Licorice and IBS
Right now, licorice is found in everything from brownies, candy, and ice cream to dishes with fish, shellfish, chicken, and lamb. Licorice is indeed both delicious and trendy. The question is, though, how does your stomach handle it, and how does licorice and IBS fit together, particularly in relation to FODMAP? You’ll find out here!
What is licorice?
Licorice is a substance derived from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra. Licorice root contains the glycoside glycyrrhizin, which gives it a sweet flavor, and this is what we refer to as sweet licorice. Salt licorice, on the other hand, is something entirely different.
Different kinds of licorice - how do they work with IBS?
Licorice to help the stomach is a myth
Licorice root was once a medicinal plant. It has been used for digestive support for thousands of years and was sold at pharmacies until the 1970s. Researchers have found that licorice root can indeed help heal stomach ulcers. However, it is not used as a treatment today, and given the increasing number of people with sensitive stomachs, recommending licorice for digestive issues might not be the best advice.
Who should not eat licorice?
Consuming more than 50 grams of licorice per day can cause harmful effects in sensitive individuals. This is because glycyrrhizin inhibits an enzyme that converts cortisol to cortisone. People who are sensitive and consume licorice frequently may experience potassium deficiency, high blood pressure, and changes in the levels of hormones that regulate salt balance. While adverse effects are not particularly common, in Sweden for example, there are about 10 cases of licorice poisoning each year.
Belly Balance digital treatment
In the Belly Balance app, you can log symptoms, keep a food diary, scan products, find FODMAP lists, and much more to help you manage your IBS.
Sofia Antonsson
Reg. Dietitian, Belly Balance
Read more about
IBS - What is it?
Bloated , constipated or having a gassy stomach? IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning no physical issues can be found in the stomach or intestines; they just don’t function quite as they should.
How the app works
Download the app and become part of our community. We assist you in achieving a calm and happy stomach through treatment and tools available directly in the app.
About FODMAP
By learning which foods upset your stomach, you can make conscious choices and get quick symptom relief. With the low FODMAP diet, you receive structured assistance in understanding which foods your body tolerates better than others. No more guessing and pondering – you get the answer straight away!
