Who cannot eat licorice? Who cannot eat licorice

Licorice is not suitable for everyone to consume. People with weak spleen and stomach, hypertension, hypokalemia, pregnant women, and infants should avoid taking licorice. Glycyrrhiza contains glycyrrhizic acid and other components, which may cause adverse reactions such as water sodium retention, elevated blood pressure or electrolyte disorder.

1. For those with weak spleen and stomach [SEP], licorice has a sweet and flat taste, but excessive intake may hinder the function of spleen and stomach metabolism. People with weak spleen and stomach have poor digestive ability and are prone to symptoms such as bloating and decreased appetite after taking licorice. Long term extensive use may also exacerbate dampness and turbidity, leading to symptoms such as thick and greasy tongue coating and sticky stool. If this group of people needs to be regulated, they can choose spleen strengthening herbs such as Poria cocos and atractylodes macrocephala as substitutes.

2. In patients with hypertension [SEP], glycyrrhizic acid in licorice has an aldosterone like effect, which may cause water and sodium retention, leading to increased blood pressure. After taking it, hypertensive patients may counteract the effect of antihypertensive drugs and even induce symptoms such as headache and dizziness. Clinical observations have shown that taking more than 50 grams of licorice daily may significantly increase systolic blood pressure. Patients with combined heart disease need to be more cautious, and it is recommended to use liver calming herbs such as chrysanthemum and cassia seed instead.

3. Hypokalemia patients

Glycyrrhetinic acid can promote renal excretion of potassium and sodium, and long-term use may lead to a decrease in blood potassium levels. Patients with hypokalemia may experience exacerbation of potassium deficiency symptoms such as limb weakness and palpitations after taking medication, and in severe cases, it may lead to arrhythmia. Those who are taking diuretics or adrenal cortex hormones should pay special attention to drug interactions, and if necessary, consult a doctor to switch to nourishing yin and generating fluids herbs such as Ophiopogon japonicus and Schisandra chinensis.

4. Pregnant women

Pregnant women taking large amounts of licorice may affect hormone balance in the body and increase the risk of premature birth. Research shows that daily intake of more than 100 milligrams of glycyrrhetinic acid during pregnancy may have adverse effects on fetal neurological development. When coughing and other symptoms occur during pregnancy, it is recommended to prioritize dietary methods such as honey and pear juice, and if necessary, use safer medicinal herbs such as Fritillaria cirrhosa under the guidance of a doctor.

5. Infants and young children

Infants and young children have delicate organs and underdeveloped metabolic systems. Taking licorice may cause adverse reactions such as diarrhea and vomiting. Children under three years of age should avoid using preparations containing liquorice. If cough medicines must be used, traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations without liquorice such as loquat syrup can be used. breastfeeding mothers also need to control their intake of licorice to prevent it from affecting their baby's health through breast milk. Before using licorice, it is recommended to fully understand one's own physical condition. Chronic disease patients and special populations are advised to consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner first. Pay attention to controlling the intake of snacks containing licorice in daily diet, such as licorice plum and licorice sugar. When taking traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations containing liquorice, carefully read the contraindications in the instructions to avoid using it together with cardiac glycosides, antihypertensive drugs, etc. When abnormal reactions such as edema and fatigue occur, immediate cessation of use and timely medical attention should be sought.