In the past, nature was all we had as a species. We didn’t have pharmacies, or “doctors” to tell us what was wrong. So it’s no surprise that when we tune in, pay attention and look for signs, we can find solutions to common problems that ale us. In this particular case, I’m talking about Beets! This beneficial root has the ability to help us read our iron levels. Awesome, I know~! If you are part of the 10 – 14% that experiences red urine after eating beets then you can use this natural test to check your iron levels. If you’ve ever eaten beets in the past, you know it can turn your waste a reddish color (so don’t be alarmed and think your bleeding). Just the other day I noticed that the beets seemed to be affecting the color of my urine. As a female, I naturally thought I was starting my period. Upon closer examination, I realized that it seemed to be the color of the beets transferring over. When I googled this to see if it was common, I ran across countless articles explaining how beets interact with the acids in the body. These acids also react with iron levels in the blood. If your urine turns red after eating beets, chances are, your anemic!
Fitness Fact
“The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia is 2 percent in adult men, 9 to 12 percent in non-Hispanic white women, and nearly 20 percent in black and Mexican-American women.”
How Beets Tell You Your Anemic
According to Fitsugar, 10 – 14 % of people experience this genetic phenomenon known as Beeturia.
The red urine can also occur if you eat a lot of other oxalic acid containing foods such as spinach, rhubarb, or chocolate along with your beets. If that’s the case, then red urine is harmless, but it can also be a warning sign that you have an iron deficiency. If you’re not getting enough iron, you may notice other symptoms such as feeling tired all the time, having a hard time concentrating, or pale skin and gums. A simple test at your doctor’s office can help figure out if your iron levels are low.
Beets and Anemia
The best part about this natural occurring “signal” is that you can also use beets to help you get more iron into your system. They are a GREAT source of iron! A note to the wise, beet juice is awesome, BUT if you drink too much at one time it can give you a scratchy throat and over consumption will give you a horse voice. Moderation is key. Eating them cooked is also beneficial.
The combination of iron (14% RDA) (a strong oxidant – allows oxygen in the blood) in combination with the antioxidants (127% RDA) (prevent from damage from oxidants) in beet, make iron in beets a valuable source of iron. Therefore, beet juice benefits anemia reversal. (To treat anemia, it is important to also have enough vitamin B12 which is found mostly in animal food and some sea algae e.g. (E3 Live and marine phytoplankton))
While we’d love to think that we never have to go to the doctors EVER AGAIN, beets are not meant to replace a blood test. HOWEVER, if you think like I do (and would like to avoid unnecessary doctor visits), you may use this test as a way to signal you to get further tests done. Nature is always there to help us and aid in remedies for better health. If you know someone who may be anemic, have them test out this little trick with beets to see if they respond in an anemic fashion. Adria
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