Friday, September 25, 2020

Health Note - Death by Licorice?

Beloved,
 I wish above all things that thou mayest .... be in health...
3 John 1:2
 
"A Massachusetts construction worker died after eating bags of
black licorice for an extended period of time, which caused his heart to stop,
according to The Associated Press.
The 54-year-old ate a bag and a half every day for a few weeks, which created an imbalance in vital nutrients and affected his blood pressure. He was eating in a fast-food restaurant when he gasped and lost consciousness.
Doctors found that he had low potassium levels and heart rhythm issues.
Even a small amount of licorice you eat can increase your blood pressure a little bit,” Neel Butala, MD told the AP.
 Some black licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which is the sweetener derived from licorice root. 
It can create imbalances in electrolytes and low potassium levels, according to the FDA, as well as high blood pressure, swelling, lethargy, and heart failure. 
Eating 2 ounces of black licorice a day for 2 weeks can cause heart rhythm problems, the FDA says, particularly for people over age 40.
It’s more than licorice sticks. It could be jelly beans, licorice teas, a lot of things over the counter. Even some beers, like Belgian beers, have this compound in it,” Robert Eckel, MD, a university of Colorado cardiologist, told the AP."
WebMD