The Effects Of Beets On Bowels

Beets are a popular winter vegetable and an excellent source of folate, manganese, potassium and antioxidants. The health-protective nutrients found in beets can help you optimize your health and fight chronic diseases. However, you may notice that the color of your stools change when eating beets. If you have sensitive bowels, you may also experience gastrointestinal discomfort and changes in your bowel movements after eating beets.

Red Stools

You may be quite surprised to see the drastic change in the color of your stools the morning following the consumption of beets. Although you may first worry that your red stools are the result of internal bleeding, no risk is experienced from this stool color change. Beets contain certain pigments that give them their vibrant and dark purple-red color. These pigments are not absorbed in your body, and this is why you can see them in your stools. This phenomenon is completely normal and does not cause any health problems.

Gastrointestinal Problems

If you have a sensitive gastrointestinal system or have irritable bowel syndrome, eating beets may cause you gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain and cramping. Changes in your bowel movements -- including diarrhea or constipation -- may also occur when eating beets. Keep a food diary to write down the foods you eat and your bowel symptoms to establish a relationship. If you only experience these problems when eating beets, and you get relief when eliminating them, the solution to your problem is simple. However, if you seem to have problems with other foods, consult your doctor to find the exact cause(s) of your problem.

Gas and Bloating

One of the substances found in beets is called fructans. People with irritable bowel syndrome or food sensitivities may react to fructans. Fructans is made of a chain of fructose that can be fermented in your bowels, producing excess gas and causing bloating and bowel movement changes.

Tolerating Beets

If you experience gastrointestinal discomfort and unpleasant changes in your bowel movements when eating beets, keep the serving size small. An amount less than 1/2 cup is not likely to contain enough fructans to trigger your symptoms. Other foods contain fructans and may contribute to your daily fructan load, which may explain why you get symptoms on one day but not another. The highest sources of fructans are onions, garlic, wheat, artichoke, watermelon and inulin. Refrain from consuming too many fructan-containing foods on the day you want to eat beets. Consult a registered dietitian for help in establishing a meal plan that will help you and your bowels feel better.