Garlic Side Effects

Garlic, a herb is commonly used as a spice in a variety of mouth-watering dishes. Garlic acts as a natural antibiotic and hence provides plenty of health benefits. It is well-known for its cancer fighting properties, and for a healthy heart, dietary intake of garlic is often recommended. One can either take supplements or include it as an ingredient in food to promote overall health.

Garlic Side Effects

Common Side Effects
Although this herb has excellent antioxidant properties, consuming raw garlic is certainly not recommended. As it is used to spice up a food product, eating raw garlic can trigger a burning sensation in the mouth. When garlic is chewed or crushed, it produces a chemical compound known as allicin, it produces a creeping or a burning sensation in the mouth. Thus, the compound allicin is primarily responsible for giving garlic that hot burning flavor. This unusual sensation may travel all the way down to the stomach. The other common side effect is mentioned below:

Bad Breath: The pungent flavor of garlic can also bring bad breath. Also known as garlic breath, it is common in people who consume raw garlic cloves or foods that contain a high amount of garlic. Breath issues due to raw garlic consumption can always be avoided by roasting it.

Allergic Reaction
Allergy to garlic means the person should stay away from this herb. This is because consuming it even in small amounts can trigger a severe allergic reaction. Although, the intensity of symptoms due to allergens will vary depending upon an individual's health, the most common warning signs of an allergic reaction are given below:

Skin Rash: A skin rash (formation of blisters) may develop anywhere on the body that may cause extreme itching. Garlic can also cause hives, a skin condition that gives rise to formation of red bumps on the skin.

Inflammation: Unexplained swelling that is particularly seen around the mouth and the face. In some cases, the tongue and the lips appear swollen.

Breathing Problems: Consuming garlic in its pure form or through supplements and experiencing difficulty in breathing, indicates that the person is allergic to this herb. Shortness of breath or trouble breathing are some of the symptoms of allergic reactions.

Stomach Problems
Having excess garlic intake can also be detrimental to the digestive tract. Consuming garlic in supplemental form or through foods, excess garlic intake cannot be tolerated by the body. Stomach irritation is one of the most common side effects associated with garlic. Too much garlic in the diet or garlic overdose can bring about the following health problems:

• Stomach Upset
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea

Garlic Dangers

Some people who are very sensitive to garlic can produce some really nasty side effects. These health issues cannot be taken lightly and demand urgent medical attention. They are mentioned below:

Internal Bleeding
When the normal color of the stool changes to black or bright red, it is an indication of gastrointestinal bleeding. This means that there is damage to the gastrointestinal tract and in such circumstances avoiding garlic altogether is essential. Internal bleeding in the form of brain hemorrhage can also occur due to garlic overdose.

Speech or Eyesight Impairment
A slurred speech or blurred vision can also be the result of garlic overdose. These side effects are usually temporary and discontinuation of garlic may help resolve the issue.

However, in most cases, garlic side effects are not a cause for concern and go away without any treatment. Usually the doctor may advise you to reduce your garlic intake and avoid eating raw garlic cloves to prevent occurrence of these bothersome side effects.