Why do beets make pee or poop red?

Because sometimes you eat beets, forget you ate beets, and then find yourself trying to figure out why something looks red.

What is beeturia?

Beets contain red-purple pigments called betalains. In some people, pigment can pass through the body and temporarily make urine look pink or red. This is often called beeturia. Beets can also change stool color.

How long after eating beets can this happen?

It varies depending on the person, how much you ate, and digestion. Our 12-hour reminder is a guess for when you might want to be reminded what you ate earlier.

Is red urine or stool always caused by beets?

No. Blood in urine or stool can also cause red coloring and may require medical assessment. Don't assume beets are the cause, especially if you have pain, other symptoms, unexplained discoloration, or the color persists. Seek medical advice if you're unsure; visible blood in urine warrants medical evaluation.

So what does this website do?

It helps you remember you ate beets. Press the button on the homepage, download a calendar reminder, and save it. Twelve hours later, your calendar can remind you. The native iPhone app can also schedule a local notification once installed.