We are living in a world where people are increasingly becoming more and more aware of their health conditions and would not want to stop striving for anything but the best in terms of health, work and even their looks.
Reports show that there has been an amazingly high rate of increase in the number of gym memberships over the last decade.
The health experts have also indicated that they are now being approached by many who simply want consultations to know about “the best ways to live a healthy life“.
The fact that you are reading this article also proves that dear reader YOU too are doing your best to be healthy and live a healthy lifestyle.
However, with the change in lifestyles and daily routines, several people find themselves making regular trips to the doctors for cases of low energy and stamina as dieting does more harm than good for your body.
The diagnosis for most usually ends up being low on haemoglobin or just an improper diet. As a result, the doctors prescribe more vitamins and an iron-rich diet.
Now as we all know, beetroot is a famous source of iron due to which most people make it the first thing to add to their daily diets. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and fibre, beets were also used as a medicine during the ancient times. The benefits of this super amazing edible vegetable are innumerable.
However more than the actual beet, its leaf was more famous for the health benefits than the beetroot itself as it comes from the spinach family.
Even so, not many are aware that beet juice has several side effects that can do more harm than good for the average person if consumed without precaution. Yes, no jokes beetroot Juice has many side effects which can be quite dangerous for your body.
If you are as confused after reading the above statement, just like I was, when I first heard about it, then here is a list of 10 side effects of consuming beet juice that will help you understand the case and fact on a deeper level.
10 side effects of consuming beet juice
1) Kidney Stones
The high levels of betaine and oxalate in beets can aggravate existing kidney problems or give rise to new ones. Therefore, people who have kidney stones must at all costs avoid consuming beet juice.
Even those with weak kidneys must consult with their doctors before adding beetroots to their daily diet. As oxalate is harmful for certain organs of your body and one of them as mentioned in the Kidney.
2) Temporary Paralysis of the Vocal Cords
Consuming beet juice directly or in a concentrated form can lead to a temporary paralysis of the vocal cords. While temporary may sound like an easy condition, it is not as easy as it sounds especially once it actually happens.
A paralysis of the vocal cord, yes, a temporary one too, can cause a person to get restless and anxious. Some have also reported panic attacks due to this condition.
However, it can be avoided by consuming it in a diluted form or mixed with other vegetables and fruits. Only the concentrated juice of Beetroot is known to create this situation.
3) Beeturia
The name may sound funny, but the condition is not!
Beeturia is the condition of reddening of urine (and stool in some cases) due to over-consumption of beet juice. The urine (or stool) may either appear completely red which may give the feeling that blood is being released with it or it may even be light pink.
Although it is not really a disease but it definitely is something that can have an alarming effect on someone who doesn’t know its cause, just the fact that you urine is full of blood can be enough to cause a panic attack in many people especially if you were pretty healthy and suddenly had to see a red urine or stool.
However, we do want to give a word of caution here, about not taking the condition lightly and consulting with your doctor to confirm that it is not serious.
4) Calcium Deficiency
Several research reports have suggested that drinking beet juice can often lead to a reduction in the calcium levels in the human body.
Therefore, it can have a negative impact on the bones. Especially, for women who start reporting low calcium levels after the age of 30 and also for the old generation that already has weak bone structures and various calcium deficiency diseases and so it can be a cause of concern.
5) Increase the Accumulated Levels of Minerals
Rich in iron, beet juice can increase the accumulated levels of minerals like copper, iron, magnesium, and phosphorous in the body. It can also lead to hemochromatosis which is the over-accumulation of iron in the human body.
6) Fever
The antioxidants in the beetroot lead to a process called detoxification which is the flushing out of the toxins from the body.
Detoxification is also the latest fad catching up on the internet with several celebrities posting about them. However, if consumed in a large amount, the sudden detoxification caused by beetroots can occasionally lead to mild fever and other flu-like symptoms. Rarely but many people have felt dehydrated due to excessive detoxification as well.
7) Blood pressure
While it is a God-sent ingredient for those with high blood pressure, the same cannot be said for those with a blood pressure on the lower side.
Beetroot is known as an ingredient which helps in lowering blood pressure and can thus be dangerous for those with a medically diagnosed low blood pressure.
So, if you feel your blood pressure has been keeping low on a regular basis, don’t forget to check the quantity of beetroot or beet juice you have been consuming also avoid the consumption of Beet juice on regular basis if you have been diagnosed with Low blood pressure issues.
8) Liver health
Beetroot has a decent amount of iron, magnesium, copper, and phosphorous. Consuming too much beetroot juice can increase the level of these metals and cause them to accumulate in the liver. This will harm the liver and pancreas which can also be irreversible at times.
9) Upset Stomach
If you have a sensitive stomach that faces ups and downs on a regular level, then beetroot consumption in more than regular quantity is a big no no for you.
Overeating these beetroots can lead to flatulence, cramping, bloating along with constipation and diarrhoea at times.
Those with gastrointestinal diseases or weak bowel movements should thus, avoid consuming beetroot in huge quantities if not stop its consumption entirely.
10) Rashes
Many people report allergies to root vegetables, and same is the case with beetroots. While it isn’t that common, the condition can lead to irritation of the skin along with mild fever and chills.
It may look like a symptom of common flu, but if you notice its happening after consumption of beetroot, then you can simply join the dots and link it to the inclusion of beetroots in your diet. But, in such cases do consult a physician at earliest and do not sit back trying to join the dots to understand the cause behind fever and chills.
Conclusion
While there are many other side effects of consumption of beetroot juice including vomiting, problems with pregnancy, and gout, among others, the ten points as mentioned above are the most common ones.
As they say, everything is good as long as it isn’t overdone, the same goes with your diet. Every fruit and vegetable has its benefits which can easily turn into negative side effects upon overconsumption (The definition of overconsumption here differs from person to person depending on each body type and health condition).
Beetroot is very healthy for those with low iron levels and high blood pressure. However, those with low BP, low calcium, high iron deposits in the body and pregnant or trying to conceive must consult their doctor before adding beet juice to their diets.