What happens to the body if you eat too much garlic?

December 18, 2025 •

3 min read

While moderate amounts of garlic offer numerous health benefits, studies show that consuming more than a few cloves daily can trigger unpleasant side effects, especially in raw form. What happens to the body if you eat too much garlic is a matter of quantity and individual sensitivity.

Quick Summary

Excessive garlic intake can lead to common side effects like bad breath and digestive upset, or more serious issues such as increased bleeding risk, low blood pressure, and allergic reactions.

Key Points

Digestive Upset: Excessive garlic can cause heartburn, bloating, gas, and diarrhea due to its potent compounds and fructan content.
Lingering Odor: Eating too much garlic releases sulfur compounds into the bloodstream, causing persistent bad breath and body odor that cannot be masked by oral hygiene.
Increased Bleeding Risk: Large amounts of garlic can inhibit blood clotting, posing a risk for individuals on blood thinners or those undergoing surgery.
Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some people may experience allergic reactions to garlic, which can range from skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis.
Low Blood Pressure: Due to its blood pressure-lowering properties, overconsumption can cause dizziness and other symptoms, especially in individuals already on antihypertensive medication.
Higher Risk with Raw Garlic: The side effects, particularly digestive issues and odor, are often more pronounced when consuming raw garlic compared to cooked versions.

The Pungent Consequences of Too Much Garlic

Garlic is renowned for its flavor and health benefits, including supporting immunity and potentially lowering blood pressure. However, overconsumption can lead to adverse effects. The sulfur compounds in garlic, while providing therapeutic effects, also cause negative reactions.

Digestive Distress and Gastrointestinal Issues

Digestive problems are a common result of eating too much garlic. Garlic contains fructans, which are hard to digest for some, especially those with conditions like IBS.

Heartburn and Acid Reflux: Garlic can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, potentially causing heartburn or worsening acid reflux, particularly with raw garlic.
Bloating and Gas: Fructan fermentation in the gut can lead to gas, bloating, and abdominal pain in sensitive individuals.
Diarrhea: The sulfur compounds may have a laxative effect, causing diarrhea in some cases.

Lingering Odor: Breath and Body

A notable consequence of eating a lot of garlic is persistent odor. Sulfur compounds, like allyl methyl sulfide, are absorbed and released through breath and skin pores, sometimes lasting up to 24 hours.

Increased Risk of Bleeding

Excessive garlic can increase bleeding risk for certain individuals. Garlic has properties that can slow blood clotting.

Medication Interactions: High garlic intake, especially supplements, combined with blood thinners can raise the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Surgical Risk: It is often recommended to stop garlic consumption before surgery to avoid excessive bleeding.

Allergic Reactions and Other Side Effects

Though not common, some people are allergic to garlic.

Symptoms: Reactions can include skin irritation, hives, swelling, or in rare, severe instances, anaphylaxis.
Other Potential Effects: Dizziness, headaches, and occasionally low blood pressure have also been reported with excessive intake. Very rare cases suggest possible liver or eye issues from extreme consumption.

Raw vs. Cooked Garlic: Side Effects Comparison

Cooking alters garlic's compounds, potentially affecting side effect intensity. Raw garlic is more potent and thus more likely to cause significant reactions.


Symptom	Raw Garlic	Cooked Garlic
Heartburn & Reflux	More likely due to potent compounds relaxing the LES.	Milder effect, as cooking breaks down some irritants.
Digestive Issues	Fructans can cause more pronounced bloating, gas, and irritation.	Easier to digest; adverse effects are generally less severe.
Bad Breath & Odor	Stronger and more persistent odor due to higher sulfur compound concentration.	Odor compounds are reduced during cooking, leading to a less pungent effect.
Bleeding Risk	Higher risk, as raw garlic contains more of the active compounds that interfere with blood clotting.	Generally less concerning for culinary use, but concentrated supplements still pose a risk.

How Much Garlic is Too Much?

While there are no official guidelines, many sources suggest 1–2 cloves daily is safe and beneficial for most. Individual sensitivity varies, and significantly higher amounts could lead to side effects.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

Garlic is a healthy ingredient in moderation, with documented benefits for heart health and immunity. However, excessive intake, especially raw, can cause uncomfortable and potentially serious side effects like digestive problems, persistent odor, and increased bleeding risk. Those with conditions like IBS or GERD, or on blood thinners, should be cautious. Enjoy garlic in moderation and be aware of your body's response. For more information on garlic's health effects, consult sources like WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

While there is no official guideline, studies suggest that eating 1-2 cloves per day is beneficial. Consuming significantly more than this, or a whole bulb, could increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects.

Excessive garlic consumption leads to a lingering odor because sulfur compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream during digestion and are subsequently expelled through your lungs and skin pores.

Yes, for some individuals, garlic can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and causing heartburn or worsening acid reflux symptoms.

Garlic has natural antiplatelet properties, meaning it can slow blood clotting. Eating too much garlic or taking concentrated supplements can increase the risk of bleeding, especially for those on blood-thinning medications.

Individuals on blood thinners, people with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), those preparing for surgery, and people with a known garlic allergy should be cautious with their intake.

Yes, raw garlic contains higher concentrations of the active sulfur compounds that are responsible for many of the potential side effects. Cooking can help reduce the intensity of issues like bad breath and digestive distress.

Yes, though uncommon, garlic allergies can occur. Symptoms may include skin rashes, swelling, or respiratory issues, and in rare cases, a severe reaction called anaphylaxis.