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Allergy & Intolerance

This is not a medical site. Information on this page is provided on a "best efforts" basis for interest only and does not constitute personal advice.
It is essential that you discuss medical matters with your doctor. Please read the site terms of use.

Garlic is generally lauded as a health giving herb, however as with almost any food there are a number of people who are intolerant of or allergic to it.

Symptoms of Garlic Allergy & Intolerance

Even if you don't have an explicit allergy to garlic, too much exposure to allicin (produced when garlic is crushed) can cause similar symptoms. These include skin irritation, reddening and even blistering. Low level intolerance or excessive intake can result in heartburn or flatulence.

A few people do have an actual allergy to garlic. Symptoms vary but often include stomach problems after eating garlic and a rash from eating or from physical contact.

Garlic allergy has also been reported to exacerbate asthma symptoms, though this is more usually related to breathing in garlic dust rather than eating garlic.

Even if you are not normally allergic or sensitive to garlic, eating an unusually large amount can produce similar reactions. A large amount of raw garlic could irritate and possibly even damage the digestive tract. Garlic is powerful and as with anything powerful it should be treated with respect.

All allergies can be potentially serious. If you suspect that you might be suffering from garlic allergy - or any other sort, food or otherwise - you should contact your doctor or a medically qualified clinic to arrange for testing.

My personal rule of thumb for all foodstuff is simple: If in doubt, don't eat it.

Better safe than sorry.




Garlic Central is not a medical site. Information on this page is provided on a "best efforts" basis for interest only and does not constitute personal advice. Always discuss medical matters with your doctor. Please read the site terms of use.

All material copyright © 2003-2008 Trevor Mendham.
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