Black Licorice: Dangerous Candy
Eat too much candy and youll be sorry. Eat too much black licorice, and you could be dead.
This creepy Halloween warning comes from the FDA. Too much black licorice, the federal agency says, can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, as well as high blood pressure, edema , lethargy, and congestive heart failure.
How much is too much? The FDA warns people age 40 and older not to eat 2 ounces of black licorice a day for two weeks or more.
And thats a conservative warning. The NIH has warned that its possibly unsafe to eat just 1 ounce of black licorice a day for several weeks. In addition to the FDAs list of drastic possible too-much-licorice results, the NIH adds paralysis, brain damage, and erectile dysfunction.
And if you eat a lot of salt, if you have high blood pressure, or if you have heart or kidney disease, the NIH says as little as a sixth of an ounce of licorice a day could cause these problems.
The issue, well known to many forms of traditional medicine, is that licorice root contains a drug: glycyrrhizin.
Many of those who use licorice as an herbal remedy seek relief of sore throat, cough, infections, arthritis, lupus, or chronic fatigue syndrome. Its been used to treat all kinds of ailments ranging from muscle cramps to prostate cancer, although theres no solid scientific evidence that it actually works.
And dont eat licorice for at least two weeks before planned surgery. It can interfere with blood pressure during and after your procedure.
Clearing Up Heartburn Acid Reflux & Gerd
Heartburn is often a common side effect of acid reflux which can be fleeting or a more chronic condition known as GERD. Here we break down the three conditions so you can get a better understanding of what you are dealing with
What is Acid Reflux?
Theres a muscle that joins the stomach with the esophagus. This muscle tightens after food passes through, however, if the muscle is weakened or not working properly for some reason, it may not tighten enough and this can cause your stomach acid to move up into the esophagus.
What is Heartburn?
The term heartburn sounds scary but in reality, what is happening is nothing to do with the heart and is linked to the digestive system. Heartburn is a side effect of acid in the esophagus rising up. As acid is an irritant it can lead to inflammation of the food pipe which in turn triggers the feeling of heartburn. This condition is hugely common and while its not serious it can be stressful and uncomfortable thanks to the burning sensation.
What is GERD?
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease which is a chronic condition of acid reflux. For those who have acid reflux twice a week or more, this could be a sign that you are suffering from GERD. This condition isnt as easily solved by antacids or lifestyle management and can lead to more serious side effects like asthma, chest pain, tooth enamel damage, and long term damage to the esophagus can even come with cancer risk.
What Are the Side Effects?
· Discomfort in chest
Effect Of Licorice On Heartburn/gerd
The mechanism of action of the peptic ulcer-healing activity of DGL is not completely understood. In animal studies, DGL was found to boost the differentiation of glandular cells in the forestomach of a rat, and stimulate mucus secretion. The stimulation of mucus secretion in the stomach is believed to contribute to the healing properties of DGL. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice has some flavonoids that have antimicrobial properties including effects against the ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
Read more details about Licorice.
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What Have We Learned
- Some products that contain licorice root and other ingredients may help relieve digestive symptoms. Because these are combination products, the role of licorice in their effects is uncertain.
- Thereâs some evidence that topical gels containing licorice root might be helpful for atopic dermatitis symptoms. Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is a chronic disease in which skin becomes irritated, inflamed, and itchy.
- A small number of studies suggest that using a licorice gargle or lozenges before surgery might help to prevent or lessen the severity of the sore throat that often occurs after surgery.
What Is Lemon Coffee
The simple description of this drink coffee with lemon serves as the ingredient list, too. The most common mixture seems to be the juice from half a lemon squeezed into a standard cup of black coffee.
The taste falls somewhat short of yummy, which may explain why a steaming cup of lemon coffee isnt featured on menu boards at local cafes.
Dont try adding lemon juice to a latte, either, unless youre into curdled milk.
Sweetened iced coffee, however, does have a culinary connection with lemons in some cultures. For instance, a drink called mazagran originated in Algeria almost two centuries ago and remains popular in Portugal.
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Drinking Lemon Water Every Day Could Help With Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is not always caused by dehydration, but it is one common reason for the condition. The side effects that come with this condition, such as bad breath and even cavities, are enough to make sufferers want to find a solution as soon as possible. Fortunately, lemon water might just be able to help.
According to Healthline,Lemon is thought to stimulate saliva and water also helps prevent a dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath caused by bacteria. And, as Readers Digest, explained, the sourness of lemons help release more saliva. Because lemon water is, obviously, water with lemon, the solution for dry mouth is twofold. Drinking water helps dry mouth as it is hydrating and lemon helps get those literal juices flowing, making lemon water a great idea if you suddenly find your mouth more parched than usual.
What Are Other Home Remedies For Acid Reflux
Besides lemon water, many people try baking soda as an acid reflux treatment. Other home remedies worth trying are drinking aloe vera syrup since it is found to decrease gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms in 79 participants. To prepare this drink, simply mix aloe vera syrup with juice or water. You can also add more enzyme-rich foods like pineapple and papaya to your diet.
