ask: Garlic intolerance = digestive nightmare!

I have an identical problem, and Beano works great, it is the only thing that I have found that helps.

I recently made a dish with a few garlic cloves in it. I knew I didn't digest garlic very well, but this is the worst reaction I've ever had ...I was in pain. I used a product that I ordered online from Swanson, called peppermint oil combo, which contains peppermint and thyme oils in a gelcap. It is very helpful for me. I have seen similar products in stores. They are great for gas, bloating and cramps. I wish I could find an enzyme that prevents this reaction, but I never have. To get the health benefits of garlic without the troubles, I take Kyolic aged garlic extract in capsules every day. The aging process seems to make it easier to digest, and I tolerate this with no problems.

I find that taking charcoal tablets before the meal or even after it helps. They make my diarrhoea less severe and should help with your gas (that's what they're supposed to be used for).

I have had some pretty serious reactions after eating fresh garlic. Normal Stomach medicines didn't help much, but I did find taking Benadryl has helped when taken early after knowing I have consumed garlic.

For many years I had the same severe symptons from eating garlic or anything with garlic powder. I found an over the counter medicine to take prior to eating garlic. It worked every time for me. The medication was Omnigest-EZ and was all natural. The only problem is they have recently stopped making it. If anyone knows of a substitute I would like to try it.

Hi Kimberlykoehly,
I have had similar sensitivities to different foods, for me it is a mild allergy. I had a comprehensive blood allergen test done to identify definitively what I suspected (it wasn't cheap, and wasn't covered by insurance, but I had enough with my system being out of whack). Allergies go from 1 to 3. Most of mine are 1s and some are 2s. Those 1s can be tricky, because I can eat them now-and-again, but when I've had too much they can be problematic. The 2s I try and avoid as much as possible because those cause a stronger reaction with either a rash or GI issues, for example. Since taking this blood test, I have been taking high-quality daily vitamins, and a probiotic supplement. I also have been taking a herbal supplement (contains N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, turmeric root and bromelian extract among other things) for allergies. The program my wellness doctor created for me seems to be working. Along with avoiding those foods as I can, it has virtually cured my stomach issues. And when I do come into contact with things like citrus which causes contact dermatitis issues for me, I immediately wash my hands and try to avoid touching it to my lips (otherwise I get little blisters--weird, I know). In the course of this testing, I found that I have a sensitivity to cow's milk, so I also switched to soy, almond or rice milk which also has helped.
Long story short--as I understand it, if your system is functioning well, then it will cause less of a disturbance when you have a 1or a 2 food item in those cases it can't be avoided. I know some people don't believe in the practice of wellness medicine, but I'm living proof that it works. I haven't been sick since early this year, which is odd for me. No colds, no sinus infections, no major stomach issues--hooray! But everyone's different, so it's important to discuss your concerns with a doctor.
Good luck and let us know how you're doing.

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.
Take care,
Pat