Easter is just around the corner and those with a sweet tooth will especially get their money’s worth during the holidays. But it is known that too much chocolate etc. is unhealthy – a Swede almost died because of his passion for a certain sweet. His life was in danger due to his excessive consumption of licorice.
Swede Joacim Österstam was plagued by mysterious complaints for weeks. “First I had a headache for a few days, then problems with my vision. I couldn’t look at anything with concentration anymore, I couldn’t focus anymore. Then I started having wobbly legs and incredible pain in my legs. “I finally went to the doctor, who immediately sent me to the emergency room in a taxi,” the 56-year-old told “Bild”.
A photo of Joacim Österstam on Instagram:
The potassium level was extremely low
When he went to the hospital in mid-March, Österstam’s condition was so bad that he could barely get in and out of the vehicle. “I had such pain in my legs. I walked like a 90-year-old.” Blood tests showed that his potassium levels were very low. “My values were 1.8. Normally you have 3.5. The doctor explained to me that such low values can be life-threatening.” But initially the cause of this finding remained a mystery.
Only in another hospital did a doctor ask if the Swede liked to eat licorice, which he confirmed: “I was literally addicted to licorice.” This solved the mystery: the candy is made from the licorice root and contains glycyrrhizin. This substance affects the body’s electrolyte balance, which can lead to a potassium deficiency. Increased blood pressure can also be a complaint after consuming too much licorice.
“I will never touch licorice again”
After his dramatic experience, Österstam wants to warn other liquorice enthusiasts. He himself has sworn off sweets:‘I will never touch her again. I think I might even spit it out if I accidentally got it in my mouth.”
Death in the US after a licorice overdose
According to the WHO maximum:100 mg of glycyrrhizin can be consumed. This corresponds to approximately 50 grams of licorice. In 2020, a Massachusetts man died from eating too much licorice, the AP reported. The 54-year-old had consumed one and a half packs of licorice for a number of weeks and suffered cardiac arrest.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
