Why Do I Feel Weird After Drinking Beetroot Juice? Decoding the Effects

Approximately 14% of the population experiences harmless, temporary beeturia, or pink/red urine, after consuming beets, which can feel strange if you're not expecting it. If you feel weird after drinking beetroot juice, it is most often due to your body’s potent reaction to its nitrates and other compounds.

Quick Summary

Feeling odd after consuming beetroot juice is often caused by its high nitrate content lowering blood pressure or its fibrous and sugary composition upsetting digestion. Modulating intake can help.

Key Points

• Blood Pressure Drop: The nitrates in beetroot juice are converted to nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels and can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness.

• Digestive Upset: High levels of betaine and natural sugars, especially when consumed on an empty stomach, can trigger nausea, bloating, and other digestive discomforts.

• Harmless Beeturia: The red pigment betanin is not fully broken down by some people, causing harmless pink or red urine and stool that can be visually surprising.

• Start Slowly and Dilute: To mitigate these effects, begin with a small, diluted portion of juice and gradually increase your intake as your body adjusts.

• Timing Matters: Consuming beetroot juice with a meal rather than on an empty stomach can help buffer its potent effects on both blood pressure and digestion.

• Listen to Your Body: While usually benign, paying attention to your body's specific reactions is crucial, and it's best to reduce intake or consult a doctor if severe symptoms occur.

The Power of Nitrates and Their Impact on Your System

Beetroot contains dietary nitrates which convert to nitric oxide in the body, a process that can cause unusual sensations. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. While beneficial, this can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly for those with already low blood pressure or on blood pressure medication.

Digestive Discomfort and Sensitivity

Beetroot juice is also high in betaine, natural sugars, and fermentable carbohydrates. Without the fiber found in whole beets, these are quickly absorbed. This can result in digestive issues like bloating, gas, cramps, or diarrhea, especially for individuals with sensitive stomachs or when consumed on an empty stomach.

The Harmless Alarm of Beeturia

The pigment betanin in beetroot can cause urine and stool to turn red or pink, known as beeturia. This is harmless but can be alarming if unexpected, potentially contributing to a feeling of being 'weird'.

Managing Your Beetroot Juice Experience

To mitigate these effects, start with small amounts of beetroot juice and gradually increase your intake as your body adjusts. For detailed tips on managing your experience, including dilution and timing, as well as considerations for alternatives like for those prone to kidney stones or potential allergic reactions, and a comparison table for different consumption goals, please refer to {Link: InsideTracker https://www.insidetracker.com/a/articles/beetroot-juice-can-it-really-enhance-athletic-performance}.

Conclusion

Feeling strange after beetroot juice is typically a reaction to its impact on your blood pressure and digestive system due to nitrates and other compounds. Starting with small amounts, diluting the juice, and consuming it with food can help. For more information on dietary nitrates and health, you can find resources like the National Institutes of Health website. If you experience severe symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to feel dizzy after drinking beetroot juice?

Yes, it is a relatively common side effect. The high nitrate content causes blood vessel dilation, which can lead to a temporary drop in blood pressure and result in a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness, especially for those with low blood pressure.

Why does beetroot juice upset my stomach?

Beetroot juice is concentrated with natural sugars and a compound called betaine. This can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to gas, bloating, and nausea, particularly when consumed in large quantities or on an empty stomach.

What is beeturia, and is it harmful?

Beeturia is the harmless discoloration of urine or stool to a pink or reddish color after consuming beets. It is caused by the pigment betanin and is not a sign of illness, though it can be startling if you are unprepared for it.

How can I prevent feeling strange after drinking beetroot juice?

You can prevent or lessen the weird feelings by starting with a small serving, diluting the juice with water, and consuming it with a meal rather than on an empty stomach. This helps your body acclimate to the juice's potent compounds.

Can I be allergic to beetroot?

While rare, some individuals can have an allergic reaction to beetroot. Symptoms can include hives, rashes, itching, or, in severe cases, anaphylaxis with throat tightness.

Should people with low blood pressure drink beetroot juice?

Individuals with low blood pressure (hypotension) should exercise caution and monitor their blood pressure closely. Since the juice lowers blood pressure, it could potentially cause it to drop too low, exacerbating symptoms like dizziness and lightheadedness.

Is there a recommended daily amount of beetroot juice?

For general health, experts suggest that consuming a moderate amount, such as 120 to 240 ml (about half to one cup) per day, is usually sufficient to reap benefits without causing excessive side effects.