15 Serious Side Effects Of Garlic (Foods To Avoid With It)

Anything in excess can be unhealthy and harmful for you, and so is garlic.

Medically reviewed by Alexandra Dusenberry, MS, RDN
Written by Ravi Teja Tadimalla, BSc, Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition and Health
Edited by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma
Fact-checked by Sindhu Koganti, BTech (Biotechnology), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach  • 

Garlic has a strong, pungent taste and is flavorful. This herb has medicinal properties. But, did you ever give a thought to the side effects of garlic?

Excess intake of garlic (Allium sativum) has been linked with bleeding disorders, diarrhea, liver damage, vomiting, nausea, and heartburn.

So, is garlic bad for you? This article explores the 14 adverse effects of garlic and things to consider before consuming it. Let’s get started.

protip_icon Know The Flip Side: Garlic

Short-Term Effects
It can cause bad breath, vomiting, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, sweating, lower blood sugar levels.

Long-Term Effects
May aggravate bleeding issues and lead to liver damage, eczema, and even vision issues.

Drug Interactions
Interacts with blood-thinners and raises the risk of bleeding out.

When To See A Doctor
If you experience excessive stomach discomfort, very low blood sugar levels and nose bleeds, seek medical help.

What Are The Side Effects Of Garlic?

1. May Cause Liver Damage

Excess garlic consumption may affect the liver. Though raw garlic has antioxidant potential, excess intake can lead to liver toxicity (1). As per rat studies, garlic in high doses (0.5 grams per kg of body weight) may induce liver damage. However, low doses of garlic (0.1 grams to 0.25 grams per kg of body weight) on a daily basis are safe for the liver (2).

2. May Cause Bad Odor

As per one Italian report, garlic breath and body odor were two of the most common adverse effects associated with garlic (3). Lack of personal hygiene is not the only cause of body odor, as consumption of garlic may result in it too (4).

Youtuber Thando shared her experience with eating raw garlic for 7 days in a video. She said, “After eating it, obviously your mouth’s going to smell garlicky, but after that, you can shower and then brush your teeth (i).” She noted another downside saying that garlic goes down slowly and burns in the mouth and esophagus.

Garlic odor has been found to linger in the mouth long after brushing. Certain experts believe that the chemicals in garlic that contribute to bad breath odor are the same chemicals that also render it its benefits (5). However, bad breath can be embarrassing. Hence, you probably need to think twice before consuming garlic. You may also take precautions and use a mouth-refreshing spray.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Consuming milk alongside eating garlic may help reduce the malodor. Having mushrooms, basil, or water with garlic may also help (24).

3. May Cause Nausea, Vomiting, And Heartburn

Garlic causes nausea and heartburn
download button share button
Image: Created with Dall.E

Anecdotal evidence suggests that consuming fresh garlic bulbs on an empty stomach may cause acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. Certain observational studies have also stated that taking garlic orally can cause heartburn and nausea (6). Excess garlic intake may also cause GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) in some individuals. More research is needed to understand this side effect of garlic.

4. May Cause Diarrhea

Consuming fresh garlic in excess can cause diarrhea. Garlic may trigger diarrhea as it may cause gas (7).

5. May Cause Gastric Issues

One Japanese study speaks about enteric-coated garlic products (products coated with a polymer barrier to prevent disintegration in the gastric environment). These garlic products, upon ingestion, resulted in the reddening of the gastric mucous membrane and can cause gastrointestinal discomfort (8). The results suggest that caution must be exercised before using garlic and related products as they may have undesirable effects on gastric health.

In fact, as against popular belief, there is no evidence that links garlic intake to the prevention of gastric cancer (9).

6. May Lower Blood Pressure Way Too Much

Garlic supplements cause low blood pressure
download button share button
Image: Shutterstock

Garlic may lower blood pressure (10). But if you are already on medications for high blood pressure, it may lead to hypotension (low blood pressure). Supplemental garlic has also shown to lower blood pressure levels (11). Hence, taking garlic supplements could be a bad idea when you are already on blood pressure medications. Taking garlic by mouth can also modestly reduce blood pressure (12).

