black licorice Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Licorice, an Effective Breast Cancer Fighter?

The AHA! Team — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 08:45:08 +0000

Dr. Veronique Desaulniers via NaturalHealth365 – Licorice has been proven in numerous studies to stop cancer in its tracks, especially when it comes to breast cancer tumors. But this humble yet powerful herb has also gotten a bad rap for its association with heart arrhythmias, drops in potassium levels, and even heart attacks in some individuals. What is the real deal about licorice? Is it a healer or a health threat? Keep reading for the true facts that every cancer patient needs to know. Licorice: Don’t overdo it, and stay away from the candy! Let’s cut right to the chase and first talk about what all the fuss is about. The FDA and others warn that you can overdose on too much licorice – and for some individuals, this is absolutely true. According to the FDA: “…black licorice contains the compound glycyrrhizin, which is the sweetening compound derived from licorice root. Glycyrrhizin can cause potassium levels in the body to fall. When that happens, some people experience abnormal heart rhythms, as well as high blood pressure, edema (swelling), lethargy, and congestive heart failure.” Researchers at the University of Massachusetts add that too much licorice may have an effect on adrenal hormones and can lead to a condition called pseudoaldosteronism. For these reasons, most experts recommend that healthy individuals interested in using the vast healing power of licorice utilize deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, where the glycyrrhizin has been removed (although glycyrrhizin itself is considered to be one of the healing substances in the root). Many also recommend not using any licorice product or supplement for more than four weeks at a time. Of course, if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, stop using it right away. I would add that if you are on any kind of cancer-healing protocol, stay away from the candy version. This is not a healthy way to utilize the healing effects of this powerful herb. The “candy” version often contains more sugar than the actual herbal extract, and science has confirmed that cancer feeds on sugar. In addition, many commercially processed licorice candies are created using ammonium chloride. Although no tests have been done as yet to determine this chemical’s carcinogenic effects, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control have found that chronic exposure to ammonium chloride can lead to acute respiratory problems. What are the powerful cancer-killing properties? Interestingly, the University of Massachusetts researchers and others in Western medicine recommend that individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers (such as breast, ovarian, uterine, and prostate cancer) avoid using licorice altogether. However, this advice is in direct contrast to recent studies that have found specific tumor-reducing, immune-boosting, and hormone-regulating factors within the root. Researchers at the University Sains School of Medical Sciences in Kelantan, Malaysia, discovered eight different bioactive immunomodulators within herbs such as licorice, curcumin, apricot, ginseng, and a host of others. Of these eight, four of them can be found in licorice, including: Ajoene, an anti-fungal Arctigenin, a lignan with anti-cancer effects β-carotene, a powerful anti-oxidant; and Glabridin acid can also prevents DNA damage caused by oxidation. Other studies have found similar connections between the properties of licorice and breast cancer healing and prevention: Researchers at Rutgers University were able to isolate a particular polyphenol molecule, ß-hydroxy-DHP (BHP), extracted from licorice root. This molecule has the ability to kill breast and prostate cancer tumor cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. The Chinese have long used licorice root as a hormone balancer and for complications associated with menopause. A study conducted by Nanjing Medical University in Nanjing, China, looked specifically at the Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) content found in licorice root and its effect on estrogen-positive breast cancer. The researchers found that licorice extract had an effect on estrogen levels that was breast cancer-preventative in a dose-dependent manner: the DMSO stunted cancer cell proliferation in high doses yet had the opposite effect at low doses. Other studies have found that licorice root helps to positively balance testosterone metabolism, decrease serotonin re-uptake, and reduce cortisol levels, all three of which are important to breast cancer prevention and healing. Finally, licorice has proven to be a powerful immune system regulator. Isoliquiritigenin and Naringenin found in the root can promote T cell growth. Glycyrrhizin and other flavonoids found in licorice can help reduce inflammation in the body overall. Consider licorice as part of your breast cancer healing toolbox There are so many powerful herbs found in nature that contain powerful cancer-healing properties. With over 400 compounds in one small root, licorice can definitely be considered among them. Ancient cultures from India to Greece knew this; licorice has been used all over the world for thousands of years as a hormone-balancer, immune system booster, aid for oral health, digestive aid, and more. Now, modern science is discovering the exact mechanisms that make it a true healer. If you are considering using this herbal wonder as part of your breast cancer healing protocol, be sure to do so with the help of a qualified healthcare provider. In addition, certain tests, such as the Research Genetics Cancer Center (RGCC) Test, may be able to pinpoint if licorice supplementation is right for your breast cancer journey. Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to stop cancer cell growth naturally, own the Stop Cancer Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Sciencedirect.com Lifeextension.com NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov Rgcc-group.com To read the original article click here.

