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Garlic is a popular ingredient used for its strong flavour and health benefits. It is highly nutritious and has been linked to several health benefits due to its medicinal properties. However, eating too much garlic may cause several side effects, including bad breath, heartburn, stomach issues, and nausea. In rare instances, it may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you are taking blood thinners or undergoing surgery. Garlic may also cause muscle cramps, as reported by a small percentage of people in a clinical study.
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What You'll Learn
Garlic can prevent muscle cramps
Garlic is a popular ingredient in cooking thanks to its strong flavour and aroma. It is also highly nutritious and has been linked to several health benefits. For example, garlic has been shown to improve immune function and lower blood pressure.
Garlic is also believed to be beneficial in preventing muscle cramps. A study in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that consuming fluid containing electrolytes decreased the susceptibility to muscle cramps. Garlic is one of the molecules that can act as an agonist for TRP channels, specifically TRPV1 agonists, which help with muscle cramps. Garlic capsules can be taken to prevent or stop exercise-induced muscle cramps.
In addition, garlic has been shown to protect against skeletal muscle damage. A study on adult male rats found that garlic treatment caused a significant decrease in serum creatine kinase (CK), Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), caspase-3 expression, and histopathological damage scores. It also increased IL-10 and desmin expression, which are important for muscle health.
While garlic is generally safe for most people, consuming large amounts may cause side effects such as bad breath, heartburn, digestive issues, and an increased risk of bleeding. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements or making significant dietary changes.
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Side effects of garlic
Garlic is generally safe for most people when taken orally and has been used safely for up to seven years. However, consuming garlic, especially raw garlic, in large quantities can lead to several side effects.
The most common side effect of garlic consumption is bad breath, also known as garlic breath. This is caused by the presence of sulfur compounds in garlic. Cooking garlic reduces the content of these compounds, thereby decreasing the intensity of garlic breath.
Garlic is also known to cause digestive issues such as heartburn, gas, abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, and diarrhea. These side effects are often more pronounced with raw garlic. Additionally, garlic may decrease the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone, leading to acid reflux.
Another serious side effect of garlic is its potential to increase the risk of bleeding. Garlic has antithrombotic properties, which can prolong bleeding time. This is particularly important for individuals taking blood thinners or undergoing surgery. It is recommended to stop consuming garlic at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery to mitigate this risk.
Furthermore, garlic may interact with certain medications. It can lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, so caution should be exercised when taking medications for high blood pressure or diabetes. Garlic may also decrease the absorption of specific drugs, such as HIV/AIDS medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
When applied topically, garlic products like gels, pastes, and mouthwashes have been used safely for short periods. However, raw garlic applied to the skin can cause severe skin irritation, burns, and blisters. The safety of topical garlic use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is uncertain, and it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before using garlic in medicinal amounts during these periods.
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Garlic and blood pressure
Garlic is highly nutritious and associated with a variety of health benefits. It has been used for over 5,000 years to prevent and treat disease, with few reports of side effects. It is likely safe for most people and has been used safely for up to seven years. However, eating too much garlic may cause side effects such as bad breath, heartburn, gas, and diarrhea. These side effects are often worse with raw garlic.
Garlic is a common ingredient in heart-healthy diets such as the Mediterranean diet and has been used as a natural blood-pressure-lowering remedy since ancient times. Research suggests that garlic may be an effective supplement for treating high blood pressure. In fact, some studies report it to be as effective as standard blood-pressure-lowering medications, with fewer side effects. A review of randomized controlled trials reported that garlic supplements may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 6.7 and 4.8 mmHg, respectively, with no serious side effects. Another review of 12 trials and 553 hypertensive participants found that garlic supplements lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 8.3 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 5.5 mmHg.
The main active compound in garlic, allicin, is thought to be responsible for its blood-pressure-lowering properties. Allicin prevents the production of angiotensin II, a compound that increases blood pressure by causing blood vessels to tighten up or contract. By inhibiting the production of angiotensin II, allicin makes it easier for blood to flow freely, thereby reducing blood pressure. Allicin also increases the production or availability of hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide, two compounds crucial for regulating blood pressure levels.
It is important to note that garlic might lower blood pressure significantly when taken along with medications that lower blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor your blood pressure closely if taking garlic supplements with blood pressure medications.
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Garlic allergies
The symptoms of a garlic allergy can vary from person to person and usually appear within minutes to a couple of hours of consuming garlic. Some common symptoms include skin rashes, asthma, abdominal cramping, dizziness, diarrhea, and urticaria. In some cases, individuals may experience an allergic reaction to raw garlic but not cooked garlic, as heat degrades the allergenic proteins.
If you suspect a garlic allergy, it is important to consult a doctor. They can perform skin tests, blood tests, or food challenge tests to confirm the allergy and assess its severity. Managing a garlic allergy involves avoiding garlic in food and informing others about your allergy. It is also crucial to carry emergency epinephrine, such as an EpiPen, if advised by your doctor.
While garlic allergies are rare, garlic is often associated with food intolerance, which does not involve the immune system. Food intolerance occurs when the gut is sensitive to certain foods, leading to symptoms such as gut issues, bloating, gas, and stomach pain.
It is important to distinguish between a garlic allergy and intolerance, as the former can have severe health consequences. If you experience any adverse reactions to garlic, it is always best to seek medical advice to ensure proper diagnosis and management.
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Garlic and acid reflux
Garlic is generally safe to consume and is associated with several health benefits. However, excessive garlic consumption may lead to several side effects, including acid reflux and heartburn.
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when acid from the stomach travels back up through the oesophagus towards the throat. This can cause a painful burning sensation in the chest and throat. While triggers for acid reflux vary between individuals, garlic is known to be a contributing factor for some people.
Research indicates that allium vegetables, including garlic, onions, leeks, and chives, may worsen acid reflux-related symptoms. Excessive garlic consumption may also cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where acid reflux irritates the lining of the oesophagus. GERD can cause symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
While garlic is generally safe to consume in moderate amounts, it is recommended that individuals with severe acid reflux avoid eating large amounts of garlic, especially raw garlic, as it may trigger their symptoms. If you are unsure whether garlic is a trigger for your acid reflux, it is best to consult with your doctor. They may advise you to consume small amounts of garlic and monitor your reactions to determine if it is a trigger for you.
Additionally, garlic supplements should be approached with caution. They can thin the blood, so they should not be taken in combination with other blood thinners or before surgery.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a phase IV clinical study, muscle cramps were reported as a side effect among people who take garlic, especially for people who are female, 60+ years old, also take vitamin E, and have pain. However, the study could not establish a cause-effect relationship.
Garlic is likely safe for most people and has been used safely for up to 7 years. However, it can cause side effects such as bad breath, heartburn, gas, and diarrhea, especially when consumed raw. Garlic might also increase the risk of bleeding and cause allergic reactions in some people.
Garlic is highly nutritious and is associated with several health benefits. It can improve immune function, reduce inflammation, and protect against certain types of cancer. Additionally, garlic has beneficial effects on ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury in various organs.
Eating 1-2 garlic cloves daily can provide health benefits. However, consuming larger amounts may lead to side effects such as bad breath, digestive issues, and an increased risk of bleeding. It is recommended to enjoy garlic in moderation and reduce intake if adverse effects occur.
Yes, garlic can cause stomach aches and abdominal discomfort, especially in people with sensitive stomachs or irritable bowel syndrome. It can also lead to nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. The green sprouting part of the garlic clove should be removed as it can cause unpleasant side effects.
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