Licorice and electrolyte effects

Herbal supplements are generally safe, but are there some dangerous herbs you should be aware of? Discover the natural remedy that can cause high blood pressure in certain people, and what to take instead.

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0:00 Introduction: Natural herb to avoid if you have high blood pressure

0:30 Licorice and blood pressure health

1:40 Sodium, potassium, and hypertension explained

3:43 How much licorice will affect your blood pressure?

4:10 Licorice uses and benefits

4:38 DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)

6:02 Dangerous herbs

If you consume too much of this herb, it can cause you to retain sodium and flush potassium. You could also experience muscle cramps and heart arrhythmias!

Licorice is commonly consumed in tea and candy, and some people take licorice root for adrenal health. Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which blocks an enzyme in your body that protects you from producing too much cortisol. When you don’t have this enzyme, cortisol rises.

Our bodies are designed to retain sodium because sodium hasn’t always been readily available. Today, we get plenty of sodium and not enough potassium. You need 4700 mg of potassium per day, a key electrolyte for heart health. It also helps generate energy in the nerves and muscles, protects against blood sugar issues, and helps store glycogen in your liver.

Licorice supplements should not be taken daily, especially if you’re older, have high blood pressure, or are on certain medications like diuretics or Prednisone. Two cups of licorice tea per day may be enough to start shifting your body's electrolyte balance. Similarly, 100 mg of licorice candy daily for 2 weeks can also be problematic. One dose is not dangerous, but chronic low doses of licorice can build up in the body.

Natural remedies are very powerful but not always completely safe for everyone. Licorice has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for ulcers, coughs, inflammation, infections, and more. DGL is a type of licorice without glycyrrhizin that can provide the benefits of licorice without affecting your blood pressure.

If you’re having negative side effects from taking licorice, simply stop taking it and your symptoms should resolve. Most natural remedies can be very beneficial, and negative side effects are generally rare.

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:

Dr. Berg, age 60, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals and author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

Disclaimer:

Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients, so he can focus on educating people as a full-time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose, and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.