Stomach acid serves a very important purpose, and the key is finding the "Goldie Locks" balance of stomach acidity - you want it to be "just right." Proper levels of stomach acid are required to adequately absorb many nutrients, such as minerals, vitamin B12, folic acid, and proteins. According to one of the many studies by the Gastrointestinal Center at the University of Manchester, "Hydrochloric acid is normally secreted by the stomach to perform a very important function: to enhance the breakdown and subsequent absorption of the food and nutrients consumed. So part of the cost of low stomach acid is malabsorption or an inability to properly digest and absorb vitamins and minerals."

Therefore, if your stomach acidity is low or compromised, you may be more apt to experience beeturia as your body may not be properly metabolizing and assimilating beetroot pigments. Some people even test their stomach pH levels with beets. Pink pee after eating beets is quite normal, but if it happens every time after eating beets, it wouldn't hurt to take a look at your digestive health.

Let's Talk Gut

Gut health is important! Your gut flora is crucial for your overall well-being. Beneficial bacteria in your digestive system aid the body's critical functions, such as digestive and immune systems. To correct unbalanced gut flora and stomach acid levels, add some digestive enzymes and probiotics to your diet to aid digestion and create healthy gut flora. Eating raw foods also helps with enzyme health, and fermented foods, such as kvass or sauerkraut work wonderfully for balancing digestion and gut flora.

Is Beeturia Harmful?

While you never want to mistake beet pigment for blood, producing pink urine after eating beets is harmless and many people experience it (even those with healthy stomach pH levels sometimes still pee pink - hence the reason studies are ongoing); however, excess color in urine (or stool) could be a sign of of other health-related problems, especially for those with low kidney function or history of kidney stones. If you didn't consume beets and your urine color is red, that should never be ignored as hematuria (blood in urine) can be a sign of a serious disorder. As always, seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Don't be scared of a little pink or red pee after eating beets! The beet's antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber are well worth the vibrant hues swirling down the toilet bowl. Have you experienced pink pee panic after eating beets? Share your stories below!