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Is it better to take total beets in the morning or at night? The definitive guide to timing

4 min read

Studies have shown that consuming dietary nitrates from beetroot can improve oxygen use and enhance athletic endurance. For many people, this begs the question: Is it better to take total beets in the morning or at night? The answer is not one-size-fits-all and largely depends on your specific health and wellness objectives.

Quick Summary

The ideal time to consume Total Beets is determined by your health objectives. Morning intake is often best for supporting cardiovascular health and daytime energy, while a night dose may be preferable for those focused on potential sleep and recovery benefits, though individual sensitivity varies.

Key Points

  • Timing depends on your goals: The ideal time to take Total Beets is determined by what you want to achieve, whether it's blood pressure control, athletic performance, or improved sleep.

  • Morning for heart health and energy: A morning dose aligns with the body's natural blood pressure cycle, providing sustained cardiovascular support and an energy boost for the day.

  • Pre-workout for athletic performance: For peak athletic benefits, consume Total Beets 2-3 hours before a workout to maximize the nitric oxide effect.

  • Night for sleep and recovery: A night dose can potentially aid sleep and support recovery from evening exercise, especially for individuals sensitive to stimulants.

  • Monitor your individual response: Some people may be sensitive to the energizing effects of beets, so observing your own body's reaction is crucial when choosing a nighttime intake.

  • Consult a professional: Always speak with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, particularly if you have existing health conditions or take other medications.

In This Article

Total Beets is a supplement known for its high level of dietary nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps widen blood vessels, improving blood flow, potentially lowering blood pressure, and enhancing oxygen delivery. To best utilize these effects, it's helpful to consider the timing of when you take the supplement.

The Science Behind Beetroot Supplement Timing

The benefits of beetroot supplements aren't immediate, as the body needs time to process nitrates into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide levels in the blood typically peak about 2 to 3 hours after consumption and can remain elevated for several hours. Understanding this timeline is key to strategically timing your intake.

Key timing considerations include:

  • Nitric Oxide Peak: The maximum nitric oxide production occurs a few hours post-consumption, which is important for athletes to time before workouts.
  • Circadian Rhythms: The body's natural daily cycles, including blood pressure fluctuations, can influence optimal timing for cardiovascular support.
  • Individual Sensitivity: Responses to beets can vary, with some individuals noticing effects on energy levels that might impact when they prefer to take the supplement.

Morning Intake: For Blood Pressure, Energy, and Cardiovascular Support

Taking Total Beets in the morning is often suggested for those focusing on daily energy and heart health.

Benefits of Morning Consumption

  • Blood Pressure: Blood pressure naturally increases in the morning and is highest around midday. Taking beets early can help align the peak nitric oxide effect with this period, potentially supporting blood pressure regulation throughout the day.
  • Energy and Stamina: A morning dose can provide energy. For athletes training early, taking it 2-3 hours beforehand can boost stamina.
  • Absorption: Consuming Total Beets on an empty stomach about 30 minutes before breakfast may improve nitrate absorption for some individuals.
  • Duration: The effects of nitric oxide on blood pressure can last 6–10 hours, providing extended cardiovascular support from a morning dose.

Evening Intake: For Sleep, Recovery, and Relaxation

While mornings are popular, taking Total Beets at night can also offer benefits, particularly for sleep and recovery.

Benefits of Evening Consumption

  • Sleep Quality: Research suggests beetroot can improve sleep quality in some cases, possibly by increasing blood oxygenation. Nutrients in beets may also support relaxation pathways.
  • Post-Workout Recovery: An evening dose can support recovery processes for those who exercise later in the day.
  • Overall Health: Taking beetroot before bed may support detoxification and gut health while you sleep.

