Is Garlic right for me?

Garlic in its natural form and supplement form are completely safe for most people, however like all supplements, it is important to gain the right balance in sensible doses. Like with anything in our diets, it is essential to stick to the “everything in moderation” rule to ensure that you are receiving the right health benefits while not coming across any unwanted side effects. Though garlic contains many remarkable benefits, it is important not to overload our bodies; after all it is possible to have too much of a good thing. For most adults, a healthy regular intake of garlic will help to promote all-round general health and wellbeing. Side effects may be incredibly rare, but garlic may not be right for everyone.

• The only side effects known of garlic are usually found with raw garlic, including bad breath, a burning sensation in the mouth or stomach, heartburn, gas, nausea, body odour and diarrhoea. However the risks of these side effects are dramatically decreased with garlic supplements.
• Due to garlic’s blood thinning properties, it may cause bleeding particularly after surgery. Again, this has been found to be more common with raw garlic rather than its supplement form.
• It is suggested to use garlic with caution if you suffer from stomach or digestion problems, as it is possible that it could irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
• Garlic that is found naturally within foods is completely safe for pregnant women; however it could be possibly unsafe when taken in any other form. There is not enough reliable research on the effects of garlic alongside pregnancy and breast feeding, which is why pregnant women should consult a doctor or physician before taking garlic supplements.
• Garlic that is naturally found within foods is mostly safe for children; however garlic in large doses is possibly unsafe. According to research, high doses of garlic could be dangerous to children, yet the reasons are still unknown. No significant adverse effects have been recorded of children taking garlic.