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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I have found that if I accidentally consume garlic (usually because a restaurant served it or I was not diligent in avoiding it) I can counteract some of the reactions by immediately taking Gaia's Gas and Bloating pills and one or two peppermint pills. Depending on how fresh the garlic was, and how much I consumed, it can lesson my reactions by up to 75%. I will even take it prior to going out to social events as a precaution.
October 18, 2015 - 7:44pmThis Comment
Yes, my brother tells me that Beano helps him, but he is only moderately sensitive.
April 30, 2016 - 7:32pmThis Comment
One more comment, garlic has sulfur in it, and someone I knew some years ago was sensitive to sulfur. (She learned this when the town's water supply got a high sulfur content).
So you may find that different things in the same food might be the allergenic agents.
October 13, 2015 - 7:57pmThis Comment
After many years of feeling this way, I decided to look online to see if this is a problem with anyone else.
October 11, 2015 - 6:24amI have a self diagnosed allergy to garlic. I find that when I am cooking at home I can use a small amount of crushed garlic gloves for flavour. My problem seems to be with garlic butter and oil used when eating in restaurants. I was at an Asian restaurant last night for a friends birthday at approximately 8:30pm. I ordered ribs for a starter and duck with mango slices for my main course, with noodles - thinking this would be okay. I also did not have any alcohol.
At 3am this morning I awoke with severe abdominal pain; followed by a very violent strain of vomiting and diarrhoea lasting at least an hour. When I finally went to bed again I nursed a very sore head and tummy upset. This morning, I am extremely weak and desperate to ask if there is anything that would help me now or in the future?
I have found restaurants to be generally very unhelpful when ordering food and explaining about my allergy, usually telling me there is no way the cat majority of the menu could be cooked without garlic!
Maybe some is aware of foods that would make smart choices when out to avoid this problem.
It's sad to see so many other people with the same issue and it's even more sad that garlic is my favourite taste!! Ahhhhhhh x
This Comment
Try it roasted whole. That gets me the flavor -- sweeter, like whole onions -- without the reaction.
April 30, 2016 - 7:35pmThis Comment
I tried roasted garlic thinking "it was all in my head" as my mother tried to tell me. I thought I was going to die. Glad it works for you, but don't prescribe it for all of us.
November 13, 2018 - 12:50pmThis Comment
I have developed with age garlic and onion intolerance as well. One meal of Italian restaurant cooking sends me straight to the bathroom. If I cook at home, I have found I can use a small amount of garlic powder and/or onion powder and be fine. But the problem comes the next day when I reheat leftovers and eat them. Then the same food I ate last night suddenly gives me boating, gas, and cramps. Any idea why?
September 24, 2015 - 1:08pmThis Comment
For me garlic give me a delayed reaction, generally no symptoms for 4-8 hours after consumption
December 18, 2016 - 5:56pmThis Comment
I have been moderately intolerant of anything in the garlic and onion family since I turned 40, but I can eat them with no reaction if they are cooked whole. Roasted garlic or boiled onions do not bother me at all.
My mother was intolerant of garlic and pork.
I am also intolerant of anything in the pepper family. It is not capsaicin -- it is something else that is in bell peppers, paprika, pimento, etc.
March 21, 2016 - 11:13pmThis Comment
My problem, too -- the whole cooking, the mother with garlic and pork, and the peppers. Wow.
April 30, 2016 - 7:39pmThis Comment