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.