Comparison: Morning vs. Night

This table outlines the typical effects of taking Total Beets at different times:

Feature Morning Intake Night Intake
Primary Goal Cardiovascular support, energy, stamina, blood pressure regulation. Sleep quality, relaxation, post-workout recovery, detoxification.
Mechanism Times the nitric oxide peak to coincide with the natural daily rise in blood pressure. Provides a general energy lift. Supports biochemical pathways related to sleep and improves oxygenation during rest. Aids in recovery and detoxification.
Timing for Efficacy Take daily, often 30 minutes before breakfast for blood pressure benefits. For athletic performance, take 2-3 hours before a workout. Take before bed, especially if seeking sleep-related benefits. Evening timing can aid in recovery from afternoon workouts.
Optimal User Individuals with high blood pressure, athletes, people seeking a natural energy boost. Individuals with specific sleep disturbances, those seeking post-exercise recovery, or those without stimulant sensitivity.
Potential Downside Some users may not get the desired sleep or recovery benefits. May interfere with sleep for sensitive individuals due to a mild energy boost.

Tailoring Your Total Beets Routine to Your Goals

To get the most benefit, align your Total Beets timing with your specific health objectives.

Consistent Blood Pressure Management

Consistency is key for managing blood pressure. A daily morning dose at the same time can help support blood pressure throughout the day when it's typically highest.

Maximizing Athletic Performance

For peak performance, timing is critical. Taking Total Beets 2-3 hours before exercise is recommended to align with the peak nitric oxide levels, maximizing benefits during your workout.

Supporting Sleep Quality

If improving sleep is your main goal, especially with conditions like COPD, a nighttime dose before bed might be helpful. However, be mindful of potential energizing effects that could disrupt sleep for sensitive individuals. A mid-afternoon dose could be an alternative.

Important Considerations and Potential Side Effects

Keep the following in mind when taking Total Beets:

  • Individual Variation: Responses vary, so finding the best timing for you may require experimentation within the recommended dosage.
  • Beeturia: Beets can cause harmless pink or red discoloration of urine and stool.
  • Kidney Stones: Those prone to kidney stones should be cautious due to the oxalate content in beets.
  • IBS: Beets contain fructans, which can cause digestive issues for individuals with IBS sensitive to FODMAPs.
  • Medical Advice: Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially with existing health conditions or medications.
  • Drug Interactions: Beets contain nitrates that can interact with certain medications, including nitrates for chest pain and PDE-5 inhibitors.

Conclusion

The best time to take Total Beets, morning or night, depends on your health goals. A morning dose is generally better for cardiovascular support, blood pressure, and daytime energy. A nighttime dose may be preferable for potential sleep benefits or recovery from evening workouts, provided it doesn't interfere with sleep. Pay attention to how your body responds and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

For additional information on the health benefits of beets, you can refer to resources like the Cleveland Clinic website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Taking Total Beets in the morning can help counteract the natural rise in blood pressure that occurs as you wake up and throughout the day, providing sustained cardiovascular support. While a nighttime dose can aid sleep, the morning is generally considered more strategic for managing blood pressure during your active hours.

Some studies have shown potential sleep benefits from beetroot juice, particularly in individuals with conditions that affect blood oxygenation, such as COPD. Nutrients like potassium and fiber may also support relaxation, but some sensitive people could find the mild energy boost interferes with sleep.

For optimal athletic performance, take Total Beets 2 to 3 hours before a workout or event. This timing allows the body to effectively convert the nitrates into nitric oxide, which peaks in the bloodstream and maximizes oxygen efficiency during exercise.

For those seeking cardiovascular benefits, studies suggest that taking beetroot juice about 30 minutes before breakfast on an empty stomach can improve nitrate absorption. However, product instructions often recommend taking tablets with food, so follow the specific guidance on your supplement.

If you experience a mild energizing effect that disrupts your sleep, it is best to switch your intake to the morning or afternoon. The benefits for cardiovascular health and daily energy will still be achieved, without the risk of sleep interference.

For most healthy individuals, taking Total Beets daily is safe within the recommended dosage. However, individuals with a history of kidney stones or those taking certain medications should consult a doctor first due to the oxalate and nitrate content.

The beneficial effects of increased nitric oxide from beetroot can last for several hours after consumption, typically ranging from 6 to 10 hours. This sustained effect is why a single dose can provide long-lasting benefits.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.