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 root is used in some teas. Unfortunately, this type of tea has been analyzed and found to contain high levels of oligosaccharides. Although sweet licorice, which is also made from licorice root, is generally acceptable, licorice root itself is not recommended in products like tea. On the other hand, salmiak or ammonium chloride used in salt licorice is considered okay. However, some licorice products contain wheat flour, which makes them red in the FODMAP context. This will be indicated on the ingredient list.

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

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Symptom

Constipation

Being constipated or having a hard stomach and not being able to go to the bathroom regularly affects one’s entire life. Thoughts start swirling, “When will it happen, how will it go, and where will I be then?”. The stomach’s inability to work at the right pace not only affects the fact that bathroom visits become infrequent; constipation itself can make one feel uncomfortable, while gas, bloating, and pain become more challenging to manage.

Food and IBS

Ice cream and IBS

Can ice cream and IBS work together? Of course, even if you’re following the FODMAP diet, you should be able to treat yourself to some ice cream! Follow our tips when buying ice cream, and you’ll avoid turning your ice cream treat into a stomach disaster.

Image representing gallsaltmalabsorption

IBS

Bile acid malabsorption

It may seem like a somewhat tricky term, but bile acid malabsorption is a condition that can easily be confused with IBS or occur simultaneously with IBS, as it can cause diarrhea , among other symptoms. If you have persistent diarrhea, it is important to undergo a thorough investigation to obtain the correct diagnosis. Here, we will review the causes, symptoms, and available treatments.