Beetroot

🥬 What Is Beetroot?
Beetroot (or simply beets) is a root vegetable known for its deep red-purple color and earthy sweetness. It is naturally rich in folate, fiber, manganese, nitrates, and antioxidants such as betalains. Beetroot is commonly eaten cooked, raw, pickled, or juiced.

🤔 Why Might a Sensitivity to Beetroot Occur?
A sensitivity to beetroot may occur due to how certain individuals respond to its natural compounds:

• Oxalates: Beetroot is naturally high in oxalates, which some individuals may notice more than others.

• FODMAPs (fructans): These fermentable carbohydrates may contribute to digestive changes in sensitive systems.

• Natural nitrates: While supportive for many, some individuals may be more aware of nitrate-rich foods.

• Betalains: These pigments may be more noticeable for those with heightened sensitivity to plant compounds.

• Salicylates: Beetroot contains moderate salicylates, which some individuals may be more aware of.

🛠️ What Can I Do About It?

• Avoid beetroot for 8 weeks to allow your system time to settle.

• Reduce other high-oxalate or high-FODMAP foods during this period if they seem to contribute to discomfort.

• Pay attention to whether cooked beetroot feels gentler than raw or juiced forms.

• Keep a food journal to track patterns in how your system responds.

• After 8 weeks, reintroduce slowly and observe your response before retesting.

💊 Supportive General Supplements

• Magnesium citrate – May support overall digestive comfort.

• Calcium citrate – May support oxalate management in the digestive system.

• Probiotics – May support gut balance and fiber tolerance.

• Glutathione – Often used for general antioxidant support.

• Quercetin – May support overall responses to plant compounds.

🌟 Why Might a Sensitivity to Beetroot Occur but Not to Other Vegetables?

• Oxalate levels: Beetroot contains more oxalates than many vegetables.

• FODMAP profile: Beetroot contains fructans, which differ from carbohydrates in other vegetables.

• Unique pigments: Betalains are not widely present in other vegetables.

• Nitrate concentration: Beetroot naturally contains more nitrates than most vegetables.

• Plant compound variations: Other vegetables may have lower salicylate or pigment levels.

🍽️ Popular Dishes That Contain Beetroot

• Roasted beet salads

• Beetroot and goat cheese dishes

• Beetroot smoothies and juices

• Borscht

• Pickled beets

🍽️ Alternatives (if tolerated)

• Carrots

• Parsnips

• Zucchini

• Butternut squash

• Cucumbers

• Romaine or butter lettuce