Eating too many lychees can cause 'lychee disease'; TCM offers solutions

As lychee season is in full swing, health experts are warning about 'lychee disease,' a condition mistakenly believed to be an infection but is actually a metabolic imbalance linked to acute hypoglycemia. This condition can lead to serious health consequences, including potential brain damage.

The disease arises because lychees are rich in fructose and glucose. Unripe lychees contain natural toxins like Hypoglycin A and MCPG, which interfere with the liver's ability to produce glucose (gluconeogenesis) and inhibit fatty acid breakdown. Consequently, when blood sugar levels drop, the liver cannot effectively generate new glucose to maintain stability. Consuming large amounts of lychees on an empty stomach can stimulate insulin secretion, causing blood sugar to fall. If the liver is impaired by toxins, it cannot replenish blood sugar, leading to acute hypoglycemia.

Symptoms of low blood sugar include dizziness, cold sweats, palpitations, fatigue, and nausea. In severe cases, it can result in confusion, coma, and can be life-threatening, particularly for children and the elderly. Traditional Chinese Medicine views lychees as sweet and sour, warming in nature, beneficial for qi and blood, spleen, and heart, and for generating fluids and quenching thirst. However, excessive consumption can exacerbate internal heat, leading to dry mouth, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and constipation. To prevent lychee disease, it is crucial to avoid eating them on an empty stomach, limit intake, and choose ripe fruits. Daily consumption should not exceed 5 lychees for children and 10 for adults, preferably after meals.