Having too much garlic can cause these worrying side effects

Garlic has been long revered in Ayurveda for its medicinal and rejuvenating properties. The modern science too recognizes the many benefits it can provide for the overall well-being and management of chronic diseases. Its impressive nutritional profile can help boost immunity and fight seasonal infections. Consuming raw garlic can bring additional benefits as it has an enzyme called allicin which has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.

It also provides protection against certain kinds of cancer. Chewing raw garlic cloves can help reap benefits of sulphur-containing compounds which offer range of benefits for overall health.
Anything in excess is bad and garlic is no exception. Let’s understand all the side effects of consuming too much garlic:

1. Digestive distress

Raw garlic is effective in managing a range of health conditions, but it may cause digestive issues when eaten in excess. Garlic has fructan, a compound that may cause digestive and intestinal distress when ingested in large quantities. Consuming too much garlic can irrirate the digestive tract, damage the stomach lining and may cause heart burn, acid reflux, bloating, nausea, flatulence and even peptic ulcers.

2. Bad breath

Garlic breath is a common phenomenon after consuming food flavoured with this spice. The peculiar smell doesn’t normally go away with brushing your teeth. This is because garlic has sulphur compounds that are released into the bloodstream after being digested. They travel to lungs and reach up the throat and out the mouth, resulting in bad breath. Compounds that cause the garlic breath include Dialyl disulfide, Allyl methyl sulfide, Allyl mercaptan, and Allyl methyl disulfide.

3. Garlic allergy

Some people can experience

garlic allergy

which happens when body mistakenly believes it to be a harmful substance. The signs and symptoms of such allergy include rashes, itching, or even anaphylaxis – a life-threatening reaction that could occur in seconds or minutes after eating a substance you are allergic to. It can cause difficulty in breathing. People who are allergic to garlic must read labels and be careful about foods that may have garlic.

4. Bleeding issues

One of the severe side effects of eating garlic in excess is an increased risk of bleeding. This could be more for people who are already on blood thinners or those who have undergone surgery. Garlic has blood-thinning or antithrombotic properties which means it may prevent blood clot formation. Garlic consumption should be avoided before surgery.

5. Dizziness due to low blood pressure

Garlic is known for lowering blood pressure as it has sulfur compounds that can relax blood vessels. However, eating too much of it or combining it with blood pressure medication can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels, which can cause symptoms like dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, headache and blurry vision.

6. Skin burn

Garlic may not be appropriate for all skin types and can cause trouble for people with sensitive skin. Applying garlic directly on the skin can cause burns, blisters, or irritation.
Consuming cooked garlic instead of raw can reduce some of these side effects. Roasting or sauteing garlic can make it easier to digest and prevent gastro issues.