Avoid this candy and avoid irregular heart beat and other cardio problems

I’m an outcast. I admit it. I love black licorice. Not as much as red laces, mind you, but I could eat a pound of that stuff!

So I took particular notice of the new FDA warning about black licorice.

Now while I don’t usually pay too much attention to what the FDA has to say, this gave me pause. The FDA notice specifically warns that eating two ounces of black licorice every day for two weeks may cause heart arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) in people over the age of 40.

Hmmm…even I don’t eat that much black licorice, but I guess someone does.

The problem comes from glycyrrhizin, a compound in licorice root that gives licorice candy that distinctively bitter taste. A steady buildup of glycyrrhizin can cause problems because it prompts the kidneys to eliminate potassium.

As I’ve told you before, potassium is essential to balance sodium levels. So when potassium drops and stays low, your sodium levels can present a cardiovascular risk.

Naturopathic doctors sometimes use licorice supplements to prevent stomach ulcers and control heartburn and upper respiratory congestion. In most cases, these supplements are de-glycyrrhizinated and won’t cause potassium problems. But make sure to read the label. And, for snacking, there are always red laces (or of course, things that are way, way healthier!).

Sources:
“FDA warns adults over 40 from eating too much black licorice” All Headline News, 10/31/11, allheadlinenews.com