Hawthorn candy, loved for its sweet-and-sour taste and digestive benefits, has become a popular snack for many. However, nephrologist Dr. Jiang Shoushan recently shared on Facebook a cautionary tale of a male patient with long-term hypertension who is currently on dialysis. During a recent check-up, his blood pressure suddenly spiked above 200 mmHg. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the patient had been consuming hawthorn candy excessively, which may have contributed to the dangerous rise in blood pressure.
The 60-year-old patient, despite taking medication, experienced only temporary drops in blood pressure, which would rise again within a couple of hours. Dr. Jiang noted that the sudden love for hawthorn candy could be a key factor behind this spike.
Glycyrrhiza (Licorice) Hidden Risk
Hawthorn candy contains licorice, which can pose serious risks for individuals with impaired kidney function. Excessive intake can trigger acute malignant hypertension and, in severe cases, may lead to stroke. Fortunately, the patient stopped eating the candy in time, preventing more serious consequences.
Licorice, often used in powdered form with fruits or as a sweetening agent in traditional Chinese medicine, is generally considered safe for healthy individuals. However, for those with chronic kidney disease, licorice can present acute risks if consumed in large amounts.
Experts Clarify the Real Risk
Dr. Chen Guanyu from Mackay Memorial Hospital explained that small amounts of licorice in supplements or snacks usually do not affect kidney function directly. Traditional medicine practitioner Dr. Zhou Zonghan added that licorice has steroid-like structures that provide anti-inflammatory effects but can cause water retention if overconsumed. However, reaching harmful levels is rare, as its strong taste limits excessive consumption.
Is Hawthorn Candy the Culprit?
Dr. Zhou emphasized that the patient’s kidney issues may have predated the candy consumption. The main concern is high sodium and sugar intake, which is common in hawthorn candy to balance its sweet-and-sour taste. Excess sodium can worsen kidney function, especially for patients already on dialysis.
High-sodium snacks are often overlooked; foods such as ramen broth, hotpot soup, and other processed items can be even more harmful than hawthorn candy. Kidney patients should focus on limiting sodium intake rather than blaming a single snack.
Safe Appetite Boosting Alternatives
Doctors advise against using hawthorn candy as a general appetite stimulant. Dialysis patients experiencing poor appetite or nausea should seek evaluation and personalized recommendations from their doctor. Ingredients like peppermint or dried tangerine peel can help soothe the digestive tract without overloading the body with sodium or sugar.
Key Takeaways for Kidney Health
Dr. Jiang advises those with kidney disease to be cautious and mindful of their diet. Dr. Zhou adds that everyone should understand their kidney function and follow medical advice on sodium limits. For healthy individuals, hawthorn candy is generally safe in moderation, but kidney-impaired patients must monitor all snacks and foods for hidden sodium. Balanced nutrition, regular health check-ups, and adherence to medical guidance remain the best way to protect kidney health.
