Wednesday, October 22, 2025

The Dangers of Eating Too Much Licorice

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has an important message for all candy lovers: “As it turns out, you really can overdose on candy – or, more precisely, black licorice.”

Eating Too Much Licorice Can be Dangerous
As a result, the FDA is warning lovers of licorice to avoid eating this sweet treat. This is because licorice contains a compound called glycrrhizin, which, in large doses, can be harmful to the heart. This compound can cause potassium levels in the body to fall, which can lead to an abnormal heartbeat, swelling, lethargy, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure. 
 
Glycyrrhizin is particularly harmful to people over the age of 40: For people in this age group, eating 2 ounces (56 grams) of black licorice a day for a period of at least two weeks could lead to an irregular heartbeat. Black licorice is often sold in 2-ounce bags.

Dr. Linda Katz, director of the Office of Cosmetics and Colors at the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the FDA, noted that the health issues caused by black licorice are not permanent. A person’s potassium levels will usually return to normal after that person stops eating that food.
 Eating Too Much Licorice Can be Dangerous
 
 The FDA gives the following advice for black-licorice lovers: 
 
• Don’t eat large amounts of candy at once, no matter what your age is. 
 
• If you have eaten a large amount of black licorice and have muscle weakness or an irregular heartbeat, stop eating the candy, and contact your doctor. 
 
• Black licorice can interact with some herbs, medications, and supplements. Ask a doctor any questions you might have about possible reactions.



This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   


Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, November 05, 2024

Gastric Obstruction – Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Your bowels are tasked with removing waste and toxins from your body, as well as absorbing salts, liquids, nutrients, indigestible vitamins. They do it to extract all possible nutrients that weren’t digested in the stomach and maintain the balance of electrolytes in your system.
When your bowels are not functioning well, they collect the waste and toxins they’re supposed to get rid of, resulting in various diseases and health issues. If left undiagnosed and untreated, obstructed bowels lead to kidney and liver-related health problems. In this article, you’ll learn all you need to know about bowel obstruction, symptoms that should serve as warning signals, and the natural home remedies needed to fix and prevent it.

What causes gastric obstructions? 
The reasons for obstructed bowels are plentiful, such as hernias, cysts, tumors, etc. Another reason is overeating foods that are harmful to our bodies, such as food rich in preservatives and other chemicals. These chemicals lead to a buildup of mucus in the guts, which releases toxins that can damage the body. Another cause is a buildup of fecal matter or foreign bodies in the lower intestine. 
 
Bezoars can also cause gastric obstructions. Bezoars are a fibrous lump that forms in the stomach, and the most common type is formed of undigested pieces of food. They are mainly composed out of plant cellulose, most common in unripe fruit and persimmons. 
 
Men are in a higher risk group for contracting phytobezoars in their stomachs, with symptoms that include upper gastric pains, feeling full soon after beginning to eat, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite and loss of weight. Symptoms only appear in 10-25% of the cases, making phytobezoars hard to diagnose, and can lead to gastric obstructions. 
 
What happens when your gastrointestinal system is obstructed? 
 
When the small intestine is blocked, it will begin contracting in order to move its content beyond the obstruction, which can lead to frequent diarrhea. In later stages, it will become less effective, causing a buildup of water and electrolytes that can lead to dehydration. The obstruction will also create pressure on the intestinal walls, and if left untreated – will only get worse. This can lead to venous drainage obstruction, a rising of the diaphragm, and a suppression of the lungs’ function. 
 
The obstruction itself will aid in the bacterial buildup, in particular, E-Coli, Klebsiella, and Enterococcus Faecalis. The bacteria colonies will grow very quickly, increasing the chances of gangrene and intestinal punctures. 
 
Patients lose their ability to pass feces and gasses along the intestine, causing swelling and increasing stomach pains. The large intestine will expand due to the buildup of bacterium, liquids, feces and gasses.

Which symptoms can indicate an obstruction? 
Symptoms can be evidence of obstruction caused be stomach cramping or phytobezoars. Once you notice these symptoms, it is recommended that you pay a visit to your family doctor, to evaluate the nature of the obstruction. Not all symptoms may appear, but they will appear in these general groups: 
 
Constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, lethargy and swelling. 
 
Headaches, memory loss, blurred vision. 
 
Burning sensation in the upper digestive system. 
 
Weight gain, lack of energy and indigestion. 
 
Ulcers in the stomach and Duodenum, ulcerative colitis and stomach inflammation. 
 
Urinary tract infections and inflammation of the kidneys. 
 
