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Who should not take garlic capsules?

Who Should Not Take Garlic Capsules?
Garlic capsules are often touted for their numerous health benefits, including potential improvements in heart health and immune function. However, they are not suitable for everyone. Understanding who should avoid these supplements is crucial for ensuring safety and preventing adverse effects.
Individuals on Blood Thinners
One of the primary groups that should avoid garlic capsules are those taking anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin or aspirin. Garlic has natural blood-thinning properties, which can enhance the effects of these medications, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. This interaction can be particularly dangerous for individuals with conditions that already predispose them to bleeding or those undergoing surgery.
People with Allergies or Sensitivities
Individuals who have a known allergy to garlic or related plants in the Allium family (like onions or leeks) should refrain from taking garlic capsules. Allergic reactions can range from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe anaphylactic responses, which can be life-threatening.
Those with Gastrointestinal Disorders
Garlic can cause digestive issues, including heartburn, gas, and upset stomach, especially when consumed in large amounts. People with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may find that garlic exacerbates their symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable for these individuals to avoid garlic supplements.
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
While garlic is generally considered safe in food amounts, pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution with garlic supplements. High doses may lead to complications, including increased bleeding risk during delivery. Consulting a healthcare provider before taking any supplements during pregnancy or lactation is essential.
Individuals Scheduled for Surgery
Those who are planning to undergo surgery should avoid garlic capsules at least two weeks prior to the procedure. The blood-thinning effects of garlic can interfere with normal clotting mechanisms, increasing the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgery.
People with Certain Medical Conditions
Individuals with specific medical conditions, such as low blood pressure (hypotension), should also be cautious. Garlic can lower blood pressure, which may lead to dangerously low levels in susceptible individuals. Additionally, those with liver disease should consult their healthcare provider, as garlic can affect liver function.
In conclusion, while garlic capsules can offer health benefits, they are not suitable for everyone. Individuals on blood thinners, those with allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those scheduled for surgery should avoid these supplements. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it aligns with your health needs and conditions.

Is garlic harmful to the kidneys?

Garlic: If your body is used to consuming foods plagued with additives such as salt, you might think of switching to a kidney-friendly diet is bland, but it doesn’t have to be. Garlic is a great way to give your food an extra boost of flavor. It also helps fight plaque, lowers cholesterol and reduces inflammation.

Can you take vitamin D and garlic together?

No interactions were found between garlic and Vitamin D3.

What vitamins should not be taken with garlic?

Avoid taking fish oil or vitamin E while you are taking garlic. Also avoid using garlic together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting.

Is it OK to take garlic pills everyday?

Garlic is considered to be a safe supplement to take regularly, whether it’s fresh or in a capsule. Of course, there are some conditions where you may wish to consider when taking regular of garlic, especially in larger doses.

What vitamins should you not take at night?

Timing Is Everything: 3 Supplements You Should Avoid At Night

  • Vitamin D. Also known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D has been shown to boost immunity, support collagen production, and aid the body in absorbing calcium.
  • B complex vitamins.
  • Multivitamins.

Is it okay to take garlic pills every day?

Garlic is considered to be a safe supplement to take regularly, whether it’s fresh or in a capsule. Of course, there are some conditions where you may wish to consider when taking regular of garlic, especially in larger doses.

What medication should not be taken with garlic?

I have many patients who take garlic supplements. One of the interactions I remember learning in pharmacy school is that garlic has the potential to increase the risk of bleeding when taken in combination with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, DOACs, aspirin, and clopidogrel.

Are there any side effects to taking garlic pills?

In some cases, garlic tablets can lead to digestive discomfort, including upset stomach, heartburn, and flatulence. These symptoms are typically mild and may resolve with time as your body adjusts to the supplement. While rare, allergic reactions to garlic tablets can occur.

Can garlic remove plaque from arteries?

Several previous studies have demonstrated that aged garlic extract (AGE) inhibits the progression of coronary artery calcification and non-calcified plaque (NCP) in the general population.

Is it safe to take garlic pills with high blood pressure?

Garlic supplements have shown effectiveness in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients, similarly to first-line standard anti-hypertensive medications. Kyolic garlic has also shown promise in improving cardiovascular health by reducing arterial stiffness, elevated cholesterol levels and blood ‘stickiness’.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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