Garlic can worsen acid reflux for some people. However, people have different foods that trigger their symptoms. You may find garlic does not bother you at all, or you may suffer from acid reflux because of the aromatic bulb. Garlic often makes a flavorful ingredient in cooking and meals, so you may have difficulty detecting its effects. Other ingredients in foods may cause your symptoms.
Acid Reflux Causes
Acid reflux produces heartburn, a burning or painful sensation in your upper chest and throat. You may also have a bitter or sour taste in the back of your mouth from acidic contents. Causes of acid reflux include indigestion and a weakened esophageal muscle. Heavy meals slow digestion and force the stomach to excrete more acid. Certain foods can weaken the esophageal muscle and trigger acid reflux. The muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, opens as food enters the stomach and then closes. A relaxed muscle does not shut tightly and allows stomach acid backup into the esophagus.
Possible Triggers
Foods that relax the esophageal muscle may include garlic, onions, fatty or fried foods, tomato-based products, citrus fruits, chocolate, mint flavorings, caffeine, carbonated drinks and alcohol, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. If you are not sure which foods trigger your symptoms, keep a food diary for a week, noting the foods you've eaten and the symptoms that follow to gradually eliminate possible offenders from your diet.
Side Effects
Aside from side effects such as bad breath and body odor, garlic may cause upset stomach and bloating, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These stomach problems, like indigestion, may promote acid reflux. Garlic, however, provides flavoring for large or high-fat meals. Heavy meals, fatty foods or rich tomato sauces may cause acid reflux. Exclude garlic from your dishes to see if problems still arise.
Benefits
If you find garlic is not the culprit in causing your symptoms, you can enjoy the healthy benefits of garlic. Potential benefits of garlic include reducing the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Garlic may also strengthen your immune system and contains antioxidants to fight free radicals that damage your cells. Avoid acid reflux through an acid reflux diet that includes whole grains, vegetables, non-citrus fruits, lean meat, skinless poultry and low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
