Garlic Side Effects: What You Need to Know
Stomach Upset and Heartburn
Eating raw garlic or taking garlic supplements can cause an upset stomach and heartburn. This is because garlic contains compounds that can irritate the lining of the stomach. If you experience stomach upset or heartburn after eating garlic, you may want to avoid consuming it or reduce the amount that you eat.
Other Side Effects
In addition to stomach upset and heartburn, garlic can also cause other side effects, including:
- Bad breath
- Body odor
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin irritation
Most of these side effects are mild and will go away on their own. However, if you experience any severe side effects, such as vomiting or diarrhea, you should stop taking garlic and see a doctor.
Interactions with Medications
Garlic can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and other medications. If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor before taking garlic supplements.
How to Avoid Side Effects
If you want to avoid the side effects of garlic, you can try the following:
- Eat cooked garlic instead of raw garlic.
- Take odorless garlic supplements or aged garlic extract.
- Start with a low dose of garlic and gradually increase the amount as tolerated.
If you experience any side effects from taking garlic, stop taking it and see a doctor.
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