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Overview

About Beet

Beets are the classic earthy root, and their standout trigger is oxalate: they are very high in it, which matters for anyone prone to calcium-oxalate kidney stones or following a low-oxalate diet.

They also carry moderate fructans and polyols, so a large serving can be a mild FODMAP load. The famous red or pink urine after eating them, called beeturia, is harmless and not a sign of anything wrong.

Sensitivities

How Beet scores

Watch for

What trips people up

  • Very high in oxalate, the main reason to moderate beets if you form calcium-oxalate kidney stones or eat low-oxalate
  • Moderate fructans and polyols, so a big portion of beetroot can add up to a mild FODMAP trigger for a sensitive gut
  • Beeturia, the pink or red urine some people get afterward, is a harmless pigment effect and not blood or a symptom to worry about

Diet fit

Where it fits

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FAQ

Common questions about Beet

Are beets high in oxalate?

Yes, beetroot is one of the higher-oxalate vegetables, and beet greens are higher still. If you are prone to calcium-oxalate kidney stones or on a low-oxalate diet, beets are a food to limit. Lower-oxalate roots like carrot or turnip are gentler swaps.

Why is my pee red after eating beets?

That is beeturia, caused by betanin, the natural red pigment in beets. In roughly 10 to 14 percent of people the pigment passes through and colors the urine pink or red for a day or two. It is completely harmless and has nothing to do with blood.

References

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Ratings reflect the Triggerbites ingredient database and may vary with portion size and preparation.