Is Drinking Licorice Juice Daily Harmful to My Mother's Health?

Is it harmful for my mom to drink licorice root juice as if it were water?

Hello Dr.
Wu, my mother was born in 1938 and underwent thyroid surgery thirty years ago.
She received chemotherapy and radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer over twenty years ago, which resulted in inner ear damage and a perforated eardrum, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus.
Two years ago, she was diagnosed with mild dementia, and a CT scan showed cerebral atrophy.
She has been unsteady on her feet, has lost weight with weakness in her limbs, and has occasionally fallen.
For decades, she has been making licorice juice and drinking it daily as water, and she has experienced frequent urination, though it's unclear if this is related to the licorice juice.
Recently, we noticed some mild swelling in her feet.
Could this be caused by excessive consumption of licorice juice? If she needs to see a doctor to confirm her condition, should we consult a nephrologist? Last April, for her dementia treatment, she had blood tests done in the neurology department, and the results were generally normal.
We consulted a family medicine physician regarding her unsteadiness and falls, who believed these symptoms were related to her dementia.
She also used to consume large amounts of cough syrup indiscriminately but stopped in October of last year.

Yu Sicheng, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/02/09

Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine

Based on your inquiry, excessive consumption of licorice juice may lead to hypokalemia.
Additionally, considering the issue of edema, it is recommended to consult a nephrologist to clarify your condition.
Thank you for your question; the Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.

Reply Date: 2022/02/09

More Info

Drinking licorice juice daily can potentially be harmful to your mother's health, especially considering her medical history and current conditions. Licorice root contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which can lead to several health issues when consumed in large amounts or over extended periods. Glycyrrhizin can cause an increase in cortisol levels, leading to a condition known as pseudoaldosteronism, which can result in hypertension (high blood pressure), hypokalemia (low potassium levels), and edema (swelling due to fluid retention). Given your mother's history of thyroid surgery, nasopharyngeal cancer treatment, and her current symptoms of frequent urination and foot swelling, it is crucial to evaluate her licorice juice consumption.

Frequent urination could be related to several factors, including her diet, medications, or underlying health conditions. The recent observation of foot swelling may also indicate fluid retention, which could be exacerbated by the daily intake of licorice juice. It is essential to consider that licorice can affect kidney function, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking certain medications. Given your mother's history of ear issues and cognitive decline, her overall health may be more vulnerable to the adverse effects of licorice.

To address your concerns, it would be advisable for your mother to consult a healthcare professional, particularly a nephrologist (kidney specialist), to assess her kidney function and the potential impact of her licorice juice consumption. A thorough evaluation, including blood tests to check electrolyte levels and kidney function, would be beneficial. Additionally, a review of her current medications and any other dietary habits would provide a clearer picture of her health status.

In the meantime, it may be prudent to reduce or eliminate licorice juice from her diet until she can receive professional medical advice. Encouraging her to stay hydrated with water and consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help support her overall health. Monitoring her symptoms, such as changes in urination patterns, swelling, and any new symptoms, will also be important for her healthcare provider to make informed recommendations.

In summary, while licorice juice has been traditionally consumed for its potential health benefits, its daily intake, especially in the context of your mother's medical history, raises concerns. Consulting with a nephrologist and possibly other specialists will help ensure that her health is managed appropriately, and any necessary dietary adjustments can be made to support her well-being.

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