Garlic is a bulbous plant that is widely used in cooking due to its distinctive flavor and aroma. In addition to its culinary value, garlic also has an interesting nutritional composition.
Because it is a condiment par excellence, it provides many benefits for your body from the prophylactic point of view.
Among the various advantages that this plant provides, they are: it increases the immune system, and has exceptional qualities such as: antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-flu.
Also, it is used for respiratory diseases, reduces bad cholesterol, combats hypertension and helps neutralize free radicals.
For all the advantages, it is normal to wonder if it can be consumed when you suffer from stomach ulcers. Thus, this article will answer this interesting question, adding relevant information on the matter.
Can garlic worsen stomach ulcers?
Currently, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that garlic consumption worsens stomach ulcers. However, remember that each organism is different and in that particular, the individual response to any food or substance may vary. Therefore, it is important to consider possible adverse effects in specific cases.
Garlic has been the subject of numerous studies due to its potential medicinal properties, in which, it has been shown that it has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective properties in research studies and in animal models.
Additionally, some studies suggest that garlic may inhibit the growth of Helicobacter Pylori, which is a bacterium commonly associated with the development of stomach ulcers.
However, some this studies are anecdotal reports and limited studies have raised concerns about possible increased gastric acid production and gastric irritation due to garlic consumption.
Given the lack of consensus in the scientific field, more rigorous research is required to fully understand the effects of garlic on stomach ulcers and its interaction with individual factors such as personal sensitivities and pre-existing health conditions.
In any case, it is recommended that people with stomach ulcers consult a physician before making significant changes to their diet or incorporating garlic supplements.
Garlic as a Dietary Aid for Stomach Ulcers
It is important to mention that the role of garlic as a dietary aid for stomach ulcers is a topic that has been the subject of research and debate.
While it is true that garlic has traditionally been valued for its medical properties, its specific effectiveness in managing stomach ulcers is not clearly established.
In that sense, it contains several bioactive compounds, including allicin and sulfur compounds, which have been shown to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
To learn more about allicin and other beneficial components present in garlic, the following video:
It is important to note that the impact of garlic on stomach ulcers can vary from person to person, as some people may experience relief or improvements in their condition by including garlic in their diet, while others may experience gastrointestinal upset. or irritation.
Nutritional Composition of Garlic
Below is a summary of the average nutritional composition of garlic per 100 grams of edible portion:
Calories
Raw garlic contains approximately 149 calories.
Carbohydrates
It is relatively low in carbohydrates, with around 33 grams per 100 grams. Most of these carbohydrates are in the form of dietary fiber.
Proteins
It contains approximately 6 grams of protein per 100 grams. However, the proteins in garlic are considered incomplete, as they lack certain essential amino acids.
Fats
It is also low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per 100 grams.
Dietary fiber
It is important to mention that it is a good source of dietary fiber, with approximately 2 grams per 100 grams. Fiber helps promote digestive health and may have benefits for weight loss and blood sugar regulation.
Vitamins
Garlic is a source of several vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and small amounts of other B vitamins.
Minerals
It contains minerals, such as: calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc in small but significant amounts.
In addition to these nutritional components, garlic also contains bioactive compounds, such as allicin, which have been associated with various health benefits.
It is important to note that the nutritional composition of garlic can vary slightly depending on factors such as variety, cultivation method, and processing.
Incorporating Garlic into a Balanced Diet
The addition of garlic to a balanced diet can add flavor and aroma to diverse foods, in addition to providing some health benefits.
Here are some guidelines for including garlic properly in a balanced diet:
Seasoning
This plant can be used as a seasoning in a wide variety of dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, salad dressings, and stir-fries. In this particular, you can add minced or crushed garlic to culinary recipes. It can enhance the flavor and aroma of food without adding many additional calories.
Vegetable dishes
Vegetables are an essential part of a balanced diet, and garlic can complement their flavor. Along those lines, you can add minced or sliced garlic to your roasted, sautéed, or steamed vegetable dishes for added flavor and additional health benefits.
Meat and fish dishes
If you eat meat or fish, you can use garlic to flavor them. Marinating meat or fish with garlic and herbs can add delicious flavor to your protein dishes.
Dressings and sauces
You can incorporate garlic into homemade salad dressings, such as vinaigrettes or yogurt-based dressings. Also, you can use garlic in the preparation of sauces such as homemade tomato sauce, pasta sauces or dipping sauces.
Precautions
Some people may experience gastrointestinal upset or intolerance to garlic, especially when consumed in large amounts. Remember if you are sensitive to garlic, it is important to moderate your consumption and pay attention to the symptoms.
Also, if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medication, it is advisable to consult a doctor before making significant changes to your diet.
It should be noted that although garlic has potential health benefits, it is important to maintain an overall balanced and varied diet, with fresh and nutritious foods.
Recommended Dosage and Precautions
The recommended dose of garlic can vary according to the form of consumption, preparation and individual needs. Here are some general guidelines and precautions to consider when eating garlic:
Dosage
There is no standardized recommended dose of garlic, however the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests a daily dose equivalent to 2-5 grams of fresh garlic (approximately 1-2 medium garlic cloves). To reap the potential health benefits, it is recommended to consume garlic regularly as part of a balanced diet, rather than as a single high dose.
Precautions by population
Safe doses of garlic during pregnancy and lactation have not been established. As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using it in these stages.
The use of garlic supplements in children is not recommended, without the supervision of a doctor.
Some people may be allergic to garlic. If you experience allergy symptoms such as rashes, difficulty breathing, or swelling, you should avoid eating garlic and seek medical attention.
Garlic can cause gastrointestinal upset in some people, especially when consumed raw or in large amounts. If you have digestive problems, it is advisable to moderate your consumption or avoid it completely.
