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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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I have a severe reaction to garlic and onions. Similar to other posts I get extreme heartburn which is alarming as I have heart issues. Pains in my upper back ! Bloating and gas and the symptoms can go on for days.
February 13, 2015 - 11:45amI consulted a gut doctor and he suggested I look onto low FODMAP diet by Sue Shepherd PHD and Peter Gibson MD. A very helpful book that explains why in detail,with list of what I can et..one being green onions but just the green part. The reference has been very helpful, however sometimes I "accidentally" am exposed ...grrrr!
Good luck, I know how awful it can be as I have lost many a nights sleep and days of extreme upset because of this condition.
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Heartburn doesn't affect your Heart, thankfully
May 15, 2015 - 9:48pmThis Comment
Even I am allergic to garlic. Essentially I am allergic to Sulpha and the smell that garlic gets is because of the Sulpha present in it. You also might be allergic to Sulpha and hence the reason. I feel slightly better if I have a gaseous drink (Soda/ Coke / Sprite ) alongwith / after the food. I get a good burp after which things become really better. This is only an alternative to feel better. I do not know how to get rid of this though.
January 23, 2015 - 6:22amHope this helps
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I find your sulpha comment intriguing because I too have a sulfa allergy (allergy to the sulfa located in pain medications) and also have a severe cramping reaction when I eat garlic. I think they somehow are tied to one another. You're on to something in my opinion.
February 25, 2015 - 7:53pmThis Comment
You mean sulphur? Sulpha and sulphur/sulphates have absolutely nothing to do with one another. Sulpha is only found in certain pills, not in foods, while sulphur is found in foods such as broccoli and cauliflower. I'm allergic to sulpha, meaning I can't take certain antibiotics such as septra, whereas my friend is allergic to sulphur/sulphates and has to watch what she eats.
February 16, 2015 - 3:29amThis Comment
You can join the ranks of the ignorant and will be in the company of many other well educated know nothing's! I personally am allergic to sulpha drugs, sulfites and sulphate food additives. I have been told by doctors that this is impossible, but I am a healthcare professional and definitely have these allergies. Please do not condescending to others regarding their allergies, many individuals are cross allergic to chemically similar substances,regardless of medical opinion.
April 21, 2015 - 10:39amThis Comment
I am also horribly allergic to garlic, my primary complaints include headaches with terrible dehydration (even if I didn't taste it in the food, or it was in a very small amount) but I always know I have consumed garlic by the thirst that it induces! I also have intestinal issues, which appear to be related to anything in the onion/garlic family. My mother is also allergic, with her symptoms increasing with age. I was told a garlic allergy has to do with low oestrogen, and garlic indeed has properties that make this likely... probably why vampires and evil witches were warded off by garlic, since we all know older women are witches :) I am really disappointed to have such a strong allergy to something that is supposedly so healthy (my diet is otherwise very health conscious and I am in general a very healthy person, even now in my 60s)
January 11, 2015 - 7:11amThis Comment
I am so glad to come across this website. In the last 7 years I have developed a sever reaction to garlic. I can't even smell foods prepared with garlic without having immediate symptoms. My symptoms include: Headache, churning stomach , and explosive diarrhea that can last from 6 to 48 hours depending on the amount I have received. My doctor looks at me like I am from outer space when I try to talk to him about it.
December 11, 2014 - 11:35amThis Comment
I highly recommend drinking about 2 Tbsp of fresh lemon juice prior to eating anything with garlic. I've tried beano and other supplements but they weren't effective in reducing odors. I've read lemons provide lots of digestive enzymes and can boost hydrochloric acid in the stomach which I imagine helps break down the garlic. Hope this helps!
December 9, 2014 - 12:14pmThis Comment
I have suspected garlic causes me problems for years but thought it was probably me over reacting...if I have tomatoes with garlic it is even worse.... My symptoms are extreme bloating, tummy pains, excessive wind that is incredibly smelly ( sorry)... I then range from being constipated to having an upset stomach. Does anyone know is if there is a genuine test to see what foods I react too as I feel if I have been medically tested I will be taken seriously rather than being told I'm doing a fad diet if sorts
September 6, 2014 - 10:54pmThis Comment