Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Strategies for Study of Neuroprotection from Cold-preconditioning

Strategies for Study of Neuroprotection from Cold-preconditioning

Published on: September 2, 2010

Beetroot juice supplementation for the prevention of cold symptoms associated with stress: A proof-of-concept study

Thomas Ritz¹, Chelsey A Werchan¹, Juliet L Kroll¹

¹Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, USA.

Physiology & Behavior

|January 26, 2019

Abstract

Objectives:

Psychological stress has been linked to common cold symptoms. Nitric oxide (NO) is part of the first line of epithelial defense against pathogens, and beetroot juice is a source of dietary nitrate that increases NO availability. We therefore tested whether beetroot juice protects against cold symptoms in a period of sustained acute stress.

Design:

Seventy-six students, 16 of these with asthma, were randomly assigned to seven daily doses of beetroot juice or no supplementation control during their final exams.

Methods:

Participants completed stress ratings, a cold symptom questionnaire, and exhaled NO measurements at a low-stress period and two periods during their final exams, with one questionnaire follow-up assessment seven days after finals.

Results:

Beetroot juice was associated with reduced symptoms of cold and sickness during and following finals. Those with asthma showed the greatest benefits. Higher exhaled NO was concurrently and prospectively associated with reduced symptomatology.

Conclusion:

Beetroot juice during periods of psychological stress protects against cold symptoms. Preliminary evidence suggests particular benefits in asthma, which could translate into reduced asthma exacerbations due to respiratory infections. Clinical Trial ID: NCT03159273.

Keywords:

Asthma Beetroot juice Cold symptoms Exhaled nitric oxide Psychological stress

More Related Videos

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents

Published on: December 2, 2015

Introducing Shear Stress in the Study of Bacterial Adhesion

Introducing Shear Stress in the Study of Bacterial Adhesion

Published on: September 2, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Responses to Heat and Cold Stress

Responses to Heat and Cold Stress

Every organism has an optimum temperature range within which healthy growth and physiological functioning can occur. At the ends of this range, there will be a minimum and maximum temperature that interrupt biological processes.

Social Proof

Social proof is a form of persuasion based on comparison and conformity. People compare their behavior and actions to what others are doing and will change to conform to do what their peers do.

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I

Stress prevention and management are crucial for maintaining well-being and building resilience. Techniques to manage stress include cultivating qualities like conscientiousness, a sense of personal control, and self-efficacy. Each of these traits significantly reduces stress and promotes healthier lifestyle choices and outcomes.
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V

A social support system is a structured network of personal relationships that provides assistance to individuals facing various challenges, offering a buffer against psychological and physical stressors. This network may consist of family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, or other community members who provide resources and companionship. Social support can take many forms, including advice, emotional comfort, practical help, and companionship. Research indicates that these networks can...

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI

Adopting a healthier lifestyle often requires overcoming significant challenges, but leveraging psychological, social, and cultural resources can facilitate meaningful change. Effective self-change hinges on understanding and applying key tools such as motivation and goal setting, which help sustain efforts toward long-term health benefits.
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques II

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques II

Personality types, particularly Type A and Type B, significantly influence how individuals respond to stress. These personality distinctions are marked by varying levels of ambition, competitiveness, and coping styles, all of which shape an individual's resilience to stressors.
Type A Personality: Driven and Easily Stressed
Individuals with Type A personalities are often highly competitive and ambitious and operate with a strong sense of urgency. Commonly labeled as...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Investigating Potential Mechanisms of Change Within Community Mental Health Treatment for Adolescent Emotional Disorders.

Journal of clinical child and adolescent psychology : the official journal for the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, American Psychological Association, Division 53·2026

Anxiety sensitivity in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Bias in dyspnea ratings and respiratory exercise response.

Respiratory medicine·2026

Comparison of the processing of positive memories technique and supportive counseling for posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled trial.

Behaviour research and therapy·2026

Positive Affect Treatment for Depression, Anxiety, and Low Positive Affect: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

JAMA network open·2026

Adolescent and caregiver reports of traumatic events experienced by adolescents who have been sexually abused: Relations with adolescent mental health.

Psychological trauma : theory, research, practice and policy·2026

Therapeutic Relationship in Group Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Yoga, and Stress Education for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Journal of psychotherapy integration·2025

See all related articles