Below is an overview of the audio content of this video: Watch the video above to see graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes from Dr. Greger.
Three ways to alleviate the weight-gaining effects of stress: #1: Treat the cause by alleviating stress. If that's not possible, you can modify your diet to lower your production of cortisol, the adrenal stress hormone, as explained in the video on #2, How Animal Protein Affects Adrenal Function. And if all else fails, you can try #3, blocking the effects of cortisol on fat cells.
Dropping cortisone into a fat sample taken from deep in the stomach of someone undergoing abdominal surgery can accelerate the formation and growth of new fat cells. However, this process can be interfered with by using compounds that block the enzyme that activates cortisol in body fat. This compound is called glycyrrhetinic acid, which is made by gut bacteria and transported into the bloodstream when we consume glycyrrhizin. Can you guess where glycyrrhizin is found in our diet? I'll give you a hint. It comes from a Greek word. glucosemeans sweet, Lisa, means root. Eating licorice may block some of the effects of cortisol on body fat.
What slims fat cells in a petri dish or mice in a lab may not work in humans, but licorice compounds appear to be just as effective when applied to the skin. Researchers in Italy wanted to see if rubbing licorice compounds on women's thighs would help with cellulite. After one month of application, the thickness (measured by ultrasound) of the superficial fat layer of the thighs was significantly reduced. The reason we know this isn't just because of the massage is because there were no changes among the women who rubbed the control thighs or a placebo. Although the difference was only a few millimeters, the researchers suggested this could be a “gentler alternative to plastic surgery.”
How about eating licorice or drinking licorice tea? Dozens of trials have been published on the effects of various licorice preparations on weight loss, with an overall benefit of approximately one pound of additional weight loss over a month or two compared to placebo. One reason this number may not be high is because licorice reduces body fat but keeps you hydrated. Look at this. After consuming licorice for two months, the women's body fat percentage decreased by almost 3%, although there was no change in overall body weight. But at the same time, water retention also increases to about the same extent. Then, when I stopped drinking licorice, I lost water but gained fat again. Licorice can burn so much fat that it heats the abdominal surface by about 1 degree Fahrenheit within an hour of consumption. However, this has the opposite effect on cortisol in the kidneys, which has been shown to be a real problem.
In body fat, licorice blocks the enzyme that activates cortisol. However, in the kidneys, licorice blocks other enzymes that deactivate cortisol, causing the kidneys to retain extra water and sodium and lose potassium. Loss of too much potassium can cause weakness and abnormal heart rhythms. This is why the FDA issued a consumer advisory warning. “If you are over 40, take 2 ounces of black licorice per day for at least 2 weeks. Irregular heartbeat may land you in the hospital… Regardless of your age, do not consume large amounts of black licorice at one time. “If you consume large amounts of black licorice and experience irregular heartbeat or muscle weakness, stop consuming it immediately and contact your healthcare provider.” Just because licorice is one of the world's oldest and most popular medicinal herbs doesn't mean it's safe to eat in large quantities.
Consuming less than 2 ounces of licorice per day may cause fluid and sodium retention and increase blood pressure. Consuming just a few ounces a day regularly can put you in a coma and hospitalize you with a blood pressure of 200/140. About 3% of hospitalizations due to high blood pressure are caused by licorice. People with high blood pressure should avoid licorice completely, as should pregnant women. Licorice use during pregnancy has been linked to premature birth and cognitive impairment in infants.
What is a safe dosage for someone with normal blood pressure and not pregnant? The problem is that glycyrrhizin levels vary between licorice products and some people are more sensitive than others. Now, many licorice sold in the United States do not have actual licorice, but are instead artificially flavored or cut with anise oil. Ironically, it is the black licorice found in natural food stores that may be causing the most concern! Including extensive safety factors, the European Food Science Committee suggests regular consumption of no more than 6g of real licorice candies per day. A Hershey-funded study found that “hard-coated licorice candies” contained 0.06 mg/g. Assuming Good & Plenty, I think the limit will be about one box per day.
Licorice tea gives you access to the herb without all the candy crap, but a study of 33 brands found varying levels of glycyrrhizin, with a safe daily dose ranging from a tenth of a cup to up to 20 cups per day. . A life-threatening arrhythmia reported in a case where a cup of tea killed her was in a woman who drank 15 cups of tea a day. On average, half a cup of licorice tea is safe for most people, but it's unclear whether that's enough to have a fat-loss effect. This is why licorice is not in my book. How not to diet.
Finally, cortisol isn't the only steroid hormone that licorice can interfere with. It also interferes with testosterone production. Feeding a man approximately 50 boxes of Good & Plenty, 9 ounces of black licorice, or a tablespoon of licorice root powder daily will reduce testosterone levels by 44% within 4 days. However, the blood levels stopped for 4 days. Researchers suggest that men with high blood pressure or decreased libido should be questioned about their licorice habits.
Please consider resource To provide assistance on the site.