Beet Juice Side Effects

Beet Juice Side Effects

beet roots and beet greens are edible and provide numerous health benefits for the
body. Beets are especially known for their cleansing action on the liver. The liver has
several functions in the body, one of those being the main filter for the blood. If the
liver is functioning properly it can filter toxins from the blood efficiently. Beet juice
helps the liver to function properly, thereby helping the body to also function
properly. Another health benefit of beet juice is that it helps to prevent fatty liver
disease. It prevents fatty liver disease due to it's large supply of betaine. The
nutrient betaine is also responsible for the purple-red color of beets.

Never drink beet juice alone. Beet juice is nutritionally overpowering and will bring
negative side effects when it's drank by itself. Beet juice side effects can be
prevented by combining beet juice with other fruits and vegetables such as carrots
and apples. Some side effects that may take place after drinking beet juice alone
include upset stomach, a rise in blood sugar levels for those who have diabetes,
beeturia (reddish pink urine from consuming beets), and symptoms of oxalate
consumption for those who have kidney stones. Drinking beet juice by itself has also
been known to cause other reactions such as rashes, hives, and paralysis of vocal
chords. Also, since green juice also should never be drank alone - avoid combining
beet juice with only green vegetable juice. If making a combination of beet juice and
green vegetable juice, be sure to add other non-green vegetables and/or fruits such
as carrots and apples.

Increase in Blood Sugar Levels

Beets Contain More Sugar Than Any Other Vegetable. Due to the high sugar content
of, people who have diabetes are advised not to consume large amounts of beet
juice. The amount of sugar in beet juice can be diluted by adding other water rich
fruits and vegetables. Those with diabetes should check with their physician
regarding consuming beet juice even when combined with other fruits and
vegetables.

Beeturia (Reddish-Pink Urine)

Beeturia is a common side effect of consuming beet juice. Beeturia is a condition
where the urine is reddish-pink for those individuals who have consumed beet juice
or large amounts of beets. Beeturia occurs due to beets potent supply of the
nutrient betaine which gives beets their deep purple-red color. Beeturia is a harmless
condition that goes away after stopping the consumption of beets and/or beet juice.

Oxalates - Calcium Absorption and Kidney Stones

Both beet greens and to a lesser extent beet roots, contain high levels of oxalate
(Oxalic Acid). Oxilates are compounds that occur naturally in many plant foods such
as spinach, rhubarb, tea, sorrel, and buckwheat. Studies show that consuming large
amounts of oxalate containing foods may contribute to the production of kidney
stones. Individuals who have a history of oxalate-contaiing kidney stones should
avoid consuming large quantities of beets and beet juice. Oxalates are also known
to create indigestible compounds when combined with other minerals such as
calcium. Oxalates also inhibit calcium absorption if high oxilate containing foods are
consumed in large amounts. For these reasons, foods containing large amounts of
oxalates should not be combined with those that contain significant amounts of
calcium. If consuming foods that contain oxalates, additional calcium rich foods
should be consumed at a later time.

Overall, beet juice in small quantities contributes to a healthier body. Due to possible
beet juice side effects, It is recommended that individuals consult with their
physicians before consuming beet juice. Beet juice side effects are very rare when
beet juice is combined with other fruit and vegetable juices. Jay Kordich (The Father
of Juicing) commonly refers to beet juice as being a blood purifier.

Sources:

Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia

Murray , Michael N.D.. The Encyclopedia Of Healing Foods.
New York: Atria Books, 2005.

Bowden, Jonny, Ph.D., C.N.S. The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth.
Fairwinds Press, 2007

http://www.alternative-cancer-care.com

http://www.nutrition.about.com/od/askyournutritionist/f/oxalates.htm

Although there aren't many beet juice
side effects to be concerned with,
they're definitely something to keep
in mind before consuming beet juice.
Beet juice side effects can be
prevented if proper precautions are
taken before consuming the juice.
Before explaining beet juice side
effects, lets look at a few of the
health benefits that beets and beet
juice provide. Beets are a highly
nutritious superfood that provide an
excellent source of several nutrients
including betaine, calcium, iron,
vitamins A and C, folic acid, fiber,
manganese, and potassium. Both

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.