Its also recommended to take over-the-counter or prescription drugs like antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or digestive enzymes supplements. However, remember to consult your doctor before taking any new medication.
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What Medications Should Not Be Taken With Licorice
The unique nature of glycyrrhizin in licorice necessitates caution. That’s especially true considering its potential interactions with common medications. Several pharmaceuticals become less effective when taken with licorice:
- Warfarin
- Midazolam
- Paclitaxel
Licorice also reduces benefits delivered by other classes of drugs: estrogens, diuretics, blood pressure medications and corticosteroids. It can also speed up how the liver breaks down other kinds of drugs. Consult your physician or pharmacists for more details about licorice interactions with your medications.
Does Lemon Juice Cause Heartburn
reflux causesaciditylemon juicerefluxlemonreflux
. Besides, do lemons cause heartburn?
Acidic FoodsMany people find that eating citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and pineapples, can trigger heartburn symptoms. Thats especially true if you eat citrus fruits on an empty stomach. Tomatoes also have a lot of acid, making them a common heartburn trigger.
Likewise, what can I drink to relieve heartburn? Chamomile, licorice, slippery elm, and marshmallow may make better herbal remedies to soothe GERD symptoms. Licorice helps increase the mucus coating of the esophageal lining, which helps calm the effects of stomach acid.
Considering this, is Lemon Juice Good or bad for acid reflux?
Although lemon juice is very acidic, small amounts mixed with water can have an alkalizing effect when its digested. This can help neutralize the acid in your stomach. And you should never drink straight lemon juice due to its acidity. It needs to be diluted with water to be effective.
What are the side effects of drinking lemon water?
Side effects of lemon waterLemon contains citric acid, which may erode tooth enamel. To limit the risk, drink lemon water through a straw, and rinse your mouth with plain water afterwards. When it comes to heartburn, lemon water can go either way.
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Cold Or Hot Tea Which Is Better For Heartburn
The temperature of tea and its effect on gastric reflux and heartburn has not really been studied and as such, there is no available scientific data to establish any association to that effect.
However, both very hot and very cold drinks might trigger pain around the center of the chest, which feels like heartburn. The most common reasons for such pain are:
- Hot and cold drinks can cause esophageal spasms, which might feel like heartburn.
- Esophageal erosion is a common problem among long-term heartburn sufferers. People suffering from this condition might experience pain due to rapid temperature changes in the esophagus.
- Hot drinks are also associated with the risk of esophageal cancer. however, there seems to be no solid evidence for this connection.
Even though the scientific data is scarce, it is probably a good idea to avoid both very hot and very cold beverages.
There May Be A Connection Between Citrus Fruits And Migraines
Even though there is no proven link, yet, some studies over the years have discovered a connection between migraines and citrus fruits.
Fruits like lemons are on doctors radars as possible triggers for migraines and headaches, neurologist Rebecca Traub told Health in 2015.
According to WebMD, this link may be due to the fact that lemons are higher in tyramine a natural monoamine thats often linked to headaches than other fruits.
Read More:
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What Are Warnings And Precautions For Licorice
Warnings
- This medication contains licorice. Do not take alcacuz, Chinese licorice, gan cao, gan zao, Glycyrrhiza glabra, lakritze, Lakritzenwurzel, orozuz, regliz, Russian licorice, Spanish licorice, sweet root, yashtimadhu, or yo jyo hen shi ko if you are allergic to licorice or any ingredients contained in this drug.
- Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
Contraindications
Milk And Heartburn: Are There Benefits
The myth that milk relieves heartburn has existed for a long time, in part due to the soothing nature we imagine that milk has on and in our bodies.
In reality, milk is far from a one-size-fits-all remedy for heartburn. While milk is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, it rarely relieves heartburn. In fact, milk that is high in fat, like whole milk, is one of the most common triggers of heartburn and can worsen heartburn symptoms once they start.
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Fruits Good For Acid Reflux: Eat Them And Youre Safe
Following bananas, we can some other fruits to the list of goodies2 for heartburn and acid reflux.
To keep things general, each low-acid fruit is good.
Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew are fruits to add to the whitelist.
The presence in the diet of other risk factors, as well as other high-acid fruits, however, can be a problem.
Bananas and other low-acid fruits are just a part of a healthy diet for heartburn and acid reflux.
Not really a fruit, but derived from them, apple cider vinegar deserves a special mention because it helps when used in the right way.
Licorice May Combat Reflux But With Dangerous Effects
Tue., Sept. 27, 2016
Q. My naturopath prescribed licorice to ease nausea and acid reflux. A month later, I was in the emergency department with high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, chest pain and lightheadedness.
My potassium was too low, whereas a month earlier it was within normal limits. I searched licorice and potassium and found a link. I have thrown away the licorice pills, and after a few days of potassium pills prescribed by the ER doctor, I am starting to feel normal.
