Beetroot Juice: 7 Side Effects of Drinking Beetroot Juice in Excess

Beetroot is one of the healthiest foods on earth unless you start consuming it in a wrong way. Moreover, it comes with many health benefits and mainly it’s famous as ‘blood gaining’ vegetable.  

Although, beetroot juice is famous as healthy and nutritious but may not be suitable for all. You need to know that beetroots have a high content of oxalates. These compounds can bind with calcium in the body and may eventually lead to kidney stones. Excess intake of beetroot can also cause the accumulation of metal ions in the liver. 

Though people can safely eat beets and drink juice in most cases, it is important to know the negative effects as well. 

In this article, we will highlight the potential side effects of beetroot juice. 

Side Effects of Beetroot Juice 

1. May Increase Kidney Stone Risk 

According to Clinical Nutrition Research, beets are rich in oxalate and may contribute to stone formation. If you already have stones, your doctor might recommend you to stop or reduce beetroot/beetroot juice consumption. 

Beetroot is high in oxalate and can directly contribute to kidney stones. It increases urinary oxalate excretion, which can lead to the development of calcium oxalate stones. 

2. It Might Cause Beeturia

Beeturia is characterized by the discoloration of urine following the intake of beets or foods colored with beetroots. Urine may range from pink to deep red, and this condition could be prevalent in about 14% of the population and have increased frequency in those with iron deficiency.  

3.You Might Get Anaphylaxis 

Though rare, beetroot may cause anaphylaxis, which is an acute allergic reaction to an allergen to which the body has become hypersensitive. 

As per reports, a young girl complained of urticaria(red rashes on the skin that itch intensely, sometimes leading to dangerous swelling) and asthma after ingesting boiled beetroot. The girl also experienced hives, throat tightness, and bronchospasm. 

4. May Cause Colored Stools

Beetroot (and foods with red coloring) may cause stools to appear reddish. 

There is some evidence that beetroot may also cause black and tarry stools due to the presence of altered blood.  

5. May Cause a Stomach Upset

Beetroot contains nitrates*. According to a publication by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, exposure to high levels of nitrates may lead to abdominal cramps. 

The juice may also cause stomach problems in some people. 

*Beetroot and certain other foods contain nitrates, which are converted to nitrites upon ingestion. 

6. May Cause Problems during Pregnancy

The nitrates in beets may cause a problem here. Pregnant women are more sensitive to the effects of nitrate. This can be attributed to the natural increase of methemoglobin levels in the blood during the later stage of pregnancy. 

Excess nitrate can lead to methemoglobinemia (elevated levels of methemoglobin in the blood), causing symptoms like lack of energy, headache, dizziness, blue-gray coloration of skin around the eyes, mouth, lips, hands, and feet. 

Though most epidemiological studies of pregnant women having elevated nitrate levels in their groundwater did not show any negative effects on their offspring, one study found an association between dietary nitrates and an increase in neural tube defects. 

7. Might Harm Your Liver

Studies suppose that extreme intake of table beetroot may cause several disturbances not only in healthy patients but also in those dealing with metal-accumulating diseases. 

Excess intake of the veggie can cause the accumulation of metal ions in the liver. 

What’s the Button Line? 

As per reports, there are limited research and no official recommendation regarding the safe dosage of  beetroot juice. Hence, it is best to consult with your doctor. 

 Source: Style Craze