Garlic has become something of health hero, imbued with anecdotal powers to prevent and cure everything from colds to fungi to cancer. Studies have come up with some promising leads, but all the claims are still under investigation. One part of the body where garlic has multiple effects is the stomach, with garlic alternately blamed for causing pain and praised for possibly preventing cancer.
Stomach Pain
The general term for stomach pain due to inflammation is gastritis. This is a very wide term, covering any condition in which the stomach lining is irritated and inflamed. Causes range from bacterial infection to stomach pain due to stress. The Langone Medical Center at New York University notes that long-term inflammation can lead to an ulcer or to glands disappearing. Not all stomach pain includes inflammation, however, so if you're experiencing stomach pain, get it checked by a doctor. Noninflammatory stomach pain, called dyspepsia, can be caused by gallbladder or esophageal problems.
Garlic
Garlic's role in and effect on the stomach lining and stomach pain varies depending on the cause of the pain. Simply eating too much garlic can irritate your stomach, and it doesn't have to be raw to have this effect. Garlic can also aggravate existing cases of gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease, leading to yet more irritation. At the same time, garlic has been under investigation as a possible treatment for ulcers, though study results aren't providing proof. The Langone Medical Center notes that while garlic seems to have antibacterial and antifungal uses, especially as a topical treatment, it hasn't yet proved to be effective against Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria found in ulcers. A study from 2000, published in the "American Journal of Gastroenterology" looked at H. pylori-infected study and control groups eating meals containing different foods, one of which was garlic; there was no significant effect on the bacteria.
Stomach Cancer
One possible positive spot in garlic's relationship with the stomach lining is its apparent, though still in need of further investigation, effect on stomach cancer rates. An analysis of study results, published in 2000 in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," found eating garlic, either raw or cooked, seemed to protect against stomach cancer, though the study's authors admit they did not control for other dietary factors. Note that an older Dutch study from 1996 in "Gastroenterology" found garlic supplements did not have the same effect. The Linus Pauling Institute suggests supplements may provide a smaller amount of cancer-fighting compounds than garlic in food form.
Cautions
The raw cloves can irritate skin, and garlic can create burnlike injuries on the skin of people who use garlic poultices. Do not assume your undiagnosed pain is an ulcer for which you can take garlic -- unidentified pain requires diagnosis by a doctor. If you've been eating garlic for health reasons and don't want to stop, speak with your doctor about alternatives. Garlic is available in supplement forms, but these can interact with drugs such as those used to control blood clotting. Do not take garlic supplements until you've ensured they are not going to interfere with any preexisting health issues or medications you're on. Also see a medical professional if pain you have after eating garlic is severe or does not go away.
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Garlic Consumption and Cancer Prevention: Meta-Analyses of Colorectal and Stomach Cancers; A.T. Fleischauer, et al.; October 2000
- Langone Medical Center; Dyspepsia; February 2011
- "American Journal of Gastroenterology"; Garlic or Jalapeno Peppers for Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori Infection; D.Y. Graham, et al.; May 1999
- MedlinePlus: Garlic
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastritis
- "Gastroenterology"; Consumption of Onions and a Reduced Risk of Stomach Carcinoma; E. Dorant, et al.; January 1996
