When Beets Might Cause Side Effects (Rare & Specific)
While beets are very safe for most people, there are a few harmless or situational effects worth knowing about.
1. Red or Pink Urine or Stool (Beeturia)
This is completely harmless and caused by natural beet pigments.
Affects about 10–14% of people
More common in those with low stomach acid or iron deficiency
Not blood — just nature doing its thing
2. Kidney Stones (Only for At-Risk Individuals)
Beets contain oxalates, which may contribute to kidney stones only if:
You have a history of calcium-oxalate stones
Helpful tips:
Stay well hydrated
Pair beets with calcium-rich foods (calcium helps bind oxalates in digestion)
3. Lower Blood Pressure
Beets naturally lower blood pressure.
If you’re on BP medication, levels may drop more than expected
Not dangerous, but something to monitor with your doctor
4. Digestive Sensitivity
Because beets are high in fiber and FODMAPs:
Some people with IBS may experience gas or bloating
Solution: Start small — about ¼ cup cooked beets.
Common Beet Myths — Debunked
❌ “Beets cause anemia”
False. Beets are rich in folate and support red blood cell production.
❌ “Beet juice is toxic”
Not true. Beet juice is widely used by athletes and studied extensively for cardiovascular benefits.
❌ “Beets spike blood sugar”
Unlikely. Beets have a low glycemic load (GL ≈ 5 per ½ cup).
The Bottom Line
For the vast majority of people, beets are incredibly healthy.
Those scary headlines claiming doctors warn against beets are almost always:
Clickbait
Taken out of context
Designed to drive engagement, not educate
Unless you have a specific medical condition (like recurring kidney stones), there is no medical reason to avoid beets.
❤️ Eat your beets. Your future self will thank you.
If you have health concerns, always talk with a qualified doctor or registered dietitian — not a headline that ends with “see the first comment.”
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