Can You Eat Beetroot if You Take Blood Pressure Tablets?

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

Research has consistently shown that beetroot, particularly in concentrated juice form, can lower blood pressure due to its high nitrate content. This has led many on blood pressure medication to wonder if adding this root vegetable to their diet is safe, or if it might cause unwanted side effects.

Quick Summary

Beetroot contains nitrates that can lower blood pressure, potentially amplifying the effect of hypertension medication. While generally safe, this combination requires medical supervision due to the risk of blood pressure dropping too low. Individual sensitivity and concentration are key factors to consider when incorporating beetroot, especially juice, into a diet alongside prescribed tablets.

Key Points

Consult your doctor: Always speak with your healthcare provider before regularly incorporating beetroot into your diet, especially if you take blood pressure medication.
Risk of hypotension: The combination of beetroot's nitrates and blood pressure tablets can cause blood pressure to drop too low, resulting in symptoms like dizziness and fainting.
Start slow with whole beets: Whole, cooked beetroot is less concentrated than juice and is a safer starting point for assessing your body's reaction.
Monitor your blood pressure: Use a home blood pressure monitor to track how beetroot affects your readings, and share this information with your doctor.
Avoid pickled beetroot: Processed, pickled beets often contain high levels of added sodium, which can counteract the blood pressure-lowering effects.
Beetroot is not a cure: It is a dietary supplement to a healthy lifestyle, not a replacement for prescribed medication or medical advice for managing hypertension.

Understanding the Effects of Beetroot on Blood Pressure

Beetroot contains high levels of inorganic nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide. This process helps relax and widen blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow and reduced blood pressure. This natural effect is beneficial for individuals with hypertension and has been shown to result in a modest but significant reduction in blood pressure. However, this is also why there's a need for caution when consuming beetroot alongside blood pressure medication.

The Potential Interaction with Blood Pressure Medication

Blood pressure medications also work to lower blood pressure. Combining them with beetroot's nitrate effects could potentially lower blood pressure too much, a condition called hypotension. Hypotension can cause symptoms like dizziness and fainting.

Beetroot should not replace prescribed medication. It can support a heart-healthy diet but should never be used for self-management or to replace existing treatments. The interaction level varies based on factors like medication type, beetroot amount, and individual response. Healthcare professionals can help manage these effects safely.

How to Safely Incorporate Beetroot into Your Diet

If you take blood pressure medication and want to include beetroot in your diet, a careful approach with medical monitoring is advisable. Whole, cooked, or roasted beets have lower nitrate levels than juice, making them a gentler option to start. Avoid pickled beets due to their high salt content, which can negatively impact blood pressure.

For those considering beetroot juice, which has a stronger effect, begin with a small amount and closely monitor your blood pressure. Using a home blood pressure monitor regularly provides useful data for you and your doctor to find a safe intake level. Regular consultations with a healthcare provider are essential to prevent dangerous drops in blood pressure.

Other Potential Side Effects of Beetroot

Beetroot is high in oxalates, which may increase kidney stone risk in some individuals. Consuming beets can also cause beeturia, a harmless red or pink discoloration of urine or stool.

Dosage and Form of Beetroot


Feature	Whole Beetroot (e.g., roasted, boiled)	Beetroot Juice	Beetroot Powder/Supplements
Nitrate Concentration	Lower	Very High	High, concentrated
Speed of Effect	Slower	Fast (within hours)	Fast
Monitoring Needed	Recommended	Essential, especially initially	Essential, as potency varies
Dietary Fiber	High, beneficial for digestion	Low, minimal fiber	Very low or none
Considerations	More stable and gradual effect. Avoid pickled versions due to salt.	Most potent for lowering blood pressure; requires careful dose management with a doctor.	Potency can be inconsistent; consult a professional before use.

Conclusion

Eating beetroot can be a positive dietary addition for many, including those with hypertension. Its natural nitrates can help lower blood pressure. However, for individuals on blood pressure tablets, this effect can be amplified, potentially leading to dangerously low blood pressure. The key is to be cautious, especially with concentrated forms like juice, and to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. Never change your medication based solely on diet. A balanced diet, exercise, and medical advice are crucial for managing high blood pressure.

For further reading on the effects of dietary nitrates, consult the British Heart Foundation's guidelines. (https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/can-beetroot-juice-lower-blood-pressure)

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should never stop taking prescribed blood pressure medication without consulting your doctor. While beetroot can help lower blood pressure, its effect is generally modest and not a substitute for pharmacological treatment.

The blood pressure-lowering effect of beetroot juice can occur within a few hours of consumption, peaking around 3 to 6 hours after intake. Regular, long-term consumption (over 2 weeks) shows more sustained benefits.

Daily beetroot juice consumption while on blood pressure medication requires medical supervision. Starting with a small amount while monitoring your blood pressure closely is recommended to avoid excessive drops.

Symptoms of hypotension (low blood pressure) can include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, blurry vision, weakness, fatigue, and fainting.

If you take anticoagulants like warfarin, you should be cautious with high-nitrate foods and consult your doctor. Beet greens are particularly high in vitamin K, which can interfere with the medication.

Boiling beetroot can reduce its nitrate content as nitrates are water-soluble. Steaming or roasting are better methods for preserving nitrates, but eating whole beets is generally considered to have a less potent effect than concentrated juice.

Beetroot juice is a liquid extract, while supplements are often concentrated powders or capsules. Supplements can offer a more consistent, higher dose of nitrates, but their potency can vary, and should always be discussed with a healthcare provider before use.