Don’t binge on licorice

Q: I live in Mexico and love black licorice, but it’s almost impossible to find. When I went to the U.S. for a visit, I bought a large quantity of it. Then I binged on licorice every day for about three weeks.

Around the end of that time, I developed an unrelenting headache. I eventually went to the emergency room when I couldn’t tolerate the headache.

They admitted me to the hospital for four days. My potassium was 2.5, and my blood pressure was 230/123. I was diagnosed with PRES (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome). I have a history of high blood pressure and preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy). No more licorice for me.

A: You were right on target. Licorice contains an ingredient called glycyrrhizin that can deplete potassium and raise blood pressure.

A surprisingly similar case report was published in the

New England Journal of Medicine (Sept. 24, 2020), except that man died. The middleaged construction worker had been eating a bag of licorice a day for three weeks. When he collapsed, his potassium level was so low that it triggered a fatal arrhythmia. His level, at 2.0, was only a little lower than yours (normal is 3.4 to 5.0).

Q: I have had seasonal allergies for my entire life.I started using a generic saline spray morning and night, even sometimes when I’ve just been outside for a while. I no longer need allergy shots or any other medication at all.

A: Researchers have determined that rinsing the nasal passages with saline is effective for reducing allergy symptoms (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, June 22, 2018). We’re glad this safe and inexpensive solution is working so well for you.