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Does Liquorice Relieve Constipation?
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As we age, our metabolism slows, affecting the digestive system. This might lead to constipation. Is it a myth, or does liquorice relieve constipation?
What is liquorice?
In its natural form, liquorice is a sweet-tasting root. It comes from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. Glycyrrhiza contains over 300 compounds, and studies have shown it effectively reduces symptoms of certain conditions. Studies have indicated that liquorice might help digestion and reduce hot flushes due to its anti-microbial properties.
Liquorice Root
In its simplest form, liquorice is a woody root. You chew it, and it tastes OK, but not ideal for people with dental issues to chew! It’s easier to consume in the form of a tea.
Liquorice Tea
Taken in its more natural form as a root, tea or extract tablet, liquorice contains fewer calories. However, the question of does liquorice relieves constipation is more about how it helps to aid digestion.
Drinking hot liquorice tea helps relax the body, increases circulation and aids digestion. This in itself can help your bowels. Many elderly people don’t drink the recommended two litres of fluid a day. Standard tea and coffee do count towards this, however, caffeine is a diuretic which makes people pee more. The bowels need adequate hydration to work well.
Additionally, chilled liquorice tea is a healthy alternative to sweetened drinks or plain water.
Processed Liquorice
This is the liquorice most of us know. This highly processed sweet has an aniseed flavour and contains added sugars. It’s sweet in this form and should be eaten sparingly as it has a high calorie value and little nutrition. This might aid digestion, but to help relieve constipation, the root compound has more benefits.
Supplements
There are various root extract supplements available which claim to aid digestion, treat inflammation and soothe sore throats. Supplements can vary in quality and quantity of active compounds. Teas made from pure ground liquorice root would contain more.
Prevention is better than a cure.
A balanced diet containing plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and high fibre food, plus plenty of water, helps prevent constipation. Exercise is also important, and a sedentary person may find they become constipated due to the fact that their colon is compacted. If possible, try to stand and move more often.
A 2011 study, published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, looked at people with indigestion taking 75mg liquorice root extract twice a day for 30 days.
After two weeks, patients said many of their symptoms had significantly improved, including upper abdominal fullness, bloating, regurgitation and loss of appetite.
Another 8-week study was conducted on 58 adults with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which has symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux.
The results showed that a low dose of glycyrrhetinic acid (from liquorice) in combination with normal treatment resulted in positive symptom improvements.
Chinese Medicine
In Chinese medicine, liquorice root is considered to have strong anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat a variety of conditions, from stomach ulcers to diabetes. It is used to soothe coughs and sore throats, control blood sugar, balance hormones, heal cold sores, and treat eczema, asthma, flu, herpes, and hepatitis. It is popularly used as a natural laxative, so it can help with constipation and aid digestive problems.
Don’t take too much
Over-consumption of liquorice, however, may cause high blood pressure, low potassium, and oedema (swelling caused by fluid retention).
Medical Advice
It’s best to seek medical advice if an elderly person is frequently constipated or hasn’t passed a bowel motion for some days. A pharmacist can give advice which is important to ensure any off-the-shelf remedies won’t interact with any prescription medication.
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