Is it smart to use every possible means of lowering blood pressure? Sometimes we need that kind of intensive effort. But pulling out all the stops isn’t always necessary. Could drinking beet juice cause vertigo? One reader thinks so.
Beet Juice for Heart Health:
Q. I read that beet juice is good for your health and heart. I have high blood pressure and take losartan and metoprolol to control it. I also had three stents inserted in my arteries almost four years ago.
I started to drink small amounts of beet juice in February. Within two days I had episodes of lightheadedness, vertigo and nausea. That might have been the result of food poisoning, so I held off drinking more beet juice for several weeks.
Three days ago I drank a bit more, and again I had episodes of light-headedness after a couple of hours. Did drinkingbeet juice cause vertigo and lightheadedness? I’ll be asking my doctor as well when I have my annual physical.
Beet Juice to Lower Blood Pressure:
A.One reason beet juice has such a healthful reputation is that it can make blood vessels more flexible and lower blood pressure (d’El-Rei et al, International Journal of Hypertension, online March 21, 2016). Perhaps adding beet juice to medications like losartan and metoprolol might have lowered your blood pressure too much. Symptoms of hypotension include lightheadedness, dizziness, feeling faint and nausea.
One study demonstratedthat a glass of beet juice lowered systolic blood pressure by over 8 points (Kapil et al, Hypertension, Feb. 2015). That’s as much assome anti-hypertensive medications.
Monitor Your Own Blood Pressure:
We would encourage you to measure your blood pressure at home. If your blood pressure is under good control with the medications you are taking, your doctor may advise you to avoid the additional effect of beet juice.
FAQs
A doctor can advise on whether drinking beet juice alongside taking medications to lower blood pressure may lower a person's blood pressure too much. If this occurs, the individual may experience symptoms such as : dizziness or lightheadedness. blurry vision.
Can beet juice make your blood pressure too low? ›
Yes, the nitrates in beets can significantly lower your blood pressure. While both raw beetroot juice and cooked beets were found to be effective at lowering blood pressure, raw beet juice had a greater effect.
What are the side effects of too much beetroot juice? ›
Drinking beetroot juice regularly can affect the color of urine and feces due to the natural pigments in beets. People may notice pink or purple urine, which is called beeturia, and pink or purple feces. These color changes are temporary and not a cause for concern. The nitrates in beetroot juice affect blood pressure.
Why do I feel weird after drinking beet juice? ›
Beets contain a compound called betaine, which can trigger digestive upsets, such as nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. [7] Plus, a high nitrite content in the body because of increased intake may cause dizziness.
Who should avoid beet juice? ›
Therefore, if you have low blood pressure, drinking beet juice may increase your symptoms. Increased risk of kidney stones: Beet juice is high in compounds called oxalates. These naturally occurring compounds in urine can increase the risk of kidney stones if you have a tendency to develop them.
How many days does beet juice stay in your system? ›
Jennifer Gonzalez, a colon hydrotherapist and owner of Doody Free Girl in Jersey City, New Jersey, says beeturia may "generally last up to 48 hours, depending on transit time and body constitution."
Can I drink beet juice while taking blood pressure medication? ›
If you take blood pressure-lowering medication, check with your doctor before regularly drinking beetroot juice. If your blood pressure drops too low, this can also affect your health.
Is it okay to drink beet juice every day? ›
Can I drink beetroot juice every day? Drinking a regular-sized glass of beetroot juice everyday shouldn't cause any adverse effects, although one study did find that those who drank one 250ml glass a day lowered blood pressure but did experience a change in the colour of their urine.
Does beet juice affect heart rate? ›
Beetroot Juice Produces Changes in Heart Rate Variability and Reduces Internal Load during Resistance Training in Men: A Randomized Double-Blind Crossover.
Can beet juice cause anxiety? ›
Not only does beetroot benefit our physical health, it can also help with reducing stress and anxiety.
Drinking beetroot juice can reduce blood pressure levels after an hour. After ingestion, hours later blood pressure will reach the lowest point and will continue to have an effect on the levels up to 24 hours after taking your beetroot juice.
Is beet juice hard on your liver? ›
Beetroot juice: Beetroot juice is a great way to detox your liver and improve its function. They are high in antioxidants and help to cleanse the blood. They also promote healthy liver function by helping to break down toxins. Try adding some beet juice to your diet for better liver health.
What are the symptoms of beetroot poisoning? ›
The primary symptom of beeturia is discolored urine or stools. Urine appears red or pink after eating beetroot or foods and juices containing extracts or pigments of beetroot. The extent of discoloration varies from person to person and depends on what you ingested.
How to tell if beet juice is bad? ›
How do you tell if beet juice is bad? If the beet juice has gone bad, it may develop a sour smell or taste indicative of fermentation. Another clear indicator is the color. Fresh beet juice has a vibrant, dark pinkish-red color while aged or expired juice can appear darker and less vibrant.
What does beet juice do to your bowels? ›
Beets can help with regularity. Fiber-rich foods like beets promote regularity and can help prevent constipation, diverticulitis, and hemorrhoids. The betaine they contain can also improve digestion.
What are the side effects of super beetroot juice? ›
Side effects of eating too many beets at once include gas, gut discomfort, and red urine or stool. Taking too high a dose of a beet supplement can cause lowered blood pressure – watch out, if you already have low blood pressure.
What happens if we drink beetroot juice daily? ›
Beet juice may boost stamina to help you exercise longer, improve blood flow, and help lower blood pressure, some research shows. Why? Beets are rich in natural chemicals called nitrates. Through a chain reaction, your body changes nitrates into nitric oxide, which helps with blood flow and blood pressure.
What are the symptoms of eating too much beets? ›
Can you eat beets everyday? It's always best to follow a varied diet. Eating a small amount of beetroot every day is unlikely to do any harm, but a high intake could lead to low blood pressure, red or black urine and feces, and digestive problems for anyone with a sensitivity to the nutrients.