In a meta-analysis of 553 hypertensive participants and 12 trials, garlic supplements were proven to lower systolic blood pressure by an average of 8.3±1.9 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 5.5±1.9 mmHg.

7. May Aggravate Bleeding

Garlic may increase the risk of bleeding. Hence, it must not be taken along with blood-thinning medications like warfarin (13).

This is true especially in the case of fresh garlic. It also is better to stop garlic consumption at least 7 days before a scheduled surgery. Garlic has antiplatelet effects and may cause increased bleeding tendency during surgery (14).

8. May Induce Sweating

As per some studies, garlic may also cause profuse sweating in certain individuals (15). However, we need more research in this regard.

9. May Cause Dizziness

Woman feeling dizzy as a side effect of garlic
download button share button
Image: Shutterstock

Excess garlic intake can cause dizziness, fatigue, and fainting (16). The mechanism behind this action is yet to be studied.

10. May Cause Eczema Or Rashes

Prolonged contact with garlic may cause skin irritation. Some specific enzymes in garlic may lead to this irritation. As per anecdotal evidence, eczemai  XA skin condition most commonly diagnosed in young children that causes redness, dryness, itchiness, and inflammation. could also be one of the conditions that accompany this allergy.

protip_icon Quick Tip
If you are allergic to garlic, you may also be allergic to onions, shallots, chives, and leeks as they belong to the same botanical family and have the same proteins.

As per one study, frequent handling of garlic for cooking could lead to skin rashes, hives, and itching (17).

11. May Interact With Certain Drugs

As per one study, garlic was found to interact with medications, such as chlorpropamide, fluindione, ritonavir, and warfarin (18).

12. May Cause Headache

Woman having headache for excess garlic consumption
download button share button
Image: Shutterstock

Garlic, especially when taken in its raw form, could trigger migraines (19). Though it doesn’t directly cause a migraine headache, it activates the process responsible for it.

Though the exact reason for this is unclear, certain experts believe it may involve the trigeminal nerve – the major pain pathway in the body. Taking garlic may stimulate this nerve to release neuronal signaling molecules called neuropeptides that rush to the membrane covering your brain and cause headaches.

13. May Aggravate (Vaginal) Yeast Infection

Garlic cloves may irritate the tender tissue of the vagina (20). Certain women insert garlic cloves into the vaginas as a remedy to treat vaginal yeast infections. This is not recommended.

14. May Cause Vision Changes

It has been found that excessive ingestion of garlic can lead to a condition called hyphema, which refers to bleeding inside the eye chamber – the space between the iris and the cornea (16). Taking large doses of garlic, an anticoagulanti  XA group of medicines that reduce the formation of blood clots and prolong the clotting time. Also known as blood thinners. , may cause or aggravate hyphema. Hyphema may also cause permanent vision loss.

Anecdotal evidence suggests certain other side effects of garlic too. Excess intake may cause loss of appetite. Garlic overdose may lead to kidney hematomas (swelling of clotted blood within the tissues of kidneys), chemical burns in the mouth, and life-threatening allergic reactions. It can even cause difficulty breathing and wheezing and even trigger anaphylaxis.

Garlic may also cause a condition called pemphigus, an autoimmunei  XA condition in which the immune system cannot differentiate between healthy cells and foreign cells and attacks its own body cells. disease (21).

15. May Cause Blistering

Dermal contact with garlic may cause blistering in people who are allergic to it (22). This condition is also known as garlic burn and is attributed to the presence of compounds like allicin, which may cause skin irritation and induce allergic reactions (23).

