This Is What Happens When You Eat Too Much Horseradish

Google the word "horseradish" and you will discover that many writers use words like "pungent" and "spicy" to describe this white root vegetable that is pretty benign in smell until you slice into it. In fact, the scent is so strong once you cut into its skin, it can quickly clear stopped-up sinuses (via Taste of Home). It is one of those foods that has been around forever and is used as a spice in sauces to compliment your roast beef sandwich, as an accompaniment to your favorite sushi, or it can be used for medicinal purposes to help combat inflammatory diseases. By all accounts, it is kind of a strange vegetable, and it's worth mentioning that its name is a bit of an oxymoron in that it is actually poisonous to horses, so, keep it out of the horse troughs and stalls (via Organic Facts).

Still, foodies love it. Healthline notes that because horseradish is generally eaten in relatively small amounts, you are not consuming a lot of calories – just roughly 7 calories per tablespoon. The site also points out that it is often confused with Japanese wasabi which has a very different taste, but when you go to a Japanese restaurant in the United States, you are most likely getting some horseradish mixed with green dye and not real wasabi, which adds to the confusion. But what can happen if you eat too much of this spicy, but oh so good, horseradish?

According to Leaf TV, too much horseradish can cause some irritation in your mouth and intestines due to its spicy nature, while also causing the proverbial upset stomach. But of particular note is the site's warning to pregnant and breastfeeding women. Leaf TV states that according to Wellness.com and Drugs.com, horseradish should be avoided as it could contribute to causing a miscarriage. WebMD also states that pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid consuming large amounts of the spice as it is deemed "unsafe" and can cause a miscarriage. Additionally, children under 4 should skip the horseradish all together, as it could cause digestive tract issues for their tender tummies.

However, Healthline is quick to point out that there is not a lot of solid research about the possible problems that could be associated with eating too much horseradish, nor is there sufficient information about its effect on children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Still, this source does concur that too much horseradish has been known to cause irritation in your mouth, nose, and stomach, and further recommends consulting a doctor before consuming it in large quantities.