A lot of people are asking if Twizzlers can cause diarrhea. The answer is, unfortunately, yes. Twizzlers can cause diarrhea since they’re high in sugar and low in fiber.
What is fiber? Fiber, as we know, helps regulate the body’s use of sugar. It is primarily found in plant-based sources like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.
Consuming too many gummies and Twizzlers may leave you with a serious upset stomach, but it’s essential to understand why this can happen and what you can do to enjoy them without digestive discomfort.
What are Twizzlers?
Twizzlers are a well-known type of licorice candy that is often associated with the red, rope-like confection introduced in 1845 by Philadelphia’s Herr’s Snacks.
These candies are primarily made from ingredients like cornstarch, sugar, and flavoring, and they are produced under the registered trademark of the Hershey Company.
Can Twizzlers Give You Diarrhea?
Yes, Twizzlers can potentially cause diarrhea due to their high sugar content and low fiber content. Consuming them in moderation and balancing them with fiber-rich foods can help reduce this risk.
Let’s understand the factors that contribute to making Twizzlers cause diarrhea.
The Sugar Factor
One of the primary culprits behind the possibility of Twizzlers causing diarrhea is their high sugar content. Twizzlers are predominantly made up of sugar, corn syrup, and other sweeteners. Consuming a large quantity of sugar in a short period can overwhelm your digestive system.
Your body needs to break down and absorb this sugar, and when there’s an excess, it can lead to gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea.
Low in Fiber
Another factor to consider is that Twizzlers are low in fiber. Fiber is an essential component of a balanced diet, and it plays a significant role in regulating digestion.
Foods rich in fiber help slow down the absorption of sugar, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.
Twizzlers, being mostly sugar and lacking fiber, can lead to a quick surge in blood sugar, potentially causing gastrointestinal discomfort, including diarrhea.
How to Reduce Risk of Diarrhea After Eating Twizzlers
If you’re a fan of Twizzlers and want to enjoy them without the risk of digestive problems, moderation is key. Consuming them in small quantities, rather than devouring a whole bag in one sitting, can reduce the likelihood of experiencing diarrhea or other stomach issues.
Additionally, pairing Twizzlers with foods that are high in fiber can help offset the sugar content and promote better digestion.
Another piece of advice is to stay well-hydrated when indulging in sugary treats like Twizzlers. High sugar intake can lead to increased urination, potentially causing dehydration. Dehydration can worsen digestive discomfort, so drinking plenty of water can help counteract this effect.
It’s important to remember that individual tolerance to sugar and sugary treats like Twizzlers can vary. Some people may be more sensitive to the effects of excess sugar and may experience digestive issues more readily.
If you find that Twizzlers consistently cause you digestive discomfort, it might be best to enjoy them sparingly or explore alternative snacks that are gentler on your stomach.
Do Twizzlers Contain Glycyrrhizin?
Twizzlers, the popular licorice-flavored candy, do not typically contain glycyrrhizin, the compound associated with potential health risks in licorice.
According to a response from Hershey’s to the FDA warning against eating too much black licorice, Twizzlers do not come from black licorice but rather red licorice, which doesn’t contain any glycyrrhizin.
Therefore, consuming Twizzlers in moderation is generally considered safe and unlikely to cause the specific side effects mentioned, such as heart-related issues. However, like many sugary treats, overindulgence in Twizzlers can contribute to health concerns like weight gain and dental problems if not consumed in moderation.
Traditional Twizzlers Black Licorice is made with licorice extract, which can contain small amounts of glycyrrhizin that are well below the U.S. FDA’s limits (3.1% glycyrrhizin in soft candy). Any Twizzlers Black Licorice products that contain licorice extract will be indicated among the ingredients on the package.
Can I eat Twizzlers everyday?
While enjoying a few Twizzlers occasionally is unlikely to cause any risks, it’s advisable not to eat them every day.
Twizzlers, like many candies, have similar nutritional profiles and are high in sugar. For the sake of your overall health, it’s better to consider them an occasional treat rather than a daily snack.
Conclusion
While Twizzlers are a delightful and popular candy, they can indeed lead to diarrhea in some individuals, primarily due to their high sugar content and low fiber content.
To enjoy Twizzlers without digestive problems, moderation, hydration, and a balanced diet that includes fiber-rich foods are key.
As with any other food choice, it’s important to pay attention to your body and adjust your consumption based on your tolerance and preferences.