Decoded: The ‘Beet Test’ for digestion (and knowing your risk of constipation)

According to her, the ‘Beet Test’ can help one determine how long it takes for food to pass through the body. Notably, beetroot contains betalain pigments that can turn the stool and urine red. If the colour of the stool — after 12 to 24 hours — is bright red, it could indicate average transit time. If it happens in less than 12 hours, the body may not be absorbing enough nutrients from food. If it takes more than 24 hours, it could be due to slow transit time, indicating a lack of fibre and hydration in the diet, resulting in constipation.

The colour of beetroot can help determine your digestive prowess (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Dr Vikas Jindal, consultant, dept of gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi said the Beet Test for digestion is a simple and natural way to gauge the speed at which your digestive system processes food. “It involves eating beets or beetroot and then monitoring the time for the reddish pigment to appear in your stool. Beets contain a compound called betacyanin, which gives them their distinctive red colour. Since the digestive system does not easily break down this pigment, it can pass through relatively intact, acting as a visible marker of transit time,” said Dr Jindal.

This test helps determine whether you have a normal or delayed bowel transit time, which can indicate constipation. Dr Jindal said that ideally, the red pigment should appear in your stool within 12 to 24 hours after consuming beetroot.

“If the pigment appears later than 24 hours, it may suggest slow digestion and potential constipation issues. A delay could indicate a sluggish digestive system, poor gut motility, or other underlying conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),” said Dr Jindal.

 

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According to Dr Jindal, the beet test provides a noninvasive way to assess digestive speed. It can help highlight potential problems with bowel movement regularity, prompting further investigation or lifestyle adjustments to improve gut health.

It is best to consult a certified doctor if you suffer from chronic digestive issues like constipation.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.