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I have a self-diagnosed intolerance to garlic that is getting worse with age. My symptoms include terrible gas, bloating and up to 2 days of constipation or diarrhea. I also emit a strong garlic odor on my breath, skin and when I experience gas and bowel movements following a dose. I am frustrated because I have finally admitted to myself that garlic is an issue for me and have been telling restaurants that I am ALLERGIC to garlic. I still get served garlic consistently. I am generally a very healthful person and know garlic has many health benefits. I am wondering if there is a natural supplement of some sort that might counteract garlic's negative effects on me so that I can consume it regularly and without the abdominal pain and digestive issues I experience now.
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Anon - Thanks for writing and welcome to EmpowHER. Garlic allergies are fairly rare, but they present big problems for those who have them because many processed foods and foods prepared in restaurants use garlic. There isn't a specific medical treatment or cure for this. What most people do is make sure they carry over-the-counter remedies with them to treat the stomach and gastrointestinal symptoms if they get them after eating. It's not the most graceful solution but it does provide some relief.
August 30, 2010 - 6:15pmTake care,
Pat
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Thanks for your prompt response, Pat. I was afraid this was the case. Is there any information regarding a preventative remedy such as Beano? Also, someone mentioned to me last week that a local news station did a story last week about the same (or similar) issue with garlic and apparently they made the claim that milk is a soothing agent. Any input on that?
September 10, 2010 - 9:01amThis Comment
I have trouble with garlic as well. My initial reaction is a mild burning in my mouth and the scent that seems to linger in my mouth worse than others. I find drinking milk during and after eating garlic can help lesson these initial symptoms, but it does NOT prevent the way my head, throat, lymph nodes, and sinuses feel a day or two later. I've also brushed my teeth, flossed, and used a strong mouthwash to try help aleave the initial oral discomfort. The combination of milk and oral care helps to get me through the night.
Aside from avoiding garlic, I've found eating a green salad (no garlic) a least equal in size to the offending dish to be helpful. It seems to prevent the garlic from lingering in my gut. It seems to lessen my oral discomfort as well.
November 1, 2014 - 10:48amMy reaction to garlic and onions (aside from cooked white onions) is getting more pronounced with age.
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