Licorice in pregnancy: does it really help for low blood pressure?
What is usually consumed of licorice is the root, characterized by the characteristic fresh and intense taste not always pleasant for everyone. This type of plant with its roots has been the subject of study to define any properties as well as contraindications. But can you eat licorice in pregnancy? Before you find out, here is a video with a series of foods to watch out for during the 9 months of gestation.
What is licorice?
Licorice is a herbaceous plant known above all because its roots can be chewed and release the typical aroma and the active ingredient (glycyrrhizinic acid). This has phytotherapeutic properties useful for the body, but also many contraindications that should not be underestimated especially if you are pregnant. Even if its taste is similar to anise, star anise or wild fennel, licorice does not belong to this type of plant, but it is part of the legume family, present in Southern Europe and in some parts of Asia. In addition to the roots, on the market it is possible to find candies, herbal teas, liqueurs and supplements based on licorice. Let's see specifically the benefits and contraindications of this controversial product.
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Licorice in pregnancy: the properties
Since the past, licorice was used for curative purposes to combat indigestion, inflammation, gastritis, ulcer, cough and constipation. The benefits therefore mainly concern the gastrointestinal tract, but they are not the only ones. According to phytotherapy and herbal remedies, licorice is also suitable as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever for the stomach, bronchodilator, expectorant and laxative. In addition, the active ingredient of glycyrrhizin has also shown antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, liver-protective effects and useful in stimulating blood circulation.
Glycyrrhizin if taken intravenously slows the progression of viral and autoimmune hepatitis; while if applied locally in the form of cream or ointment, it acts against atopic dermatitis. Finally, it seems to be useful for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases and tooth decay.
Can licorice in pregnancy be toxic?
Is it true that consuming licorice during pregnancy can affect the baby's intelligence? According to some studies conducted by the University of Helsinki, the active ingredient of licorice, if taken during pregnancy, can affect the IQ of the fetus, its memory capacity and be the cause of disorders related to attention deficit and hyperactivity.
Also according to these studies, girls, whose mothers consumed licorice during pregnancy, had a greater chance of entering precocious puberty; not to mention the boys who scored 7 points less (on average) on the intelligence tests and their mothers confirmed they consumed large amounts of licorice during pregnancy.
Obviously, the questioning of these studies is legitimate, especially because glycyrrhizin, the active ingredient in licorice, is also present in other products. Furthermore, there are so many factors that can affect a child's cognitive development that we do not know if they have really been considered before reaching these conclusions.
So in conclusion, is licorice in pregnancy bad for you? It cannot be said with certainty and it is not certain that pregnant women should avoid eating it in the 9 months prior to giving birth. However, as a precaution, it would be best to avoid all products that contain it, including teas, herbs, and extracts.
The unwanted effects of licorice
Excessive consumption of licorice can cause several side effects. Let's see which are the main ones.
- Reduction of potassium in the blood
- Increased sodium in the blood
- Muscle weakness
- Reduction of aldosterone (acts on sodium and potassium)
- Decline in blood pressure
- Increase of atrial natriuretic hormone (useful for the control of sodium, potassium and fat).
If ingested in large quantities, licorice can be toxic and impair metabolism.
Edema, weight gain or loss, and arterial hypertension may easily occur. For all these reasons, during pregnancy it would be better to avoid it, after all it is only 9 months and after giving birth you can enjoy it again! In general, all people who are heart disease, suffering from kidney failure or hypertension should avoid or limit the consumption of licorice at no more than 50 grams per day.
The action of licorice on the placenta
Although there is no certain evidence, glycyrrhizin would have an undesirable effect on the placenta to the point of recreating the conditions of high maternal stress, with serious consequences on fetal development, increasing the risk of cognitive and behavioral disorders of the child. To mediate this effect would be a hormone called cortisol, which is precisely the stress hormone.
Under normal conditions, the placenta is able to block the passage of cortisol to the fetus. However, if there is too much cortisol, that is, if the mother is too stressed or has ingested a lot of licorice, this barrier no longer works, and the cortisol reaches the fetus. Basically, glycyrrhizin is capable of inactivating the anticortisol barrier mechanism of the placenta, which is why it is extremely dangerous.
Licorice in pregnancy: the most frequently asked questions
Can licorice in pregnancy cause toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is an "infection caused by a bacterium present in raw meats and cured meats. As regards licorice, being originally a plant, it could contain harmful bacteria, so if found in nature, it must first be well cleaned and washed. however, as stated in this article, in pregnancy the consumption of licorice should be moderate or suspended altogether, although there is some benefit especially for the gastro intestinal tract.
If I eat licorice when pregnant, can I feel contractions?
Licorice in pregnancy, if taken in large doses, can damage the placenta and induce premature birth with associated contractions. This only happens though, if the ingested doses of licorice are high. Moms who care about their babies' health will do well to avoid licorice in the 9 months before giving birth.
Can i eat licorice candy when pregnant?
Eating a small liqueur candy to calm the cough and do good to the whole throat is possible, the important thing in addition to not overdoing it, is to choose a sugar-free type in order to avoid glycemic spikes in the blood. Another tip is to avoid liqueurice gummy candies that actually have licorice only the aroma and are full of dyes and preservatives.
Could licorice in pregnancy cause nausea?
Contrary to this belief, we can say that a very small dose of licorice could have a calming effect on the stomach and therefore pass the hated feeling of nausea typical especially of the first weeks of pregnancy.
Licorice herbal teas: drink them or avoid them?
Infusions and herbal teas are often much appreciated by mothers who indulge in them as a daily pampering with beneficial and relaxing functions. In particular, liqueur tea can have a useful digestive action especially when we have eaten too much and feel bloated. During pregnancy, consuming a small amount of licorice herbal tea should not have any particular undesirable effects, but it is always better to ask a doctor or a dietician who is following your diet during pregnancy for a consultation.
