A frequent culinary and flavoring ingredient is garlic. Garlic is not expected to have any positive or negative health consequences when consumed as food. Garlic may have both good and undesirable effects on the body when used as a medication.
The amount of allicin, the active component in garlic, in products sold as dietary supplements might differ significantly. Since allicin is fragile, it can be diminished in aged garlic products to lessen odor. There may be little or no allicin in odorless garlic. A garlic product may be less effective the lower the allicin content.
Consuming 1-2 garlic cloves daily may have health benefits, but eating more can have unpleasant side effects like foul breath, heartburn, stomach problems, and others. It's best to indulge moderately.
Due to its strong flavor and perfume, garlic is a favorite spice among many home cooks. It functions particularly well in pasta recipes, sauces, pizzas, and stews.
Due to its medicinal characteristics, this potent component is connected to a number of health advantages. Some garlic enthusiasts do, however, ponder whether it's possible to overuse garlic despite its adaptability and health advantages.
Is it possible to eat too much garlic?
Raw garlic has antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics that can have both beneficial and detrimental impacts on health. Consuming too much might have negative side effects like headaches, stomach problems, and even health hazards.
Digestive issues:
When ingested in high amounts, raw garlic can produce digestive discomforts like heartburn, gas, and bloating. Asparagus, onions, leeks, and garlic all contain fructans, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and result in bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort.
In fact, a rich fructan item isn't completely absorbed in the small intestine when consumed by someone who has a fructan intolerance. Instead, it is fermented in your gut before going intact to the colon, which may cause digestive problems.
As a result, garlic consumption is frequently advised to be restricted for those on a low FODMAP diet, an elimination diet designed to identify particular foods that cause digestive disorders (8Trusted Source).
Breath and body odor:
Garlic is famous for its strong smell, and consuming it raw can cause persistent bad breath (halitosis). Furthermore, the garlic's pungent components can be secreted via the epidermis, leaving the body with a distinct garlic smell.
Allergic reactions:
Garlic may cause allergic reactions in certain people who are sensitive to it when eaten fresh. The appearance of skin rashes, swelling, as well as itching discomforts and breathing difficulties, and in more serious cases, anaphylaxis, may all be symptoms. It's crucial to get medical help if you develop any allergy symptoms after eating garlic.
Increased Bleeding Risk:
When taking blood thinners or having surgery, eating too much garlic can raise the risk of bleeding. Garlic's antithrombotic properties may prevent blood clots from forming. A case study showed increased bleeding after consuming 12 grams of garlic per day before surgery. Another case study involved excessive discoloration and bruising after surgery due to a dietary supplement containing fish oil and garlic concentrate, which affect blood clot formation. Consult a healthcare professional before using garlic supplements or if taking medications or undergoing surgery.
Interaction with breastfeeding:
While garlic itself is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, consuming large amounts of raw garlic can alter the flavor of breast milk, which might cause fussiness or refusal to feed in some babies. Moderation is key if you're breastfeeding and regularly consuming garlic.
It's worth noting that cooking garlic can help reduce its pungency and potential side effects while retaining some of its health benefits. If you're considering incorporating raw garlic into your daily diet or addressing specific health concerns, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Interaction with Medications:
Raw garlic may interact with some pharmaceuticals, including anticoagulants, antiplatelet medications, and several HIV regimens. These interactions can alter the effectiveness or increase the side effects of the medications. It's crucial to discuss any potential interactions with your healthcare provider if you're taking medications regularly.
Skin Sensitivity:
Direct contact with raw garlic can cause skin sensitivity or even a skin rash in some individuals. If you have sensitive skin or a history of skin sensitivities, you should avoid putting raw garlic straight to your skin.
Breathlessness or Wheezing:
Occasionally, taking raw garlic can make you cough or have trouble breathing, especially if you already have a respiratory condition like asthma. Consult a doctor right away if you have any respiratory trouble after eating raw garlic.
Lowered Blood Sugar Levels:
Garlic may lower blood sugar levels because it has been demonstrated to have hypoglycemic effects. This may be advantageous for those with diabetes, but it might be problematic for those on medications to manage their blood sugar levels. If you regularly ingest raw garlic and have diabetes or are on drugs to lower it, pay special attention to your blood sugar levels.
Increased Sensitivity to Sunlight:
Some individuals may experience increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) after consuming raw garlic. This can result in a higher risk of sunburn or skin irritation when exposed to sunlight. If you notice any unusual skin reactions after consuming raw garlic and being exposed to the sun, take appropriate sun protection measures and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
Heartburn:
You might think about reducing your intake of garlic if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The common signs of GERD, a condition brought on by stomach acid flowing back up into the oesophagus, are heartburn and nausea.
Lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) tone, or the capacity of the muscles at the bottom of your oesophagus to close and stop acid from entering, may be decreased by garlic. This could then result in acid reflux.
How Much Garlic is ideal?
Despite the lack of official recommendations, studies indicate that consuming 1-2 cloves (3-6 grammes) of garlic daily may have health advantages. If you notice any ill effects from ingesting more than this amount, think about reducing your intake.
The prevention of negative effects like acid reflux, digestive problems, and garlic breath may also be aided by cooking garlic before use.
Before making any dietary changes or using any herbal supplements, it is best to see your doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking any drugs.
However, different meals have varying effects on patients with GERD. It is probably unnecessary to restrict your intake if you discover that consuming a lot of garlic does not result in symptoms.
Final Words
There are a lot of medical plants that a plant like garlic can rival with in terms of its medicinal value.
Garlic's high nutritional content is linked to a number of advantageous health effects. However, consuming excessive amounts of it may have unfavorable side effects, including foul breath, acid reflux, digestive problems, and a higher risk of bleeding. It's essential to use this flavorful spice cautiously in order to avoid any negative effects.
It's crucial to keep in mind that the following adverse effects are typically linked to consuming large amounts of raw garlic. When adding garlic to your diet, moderation is crucial, and it's always advisable to get professional medical guidance if you have any worries or pre-existing health conditions.
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