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What Are the Most Common Chicory Side Effects?
The most common chicory side effects include itching, skin inflammation, and skin redness. In addition, the side effects of chicory can include difficulty breathing and wheezing. Chicory can cause drug interactions and should not be taken with medications called beta blockers. Doing so can decrease the effectiveness of these medications, which are used to lower blood pressure and regulate the heart rate.
Other common chicory side effects include appetite suppression and weight loss. In addition, chicory can contribute to fatigue, lethargy, and drowsiness. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should never take chicory. Since chicory has the ability to stimulate menstruation, it may have the ability to induce miscarriages. Since it isn't known if chicory passes through breast milk, nursing mothers should refrain from consuming it.
Chicory leaves can be used in salads and chicory root is sometimes used with coffee. Drinking chicory tea can have a diuretic effect, meaning that it promotes urination. In medieval times, chicory was used as a laxative, to reduce a fever, to relieve headaches and to help alleviate inflamed eyes. Mixing chicory with coffee is very popular in certain regions of the world, but almost unheard of in others.
Chronic fatigue syndrome may also be included in the list of chicory side effects, so chicory should not be used by people who have been diagnosed with this condition. In addition, since other chicory side effects include bile stimulation, those who have gallstones should be monitored by a physician if they consume chicory. Other chicory side effects may include excessive belching, bloating, abdominal pains, and cramping.
Triglycerides are a blood lipid, and like cholesterol, high levels can contribute to coronary artery disease. Chicory may help lower serum triglyceride levels, however, it is not known if consuming chicory will decrease levels of serum cholesterol. Common chicory doses include those between 4 and 14 grams. These are the most common doses given in the treatment of constipation and high triglycerides in adults. It is important to note, however, that people should not self-treat themselves with chicory for high triglycerides.
Since there are no recommended safe doses of chicory for children, they should not consume chicory. In addition, people with predisposing medical conditions or those who are taking medication should not use chicory because it can cause interactions. It is also not known if chicory can cause problems with the liver, kidneys, or cardiovascular system. Also, people taking other herbs or dietary supplements should not use chicory unless under the direct supervision of an experienced health care provider.
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![Chicory might cause abdominal pain.]()
By: Africa StudioChicory might cause abdominal pain. -
![Chicory leaves can be used in salads.]()
By: stevehudsonChicory leaves can be used in salads. -
![Chicory may cause some individuals to feel fatigued or lethargic.]()
By: WavebreakMediaMicroChicory may cause some individuals to feel fatigued or lethargic. -
![Nursing mothers are advised to avoid consuming chicory.]()
By: xjrshimadaNursing mothers are advised to avoid consuming chicory. -
![Chicory can stimulate bile production, which could potentially exacerbate problems associated with gallstones.]()
By: roblanChicory can stimulate bile production, which could potentially exacerbate problems associated with gallstones. -
![Chicory has the ability to stimulate menstruation.]()
By: matka_WariatkaChicory has the ability to stimulate menstruation.
Discussion Comments
I too had a bad reaction from chicory root. It is listed as the second ingredient in Think Thin Divine bars. I got really bad gas, felt stomach upset, and it lasted several hours. I ate one the next day and sure enough, it was back. I now knew it was from these bars.
I returned them to the store for a refund and will never eat them again. I would rather eat gluten and suffer whatever consequences come my way than eat something that is marketed as healthy from a health food store. I also read that if you have an allergy to ragweed, you should avoid chicory. The fact that they tell you pregnant or nursing mothers should "never" consume chicory, what does that say? I hope this post helps others who may be experiencing the same thing.
I have had terrible side effects from chicory, which have been unbelievable, really. Sometimes it has happened even when I have only had a tiny amount. My thought processes seem to get faster and faster in a very unpleasant way, and I feel as though there is a sensation in my brain, as though something is about to 'rush'. It feels very unpleasant -- almost like a psychological episode.
My family thinks I'm acting very odd, and it is only when I realize "oh there was a bit of chicory in that." Also I have reacted to some Eco paint which brought on the same mental sensation. I have also looked more into this recently and realized that chicory is a member of the daisy family which includes lettuce. I am now cutting out lettuce, dandelion, chamomile, etc. Chicory is also in many probiotic formulations to add fiber.
So I will see how I get on!
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