Constant colds, allergies, joint pains and chronic diseases.

Treatments: 
The most basic treatment is hooking the patient up to an IV, which can only be performed by a doctor. In some cases, the obstructions can be relieved by using a nasogastric tube, and in severe cases, an operation will be required. An enema may help in some cases, but if performed incorrectly – can lead to internal bleeding. 
 
The simplest, natural treatment for intestinal obstruction is eating 1-3 tablespoons of flax seeds, combined with 100-15ml of Kefir (a type of fermented milk drink) for three days. Flax seeds help the body dispose of fecal matter, mucus and parasites. Additionally, flax seeds can help prevent several forms of cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, and even help lower cholesterol levels. Kefir contains many probiotic bacteria, enzymes, vitamin B12 and proteins, all of which are good for your body. Kefir also helps in restoring the gastric biome and is lactose-free. 
 
To clear your intestines from obstructions, add kefir and flax seeds to your breakfast in this manner: 
 
1st week: 100ml of kefir and one tablespoon of flax seeds 
 
2nd week: 100ml of kefir and two tablespoons of flax seeds 
 
3rd week: 150ml of kefir and three tablespoons of flax seeds 
 
Additionally, drink at least two liters of water every day.

Prevention: 
The best way to unblock a phytobezoar obstruction is by eating food that is high in protein and low in fiber. Once the blockage is gone, follow these dietary tips to heal and prevent reoccurrences. 
 
 Beverages: It is advised that you keep your body well hydrated. Drink fruit-shakes, water, and sports drinks that are rich in electrolytes. Avoid high-fat dairy. 
 
Dairy: Stick to low-fat or fat-free products. 
 
Grains and bread: Fiber from whole grain tends to slow down the digestive process. Focus on plain white bread, pasta, and regular grain.
 
Fruits and vegetables: Boiled or canned fruits and vegetables are the way to go. Avoid eating the skin. Watermelon, melons, and bananas can be consumed fresh. Avoid high-fiber fruits and vegetables. 
 
Meat and meat substitutes: Protein is essential to the healing process. Stick to skinless chicken or turkey meat. Other kinds of lean meat, such as fish, eggs and tofu are also good. 
 
Other: Avoid fried foods and use as little butter as possible. Boiled or steamed foods are the most recommended. Minimize the use of seasoning and fatty sauces and dressings.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Vitamin B12: The stealth sign of vitamin B12 deficiency which we often ignore

Vitamin B12 is abundantly found in animal products

Vitamin B12 is required to form red blood cells and is a key component that helps in the proper functioning of brain and nerve cells. Also known as Cobalamin, Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal foods.

One should have at least 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 daily. During pregnancy and lactation, the amount should be increased to 2.6 micrograms and 2.8 micrograms, respectively as per a report from Harvard Medical School.

Vitamin B12 is abundantly found in fish, liver, red meat, eggs, poultry, dairy products such milk, fortified nutritional yeast, and fortified breakfast cereals.

Insufficient intake of animal products, lack of the intrinsic factor which facilitates the absorption of the vitamin, less acid in the stomach either due to any biological reason or else due to any medication, and any other digestive disorder are some of the reasons why vitamin B12 deficiency in the body.

What is the stealth sign as per experts?

The stealth sign associated with vitamin B12 deficiency is lethargy which includes both physical and mental fatigue and weakness.

Vitamin B12 is associated with DNA synthesis and is required in the growth of red blood cells. Deficiency of red blood cells hampers the transfer of oxygen in the body and subsequently this will drop the level of oxygen in the body and make us tired.

What does vitamin B12 deficiency lethargy look like?

The lethargy associated with vitamin B12 comes with breathlessness, and feeling faint. The individual can look pale if there is vitamin B12 deficiency in the body.

While feeling tired is linked with a number of health complications, one should definitely consult a doctor without any assumption that it might get over on its own.

​How does vitamin B12 function in the human body?

Vitamin B12 binds to the protein in the food. When the food reaches the stomach, the hydrochloric acid and enzymes free the vitamin B12 to its free form. Hereafter the vitamin combines with a protein called the intrinsic factor and is then absorbed down in the small intestine.

​How does its deficiency affect the body?

Deficiency of this essential element disturbs a number of bodily functions which can be spotted with a number of typical signs and symptoms. The various signs associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency are weakness, memory loss, confusion, dementia, depression, seizures, pernicious anemia and fatigue.

Among other signs that are linked to vitamin B12 deficiency are nerve damage which result in numbness, tingling in the hands and legs.


This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

 

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,