Beetroot is an incredibly healthy taproot portion of the beet plant with many benefits, but does this include making you poop?
According to MedicalNewsToday, 10 to 14 percent of the population experience red stools and urine after eating beetroot due to the red pigments found within. The scientific term for this pigmentation is called betanin and is considered harmless, but it can be an indicator of an iron deficiency for some.
Keep reading to find out more about the effect that beetroot has on the body and what you can expect after a beetroot-rich meal!
How Long After Eating Beetroot is Stool Red?
If you’ve ever experienced red stools or urine, you were probably too busy worrying about your well-being rather than when you last at beetroot! If you’re feeling a little anxious, I’ll cover this for you really quickly.
According to ThePhiladalphiaEnquirer, certain people cannot fully break down beetroot which results in the excretion of the excess pigment in the urine and feces, which typically lasts between 48 and 72 hours after consumption. That said, this time may vary depending on how much liquid is consumed and their digestive speed.
There are some additional factors that can influence this process, and this includes the amount of acid in your stomach and other foods that have been consumed along with the beetroot.
As mentioned earlier, the presence of betanin in your stool is completely harmless. However, many people grow worried as they cannot differentiate between harmless pigment and actual blood which can be a serious concern—which brings me to my next point!
Is It Blood or Beetroot in My Stool?
Finding red in your urine or feces is enough to make anyone panic, but it’s important to take a few key factors into account before you rush off to your nearest doctor.
According to Livestrong, the best way to differentiate between blood or beetroot in your stools is by taking into account when you last ate beetroot—if you did in the past 48 to 72 hours, then chances are this is due to the betanin. However, if the red is very dark and you haven’t eaten beetroot recently, then make an appointment with your doctor.
If the color is a pinkish hue, then it’s likely just the beetroot. That said, if you haven’t eaten beetroot at all and you are experiencing fevers, vomiting, nausea, and fatigue, then it is definitely a good idea to see a doctor immediately. The doctors can then run tests to see if the blood in your stool is a real concern which can put your mind at rest.
Does Beetroot Make You Poop?
Now that you know that beetroot does in fact make your poop red, you’re probably wondering whether it makes you poop too?
According to Livestrong, only two raw beetroots contain 4.6 grams of fiber which adds bulk to stools and helps move them smoothly along the colon, making beetroots an excellent laxative. That said, make sure that you don’t eat too many beetroots as this may result in an overload of fiber which could lead to diarrhea, bloating, and cramps.
By now you’re probably wondering exactly how many beetroots are too much, which brings me to my next point!
Is It Okay To Eat Beetroot Every Day?
If you’re a massive beetroot fan, you’re probably wondering if you truly can get too much of a good thing?
According to Healthline, you’re unlikely to do yourself any harm by eating beetroot every day as they are high in antioxidants, fiber, folate, and vitamin C. The only side effect you may experience is Beeturia which doesn’t cause your health any harm. In fact, eating beetroot every day is exceptionally good for you.
That said, beetroots are well-known for their incredible health benefits which is why they are such an excellent addition to any salad. However, are there any downsides to beetroot besides giving your poop a red tinge?
What Are The Disadvantages of Beetroot?
As with anything in life, there can be downsides to eating beetroot, and this is particularly true for certain groups of individuals. While the disadvantages may be few, they’re important to be aware of!
May Be Bad for Those With Low Blood Pressure
While beetroots are generally beneficial for most peoples’ blood pressure levels (most people suffer from high blood pressure), beetroots can actually be detrimental for those with chronic low blood pressure due to their properties. If you have been diagnosed with chronic low blood pressure then you may want to limit your intake to be safe.
Risky for Those With Iron or Copper Related Conditions
Too much beetroot can be harmful to those with hemochromatosis or Wilson’s disease because it causes the build-up of copper and iron in the body which can be harmful to your health. Too much of these minerals can cause damage to vital bodily organs such as the liver, kidney, brain, and heart
Calcium Deficiency
The consumption of beetroot juice in particular has been shown to lower calcium levels within the body which can be detrimental to bone health. If you are an older woman, in particular, it may be a good idea to watch your beetroot juice intake if you consume a lot of it regularly.
Gout
While beetroot juice may actually be beneficial for the treatment of gout due to its anti-inflammatory properties, too much of it can have the opposite effect. This is because beetroots contain oxalates which can result in the body secreting too much acid, thus resulting in the build-up of it in the joints.
Kidney Stones
Beetroots contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals that are extremely good for the body, and they can even help to remove toxins from our system and keep the liver and kidneys functioning optimally. That said, too many of these compounds called oxalates can result in kidney stones, especially in people with a history of them.
While this side effect is unlikely, it’s something to bear in mind if you have a history of kidney stones.
Final Thoughts
As long as you eat beetroot in moderation and don’t overdo it on the highly concentrated beetroot juice, you shouldn’t have any adverse side effects from this tasty food. The only common side effect that you may notice is a change in your urine and stools to a reddish tint, but this is completely harmless and is only temporary. So, next time you make that salad don’t forget to toss in some beetroot and enjoy!
Related Questions
Is beetroot good for the skin?
The juice in beetroot helps to eliminate toxins from your skin, leaving you glowing from the inside out! Beetroot is very rich in vitamins and minerals, with vitamin C being a key ingredient that boosts skin health. Beetroot does this by cleaning the blood and this shows from the inside out, which is just another reason as to why you should be incorporating beetroot into your diet.
