Why does licorice increase blood pressure?

Sep 29, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Tian Hongbo

Introduction

In general, the potential of licorice to increase blood pressure may be related to sodium and water retention, elevated aldosterone levels, mineralocorticoid-like effects, impacts on adrenal cortical function, and interactions with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. In daily life, it is recommended to improve lifestyle habits—such as adopting a low-salt diet, engaging in moderate physical activity, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption—which can help lower blood pressure and prevent further progression of hypertension.

Under normal circumstances, licorice may increase blood pressure due to factors such as water and sodium retention, elevated aldosterone levels, mineralocorticoid-like effects, influence on adrenal cortical function, and interactions with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment under the guidance of a physician. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Water and Sodium Retention

Glycyrrhetinic acid in licorice can inhibit the secretion of diuretic hormones in the body, reducing water excretion and leading to water and sodium retention. The accumulation of fluid and salt increases blood volume, thereby raising blood pressure. It is recommended to stop or reduce licorice intake.

2. Elevated Aldosterone Levels

Glycyrrhetinic acid can inhibit the activity of aldosterone synthase, resulting in increased aldosterone levels. Aldosterone is an important hormone regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure; its elevation enhances renal reabsorption of sodium ions, leading to increased blood pressure. It is recommended to engage in moderate physical activity and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

3. Mineralocorticoid-like Effects

Glycyrrhizin in licorice promotes renal reabsorption of sodium ions while reducing potassium ion excretion, which may elevate blood pressure. It is advisable to limit dietary salt intake and increase potassium intake in daily life.

4. Influence on Adrenal Cortical Function

Glycyrrhizin and its metabolites can act on the adrenal cortex, affecting cortisol metabolism and secretion, thereby indirectly influencing blood pressure regulation. It is recommended to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and ensure adequate sleep.

5. Interaction with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Glycyrrhizin may interact with certain antihypertensive drugs, particularly ACE inhibitors, weakening their blood pressure-lowering effects and potentially causing elevated blood pressure. Under medical supervision, medications such as furosemide tablets, enalapril maleate tablets, or irbesartan tablets may be used to help control blood pressure.

In daily life, improving lifestyle habits—such as adopting a low-salt diet, engaging in moderate exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption—can help lower blood pressure and prevent further progression of hypertension.

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Can I get vaccinated if my blood pressure is 155 over 85?

If this blood pressure level has been stably maintained over a long period (e.g., through regular use of antihypertensive medication) and the individual does not experience symptoms such as dizziness, headache, or chest tightness, with overall stable health status, vaccination generally will not cause significant blood pressure fluctuations nor affect vaccine efficacy. After medical evaluation, routine vaccination can be administered, followed by continued blood pressure monitoring.

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Can an 80-year-old who has had three strokes still receive vaccines?

If recovery after stroke has been good, with no worsening of acute symptoms such as limb motor impairment or altered consciousness, stable control of baseline indicators like blood pressure and blood glucose, and no history of vaccine allergy or other severe contraindications, vaccination (e.g., influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine) may be considered appropriate after comprehensive evaluation by a physician, in order to reduce the risk of complications from infections.