A. Your naturopathic doctor was irresponsible to prescribe licorice without careful monitoring. Although natural licorice might help with stomach upset, its active ingredient, glycyrrhizin, can cause fluid retention, hypertension and low potassium. This could lead to irregular heart rhythms that could be life-threatening.
A safer alternative might be deglycyrrhizinated licorice . With the glycyrrhizin mostly removed, it is less likely to cause dangerous side effects. Dont take potassium pills indefinitely, since too much can be as dangerous as too little. A blood test will tell your doctor when your potassium is back to normal.
Q. As a pharmacist, I see the impact of high drug prices every day. People on Medicare Part D are reaching the doughnut hole earlier every year due to the high cost of their meds.
Many times people go without their meds because they cant afford them. Switching to vials and syringes might save some, but it is the cost of the insulin that is so high.
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The Dangers Of Decreased Potassium
Black licorice contains a compound that comes from licorice root that can lower your potassium levels. Lower potassium levels can cause those abnormal heart arrhythmias.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration experts blame glycyrrhizin, the sweetening compound derived from the licorice root. This compound can cause potassium levels in the body to decrease and when this happens, some people can experience abnormal heart rhythms.
Others, especially those over 40 with a history of heart disease and/or high blood pressure, may experience other potentially serious problems, including a rise in blood pressure, lethargy and even congestive heart failure.
If you already have heart disease or high blood pressure, then be a little more aware of how youre feeling if you eat this kind of licorice, says Patton. Stop eating it if you think you notice any type of irregular heartbeats.
However, she notes that some foods that advertise themselves as licorice or licorice flavor use anise oil, not true black licorice. Those foods will not put you at risk for arrhythmias.
Also known as sweet root, licorice root has some benefits, too. Its used primarily in a dietary supplement for bacterial and viral infections, digestive problems and menopausal symptoms. Be cautious because these supplements can raise blood pressure.
How Can Licorice Help Ibs And Gerd
To clarify, we’re not talking Twizzlers, but real licorice, more like the thick, more bitter-tasting black rope candy my grandparents snacked on when they were kids.
DGL stands for Deglycyrrhizinated licorice. This means the licorice has had most of the glycyrrhizin in it removed a substance that can cause dangerously high blood pressure if taken too often. This means DGL is relatively safe for regular consumption . It comes in the chewable form usually because chewing it enables saliva production for better processing I believe of the chemical compounds in it and also help activate/release the DGL before it hits the stomach. Directions usually call for chewing a DGL tablet about 20 minutes before a meal that may cause one gastric distress. Though if you missed that opportunity you can also take it about 30-60 minutes after the meal.
The DGL supposedly works by increasing mucus production in the digestive tract, in turn forming a protective coating on the stomach and protecting both it and the esophagus from acid production.
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Why Does Peanut Butter Bloat Me
If you find that peanut butter bloats you this is an indication that its irritating your digestive system. You may need to reduce your intake or choose a more natural brand. On average aim to eat no more than a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter at a time.
Of course, if you eat a few teaspoons frequently throughout the day this may also pose a problem. Everybody is unique and learning how to observe your digestive function and any clues as to which foods may not be working for you is central to experiencing good health.
Also, switch to smooth peanut butter over crunchy as a potential way to further minimize your risk of bloating
Remain Upright For An Hour Or Two After Eating
To get rid of heartburn at night especially, avoid eating too soon before bedtime or eating and then lying down on the couch, Dykstra says. Going horizontal makes it more likely that acid will flow backward into your esophagus.
If you find it difficult to avoid eating before to bedtime, you can try elevating the head of your bed to stay upright as you sleep. The Mayo Clinic recommends inserting a wedge between your mattress and box spring to do the trick .
Does Eating Slowly Help Heartburn?
One of the old-fashioned heartburn remedies is chewing food thoroughly and slowing down when you’re eating, but research doesn’t support this idea. A 2013 comparative study in the Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology found that eating speed had no significant effect on reflux attacks in people with GERD.
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Best Foods For Acid Reflux
A diet balanced with vegetables, protein and fruits is best, Dr. Khaitan says. Examples of the best foods for acid reflux include:
- Chicken breast Be sure to remove the fatty skin. Skip fried and instead choose baked, broiled or grilled.
- Lettuce, celery and sweet peppers These mild green veggies are easy on the stomach and wont cause painful gas.
- Brown rice This complex carbohydrate is mild and filling just dont serve it fried.
- Melons Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all low-acid fruits that are among the best foods for acid reflux.
- Oatmeal Filling, hearty and healthy, this comforting breakfast standard also works for lunch.
- Fennel This low-acid crunchy vegetable has a mild licorice flavor and a natural soothing effect.
- Ginger Steep caffeine-free ginger tea or chew on low-sugar dried ginger for a natural tummy tamer.