The degree of burn depends on factors like the sensitivity of the skin and duration of exposure. Handling garlic or garlic juice for an extended period of time may cause burning, redness, and itching and may even lead to necrosis. Furthermore, crushed raw garlic is a potent irritant that may cause irritant contact dermatitis, a condition characterized by itchy rashes, in previously sensitized individuals (22). Hence, practice caution while handling garlic.

There is a list of foods that may cause side effects if taken along with garlic. We have covered those in the following section.

What Should You Avoid While Taking Garlic?

It is best you avoid consuming certain foods with garlic to keep the side effects at bay. These include:

  • Clove
  • Ginger
  • Ginkgo
  • Horse chestnut
  • Red clover
  • Turmeric
  • Willow
  • Capsicum
  • Poplar
  • Danshen

The intake of too much garlic can cause adverse effects. But, how much garlic is too much? Scroll down to learn recommended dosage of garlic.

Dosage

Jesse Feder, a Clinical Dietitian with the Memorial Regional Hospital South, says, “Garlic is not toxic. However, it is typically recommended to only have 1-2 raw garlic cloves in a day.”

Infographic: Ingredient Spotlight: Garlic

Garlic is widely used in culinary delights and traditional home remedies. There is, however, a downside to every coin, and excessive garlic consumption can be detrimental to health.

Check out the infographic below to learn more about garlic, its recommended daily dietary intake, and some alternatives for this pungent condiment. Scroll down.

unknown facts about garlic (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Side effects of garlic are usually associated with prolonged overconsumption. High doses of garlic may induce liver damage and trigger nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bad odor, gastric issues, sweating, dizziness, headaches, vision changes, and yeast infections. It may also lower blood pressure and interact with certain medications. You also must avoid garlic with clove, chestnut, ginger, and ginkgo to avoid undesirable side effects. However, moderate garlic consumption offers important benefits. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the consumption of garlic in a regulated manner can help with chest pain, rapid heartbeats, shortness of breath, cough, chills, fever, and even muscle aches. Even so, without proper evidence back-up, it is always safe to check before you try out these home remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does garlic stay in your system?

Jesse Feder says, “Certain sulfur compounds in garlic may take up to two days to get out of your system.” Garlic will stay in your system for 24 to 48 hours. Spices like garlic get excreted through your sweat as well as your digestive system.

Is garlic stronger than antibiotics?

According to Jesse, “Garlic is not stronger than antibiotics, even though garlic has some antibiotic properties.”

Does garlic affect urine?

Jesse agrees and says, “Garlic contains certain compounds that can affect the smell of your urine.”

Can I drink water after eating garlic on an empty stomach?

Jesse says, “You can and should drink water after eating garlic on an empty stomach. This can help prevent some indigestion and gas.”

Why does my stomach hurt when I eat garlic?

Garlic is high in fructans. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may cause difficulty in digestion in some individuals. It may lead to upset stomach, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, and gas in some people.

Does garlic elevate blood pressure levels?

There is no research to support that garlic can elevate blood pressure levels.

Does garlic induce labor in pregnant women?

There is no research to state the same. However, pregnant women can consult their doctor before taking garlic.

What is the healthiest way to eat garlic?

The healthiest way to eat garlic is in its raw form. That way, you can get the maximum benefit of allicin, the compound in garlic responsible for its beneficial effects.

Does garlic make you pee a lot?

No studies suggest that garlic increases the frequency of peeing or the volume of urine. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that spicy foods like onion, garlic, and ginger may make you pee more.

Key Takeaways

  • Eating too much garlic may cause issues like bloating, gas, and heartburn.
  • Garlic may interact with medications such as blood thinners.
  • Garlic may cause allergic reactions in some people resulting in rashes.
  • Garlic has a pungent smell which may cause garlic breath
  • Garlic supplements may cause blood pressure to drop too low.

Don’t make the same mistake many people do when taking garlic! Watch this video to learn how best to ingest your garlic and do it correctly!

