Although garlic is a healthy addition to a balanced diet, consuming too much of it can lead to certain side effects.

Garlic is highly nutritious and offers numerous health benefits, making it a widely used ingredient in cooking. It has been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and infections. However, excessive consumption can lead to side effects such as bad breath, acid reflux, digestive issues, and an increased risk of bleeding.

While garlic is generally considered safe and beneficial for most people, certain individuals should avoid consuming it. Below is a list of groups that may need to refrain from eating garlic due to its potential impact on health.

1. People with Bleeding Disorders

One of the main reasons people with bleeding disorders should avoid garlic is its blood-thinning properties. Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which can prevent blood clotting. While this is beneficial for most individuals as it reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems, it can be dangerous for those with bleeding disorders.

Bleeding disorders affect the body’s ability to form blood clots. These conditions can be hereditary or acquired and include hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and thrombocytopenia. For individuals with these conditions, even a small cut or injury can lead to excessive bleeding that is difficult to control. Consuming garlic may exacerbate this issue and increase the risk of bleeding.

2. People Taking Blood Thinners

Similarly, individuals taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, aspirin, or heparin should avoid consuming garlic. These medications are commonly prescribed to prevent and treat blood clots in people with cardiovascular diseases or other medical conditions. Garlic can interact with these drugs and enhance their blood-thinning effects.

People taking anticoagulants should consult their doctor before incorporating garlic into their diet or using garlic supplements.

3. People with Digestive Issues

Garlic is known for its strong odor and taste, which can trigger digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea in some individuals. For those already experiencing gastrointestinal problems, consuming garlic may worsen their symptoms and cause discomfort.

Individuals with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other digestive disorders should avoid garlic. Instead, they may try other herbs and spices that are less likely to cause digestive distress, such as ginger, turmeric, and cumin.

Like onions, leeks, and asparagus, garlic has a high fructan content. Fructans are a type of carbohydrate that can cause bloating, gas, and stomach pain in some people. When individuals with fructan intolerance consume high-fructan foods, these foods are not fully absorbed in the small intestine. Instead, they reach the colon intact and ferment in the gut, leading to digestive problems.

As a result, people following a low-FODMAP diet—an elimination diet designed to identify foods that cause digestive issues—are often advised to limit their garlic intake.

Additionally, individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may consider reducing their garlic consumption. GERD is a common condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn and nausea.

4. People Allergic to Garlic

Garlic allergy is rare but can occur in some individuals who are sensitive to the garlic plant. Symptoms of garlic allergy can range from mild to severe and may include skin rashes, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.

If you know you are allergic to garlic, you should avoid all forms of the herb, including raw garlic, cooked garlic, garlic supplements, and garlic oil. In case of accidental exposure, seek medical attention. A doctor may prescribe antihistamines or other medications to relieve the symptoms.

5. People Taking Certain Medications

Some medications may interact with garlic and cause unwanted side effects. These include medications that lower blood sugar levels, such as insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs. Garlic can enhance the effects of these medications, potentially leading to dangerous side effects like hypoglycemia.

If you are taking any of these medications, it is essential to consult your doctor before consuming garlic or using garlic supplements.

6. People Preparing for Surgery

One of the most serious side effects of consuming too much garlic is an increased risk of bleeding, especially for individuals taking blood thinners or those about to undergo surgery. This is because garlic has antithrombotic properties, meaning it can prevent blood clot formation. While garlic-induced bleeding is uncommon, a report detailed a case where an individual experienced excessive bleeding after regularly consuming 12 grams of garlic per day before surgery.

Note:

Although garlic is generally safe for most people, some individuals should avoid or consume it with caution. These include people with digestive issues, those taking certain medications, individuals with garlic allergies, and those with low blood pressure. If you have any underlying health conditions, it is best to consult your doctor before making dietary changes or using herbal supplements.