Garlic can interact with certain medications such as blood thinners (For example: warfarin), high blood pressure medications, and some antiviral medications. If you are taking medications, especially those with a narrow therapeutic window, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking garlic supplements or consuming it in large amounts.
Food you can eat if you have stomach ulcers
When you have stomach ulcers, it is essential to follow a diet that promotes healing and reduces irritation of the gastric lining.
Below are some foods that are considered safe and beneficial for people with stomach ulcers:
High fiber foods
Soluble fiber can help alleviate the symptoms of stomach ulcers. Some options include oatmeal, brown rice, fruits like apples and pears (without the skin), cooked vegetables, and legumes.
Low-fat foods
High-fat foods can increase stomach acid production and worsen symptoms. In that sense, you should select lean meats, such as skinless chicken or turkey, fish, low-fat dairy products, and healthy vegetable oils in moderate amounts.
Low-fat dairy
Low-fat dairy products, such as skim milk, nonfat yogurt, and low-fat cheeses, are generally well tolerated and provide important nutrients such as calcium.
Foods rich in probiotics
Probiotics, such as yogurt with active cultures, can promote gastrointestinal health and ulcer healing. Choose options without added sugar.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
These help reduce inflammation and may benefit the health of your stomach lining. Include colorful fruits and vegetables such as berries, spinach, broccoli, carrots, and beets.
Soft and cooked foods
You can opt for soft and cooked foods since they are easier to digest and less likely to irritate the stomach. Avoid very spicy, acidic or hard or crunchy foods.
Foods rich in omega-3
They have anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial for the health of the digestive system. Add fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and herring, as well as chia seeds and walnuts.
Home remedies for stomach ulcers
There are some home remedies that can provide relief and support the healing of stomach ulcers:
- Honey: Honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate the symptoms of stomach ulcers. A tablespoon of pure honey can be consumed, preferably on an empty stomach.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel has soothing properties and can help reduce inflammation. A small amount of pure aloe vera gel can be consumed before meals or added to smoothies or juices.
- Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve the symptoms of stomach ulcers. Fresh ginger can be consumed grated or in the form of ginger tea.
- Chamomile: Chamomile has calming and anti-inflammatory effects on the digestive system. A cup of warm chamomile tea can be enjoyed to relieve symptoms.
- Potatoes: Raw potatoes have alkaline properties and can help neutralize stomach acid. You can consume diluted fresh potato juice or eat a small amount of grated raw potato.
- Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk can help reduce heartburn and provide relief. It can be consumed in small quantities, preferably cold.
- Soft and cooked foods: Opt for soft and easy-to-digest foods such as soups, vegetable purees, porridges and smoothies. Avoid spicy, fatty or irritating foods.
It is important to note that these home remedies may provide temporary relief from symptoms, but are not a substitute for proper medical treatment.
If you are experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, it is critical to seek the attention of a medical professional to receive an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
FAQs
There are some suggestions that raw garlic may have more potential benefits than cooked garlic for stomach ulcers since the enzyme, called allinase, remains in its natural state and does not lose properties when cooked.
Garlic has been studied for its antibacterial properties, and this could be relevant in the context of stomach ulcers. For example, the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is one of the main causes of peptic ulcers, and garlic has been shown to have antibacterial activity against this bacterium.
Using garlic supplements for stomach ulcers is an option that some people consider. However, it’s important to note that garlic supplements vary in their composition and concentration of active compounds, and their effectiveness may depend on these factors. Ideally, you should consult with your treating physician.
No specific time has been established in which garlic may show potential benefits for stomach ulcers. Garlic is not a conventional medical treatment for stomach ulcers and its efficacy is not well established.
Conclusion
It is important to mention that there is no conclusive evidence that garlic consumption worsens stomach ulcers. However, if you suffer from this disease, you should consult your doctor so that he authorizes it.
Remember that the individual response of each organism is totally different. Therefore, you must take the pertinent precautions of the case.
Today, the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective qualities of garlic are very popular. However, some studies have raised concerns about possible increased gastric acid production and gastric irritation due to garlic consumption.
Similarly, more research in the field is required to fully understand the effects of garlic on stomach ulcers and its interaction with individual factors.
In that regard, it is recommended that people with stomach ulcers consult a health professional before making significant changes to their diet or incorporating garlic supplements.
Here are some foods that are generally considered safe and beneficial for people with stomach ulcers:
- Foods rich in fiber (oatmeal, brown rice, fruits such as apples and pears (without skin), cooked vegetables and legumes).
- Low-fat foods (lean meats: skinless chicken or turkey, fish, low-fat dairy products, and healthy vegetable oils in moderate amounts).
- Low-fat dairy (Low-fat dairy products, such as skim milk, nonfat yogurt, and low-fat cheeses).
- Foods rich in probiotics (yogurt with active cultures, without added sugar).
- Antioxidant-rich foods (colorful fruits and vegetables, such as berries, spinach, broccoli, carrots, and beets).
- Soft and cooked foods (Avoid very spicy, acidic or hard or crunchy foods).
- Foods rich in omega-3 (Incorporate oily fish, such as salmon, sardines and herring, as well as chia seeds and walnuts).
Finally, it is reiterated to consult your doctor, who will be able to evaluate the individual case, take into account other health factors and provide personalized recommendations on the use of garlic and its proper dosage, considering the particular needs and tolerance.
David is a writer and graduate professor. He writes for different websites. With 7+ years of experience in writing and education, David has combined his expertise in teaching with his passion for physical and mental wellness. He researches and writes to bring you valuable information about weight loss, nutrition, fitness, community, society and more.