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Valid Black Licorice Risks: What You Need to Know

AHA Publisher — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 07:00:12 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Did you know there’s a compound found in black licorice that can have a potent effect on your electrolyte levels? This compound actually has therapeutic applications when used correctly, but too much of it can have a dire effect. It can cause severe electrolyte imbalances even leading to death in extreme cases. In fact, black licorice risks are valid, especially if you eat a lot of the candy or consume black licorice extract in supplements or other foods. Health experts are now calling for better public knowledge of black licorice risks. Sadly, a death was recently reported from the ingestion of too much black licorice candy. How could this happen? Since most people know very little about the glycyrrhizic acid found in black licorice and its risks, it’s important to get the word out. Especially if you’re a black licorice lover, here’s what you need to know about this compound, it’s content in commercial black licorice and supplements, and its effect on health. How Is Death from Black Licorice Possible? Black licorice contains a potent compound called glycyrrhizic acid. This acid is often touted for its therapeutic benefits including potentially supporting liver health, reduced inflammatory effects, reduced oxidative stress, and more. However, the dark side of glycyrrhizic acid is its effect on electrolyte balance. It’s this imbalance that makes over-consumption of black licorice risky. Electrolytes are extremely important to heart function, and the body works very hard to maintain balance. When glycyrrhizic acid accumulates in the body from black licorice extract, sodium rises and potassium drops in the blood plasma. This can lead to dangerously low blood pressure and rarely, death. The recent report of a death from black licorice states the Massachusettes man ate about 1.5 bags of black licorice every day for a few weeks. This amount was enough to dramatically alter his electrolytes and cause his heart to stop. Unfortunately, many people don’t know about black licorice risks, whether from candy, supplements, or additives. Glycyrrhizic Acid in Food and Supplements Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed licorice root to be generally recognized as safe for use in foods (1). The FDA allows up to 3.1% glycyrrhizic acid within the food’s content, but this amount is not always regulated or disclosed. In a statement, the FDA has now warned that eating 2 ounces of black licorice per day for 2 or more weeks could cause an irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia in those over 40 years of age. Glycyrrhizic acid is extracted from Glycyrrhiza glabra, the root of the licorice plant (2). Interestingly, it has been developed in Japan and China as a drug to support liver health. In addition, it is used in many foods and supplements as a sweetener. It can be found in jelly beans, licorice teas, supplements, and even Belgian beers. In supplemental form, glycyrrhizic acid may be found as a powder, softgel, tincture, etc. While there’s no standardized dose for glycyrrhizic acid or black licorice extract, the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Scientific Committee of Food (SCF) both recommend limiting glycyrrhizic acid intake to no more than 100 mg per day (3). Some candies, supplements, foods, and drinks may contain more than this limit. Valid Black Licorice Risks Black licorice risks can come from both chronic consumption of the extract, or very large doses over a shorter period of time. Once elevated in the body, glycyrrhizic acid can cause an abnormal and significant increase in cortisol, which can lead to altered sodium and potassium levels (4). Then, this imbalance may result in (5): elevated or very low blood pressure muscle weakness abnormal heart rhythms kidney illness heart conditions fluid in the lungs While it’s very rare that black licorice extract would lead to death, doctors are urging the FDA to take a closer look at glycyrrhizic acid levels in foods and supplements after this recent tragedy. What’s more, black licorice risks are much higher for those who already have known heart or electrolyte conditions, and for anyone over 40 years of age. It’s important for the public to know about the risks as more people use supplements without medical advice. Despite its benefits experts warn that the daily consumption of licorice extract is not justified as black licorice risks outweigh any benefits (6). Other Risks of Candy Of course, there are other risks associated with eating candy, that are much more common. These risks include tooth decay, blood sugar alterations, weight gain, energy peaks and valleys, inflammatory actions, and more. Omitting processed candy and sugar in the diet is typically very beneficial for health. Bottom Line Although black licorice risks are very rare, it’s still good to be aware of them especially if you eat the candy, supplements, or foods that utilize the extract. If you choose to consume or supplement with black licorice extract, make sure to discuss it with your own health care professional. While many compounds may be considered safe in our food supply, the more you know what’s your food and how it might affect you, the better prepared you are to take control of your own health. If you’re ready to reset your food intake and cleanse your body from any compound that may be accumulating and causing disruptions to your well-being, try Dr. Colbert’s 21 Day Detox and Fast. It’s an extremely effective way to know your foods and limit any toxins. You can get started today! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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