drinking beetroot juice.
Here are some tips for minimizing the side effects of beetroot juice:
- Start with a small amount of beetroot juice and gradually increase your intake over time.
- Dilute beetroot juice with water or another juice.
- Drink beetroot juice with food to help with digestion.
- Avoid drinking beetroot juice if you have a history of kidney stones or gout.
- Talk to your doctor before drinking beetroot juice if you have low blood pressure or any other health conditions.