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Banerjee, S K et al. “Garlic as an antioxidant: the good, the bad and the ugly.” Phytotherapy research : PTR vol. 17,2 (2003): 97-106.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12601669
  2. Rana, S V et al. “Garlic hepatotoxicity: safe dose of garlic.” Tropical gastroenterology : official journal of the Digestive Diseases Foundation vol. 27,1 (2006): 26-30.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16910057
  3. Borrelli, Francesca et al. “Garlic (Allium sativum L.): adverse effects and drug interactions in humans.” Molecular nutrition & food research vol. 51,11 (2007): 1386-97.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17918162
  4. Senol, M, and P Fireman. “Body odor in dermatologic diagnosis.” Cutis vol. 63,2 (1999): 107-11.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10071744
  5. “Garlic.” Garlic – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/garlic
  6. Martin Lopez, Juliana Ester. “Candidiasis (vulvovaginal).” BMJ clinical evidence vol. 2015 0815. 16 Mar. 2015
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4360556/
  7. Morales-González, José Antonio et al. “Garlic (Allium sativum L.): A Brief Review of Its Antigenotoxic Effects.” Foods (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 8,8 343. 13 Aug. 2019.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6722787/
  8. Hoshino, T et al. “Effects of garlic preparations on the gastrointestinal mucosa.” The Journal of nutrition vol. 131,3s (2001): 1109S-13S.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11238827
  9. Kim, Hanseul et al. “Garlic intake and gastric cancer risk: Results from two large prospective US cohort studies.” International journal of cancer vol. 143,5 (2018): 1047-1053.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29569711
  10. Ried, K et al. “Aged garlic extract reduces blood pressure in hypertensives: a dose-response trial.” European journal of clinical nutrition vol. 67,1 (2013): 64-70.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3561616/
  11. Ried, Karin et al. “Effect of garlic on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” BMC cardiovascular disorders vol. 8 13. 16 Jun. 2008.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2442048/
  12. Pedraza-Chaverrí, José, et al. “Garlic Prevents Hypertension Induced by Chronic Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthesis.” Life Sciences, Pergamon, 25 Feb. 1998.
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0024320597011557
  13. “Garlic.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
    https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/garlic/ataglance.htm
  14. Pradhan, Sameer L, and Priya S Pradhan. “Ayurvedic medicine and anaesthesia.” Indian journal of anaesthesia vol. 55,4 (2011): 334-9.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3190505/
  15. Banerjee, Sanjay K, and Subir K Maulik. “Effect of garlic on cardiovascular disorders: a review.” Nutrition journal vol. 1 4. 19 Nov. 2002.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC139960/
  16. (2018). Analysis of Garlic Effects on Human Health in the World. 49. 30-40.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328675985_Analysis_of_Garlic_Effects_on_Human_Health_in_the_World
  17. Lee, T Y, and T H Lam. “Contact dermatitis due to topical treatment with garlic in Hong Kong.” Contact dermatitis vol. 24,3 (1991): 193-6.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1831097
  18. Izzo, Angelo A, and Edzard Ernst. “Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: an updated systematic review.” Drugs vol. 69,13 (2009): 1777-98.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19719333
  19. Roussos, Alexander P, and Alan R Hirsch. “Alliaceous migraines.” Headache vol. 54,2 (2014): 378-82.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23551212
  20. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Vaginal yeast infections (thrush): What helps? 2019 Jun 19.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK543219/
  21. Ruocco, V et al. “A case of diet-related pemphigus.” Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 192,4 (1996): 373-4.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8864379/
  22. Madke, A. and Das, A. “Garlic Burn: A Home Remedy Gone Wrong” US National Library of Medicine 12(4): 634–635.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8354410/
  23. Chriac,A. Et al. “Self‐medication garlic‐induced irritant skin lesions – case series” US National Library of Medicine 14(6): 1407–1408.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7949515/
  24. Effect of Milk on the Deodorization of Malodorous Breath after Garlic Ingestion
    https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2010.01715.x
Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.

Latest Articles