De-glycyrrhizinated (DGL) licorice should be safe for patients with chronic kidney disease as long as it does not add to a weight or obesity problems and does not cause worsening of diabetes.20-Apr-2013

What are the side effects of taking DGL?

Common side effects of licorice include:

• Absence of a menstrual period.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Decreased sexual interest (libido)
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Excess fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
• Fluid and sodium retention.
• Headache.
• High blood pressure (hypertension)

Does DGL affect potassium levels?

Licorice can amplify the effects of these medications and cause your potassium levels to become dangerously low. If you're using DGL, be sure to discuss potential interactions with your doctor. People who have heart disease or high blood pressure should exercise caution when taking licorice extract.

Why is licorice root bad for kidneys?

The key here is that the glycyrrhizinic acid in licorice deactivates the protective enzyme in the kidney. Without this enzyme present to break down cortisol, cortisol successfully signals to the kidneys to get rid of potassium.

How much DGL licorice is safe per day?

DGL is prepared without the glycyrrhizin in order to circumvent potential safety problems (see below), and is used for conditions of the digestive tract, such as ulcers . For best results, one 200–300 mg tablet is chewed three times per day before meals and before bed.

Is DGL licorice good for the liver?

In particular, recent studies on hepatoprotective effects of licorice suggest that it can reduce liver injury by enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity [7, 10].

Does DGL raise blood pressure?

In DGL, glycyrrhizin has been removed as it can cause elevations in blood pressure. DGL is used for heartburn (acid reflux) and stomach inflammation. It relieves symptoms and repairs the lining of the digestive tract.

What are signs of low potassium?

A small drop in potassium level often does not cause symptoms, which may be mild, and may include:

• Constipation.
• Feeling of skipped heart beats or palpitations.
• Fatigue.
• Muscle damage.
• Muscle weakness or spasms.
• Tingling or numbness.

08-Apr-2019