Licorice

Posted , 9 users are following.

Merry Christmas All!

I'm sitting here scoffing licorice, then I suddenly remember, aren't us PMR suffers not supposed to eat it??? But can't remember why we can't!!!

Andrea xx

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • Posted

    I could be wrong, but I thought it has a reaction with prednizone. Anybody else know?
    • Posted

      Thank you Pam, I hope I stopped in time, just a few licorice all sorts!!! X
  • Posted

    Glad I don't like licorice. But am having more than is sensible vis a vis alcohol on this day. Well it is Christmas.

    have a great time all.

    Ron

  • Posted

    Wow, never heard...but looked it up and the herb has antiinflammatory actions as prednisone.  The candies made of licorice are probably mostly sugar. I can't imagaine there being much true licorice in there, but I'm NO expert.  

    But glad you posted just for something new to learn. 

    Sometimes I used the DGL licorice for my stomach.  Hmmm.

  • Posted

    Having GCA and because on Pred I avoid sweets, sodium, carbs, etc etc

    The steroid by itself increases the glucose sodium levels. As carbs and alcohol become sugar they are on the no-no list as well.

    Yesterday I ate two mini blueberry scones though and enjoyed them immensely!!

    As in regular basis the recommended diet is followed, I give myself permission to have 'little pleasures' now and then, exactly as you did.

    As my rheumy says - " everything in moderation!"

    xxxx

  • Posted

    Licorice can cause hypokalemia (low potassium) and muscle weakness. The amount of licorice needed to do this can vary from person to person depending on their medications and other medical problems. Licorice extracts are frequently in homeopathic type medications, especially those from China, so it is hard to quantify how much is safe to eat. It has an adrenal suppressing effect, similar to Prednisone.
    • Posted

      I never tried licorice and now more than never I am glad I didn't!

      Thank you for your clear explanation!

      I have GCA , I am on Pred and follow the recommended diet.

      Hopefully all is going well!

    • Posted

      Thanks Burt!,, I had a feeling it could have quite an effect on us. With it having an adrenal suppressing effect, seeing as I'm on 7mg of pred where hopefully my adrenaline glands are slowly waking up, I should avoid it at all costs incase my body gets confused!

      Andrea x

    • Posted

      Hi, Andrea, I am glad for two reasons:

      - you got a clear answer to your question,

      - the same way it was useful to me.

      xxx

  • Posted

    This is very interesting.  Years ago a naturopath recommended licorice to me, I can't remember why but it was probably because of aches and pains which I associated with OA or possible my dry itchy skin.  As I recall, she said it would help my adrenal glands. As I detest it I did some research and decided I wouldn't take it because of a family history of brain haemorhage, thinking it could be dangerous.  With the PMR diagnosis I found information which reminded me that it was supposedly helpful for adrenal function and wondered if at some point I might want to try it after all.  On balance it seems prudent to let that particular sleeping dog lie!  
  • Posted

    I think it's bad for blood pressure, the same as Rhubarb, I was told, so I don't eat either now.

    i hope I'm wrong now that you've eaten it. Haha😺. 🙀. 

  • Posted

    OK, one of my guilty pleasures is OUZU which is licorice. RRAAATTTZZZZ
    • Posted

      Which probably isn't licorice - it's usually anise. As I said on your other post, anise, fennel and licorice all taste similar but are different herbs.
  • Posted

    http://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=2383-0,1936-0

    Interactions between your selected drugs

    Moderate

    prednisone  licorice

    Applies to: prednisone, licorice

    Ask your doctor before using licorice together with predniSONE. Products containing licorice (glycyrrhizic acid) can cause high blood pressure as well as salt and water retention. Prolonged treatment with predniSONE can also have these effects. Generally, you should avoid or limit the consumption of licorice if you are being treated with predniSONE for more than just a few days. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure those products do not contain licorice or glycyrrhizic acid, which may be found in licorice-flavored chewing gum or candy, chewing tobacco, certain ethnic foods and beverages, and some herbal diuretics or laxatives. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor. 

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