What Will Happen if I Eat Garlic for 7 Days?

November 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to ancient texts like the Ebers Papyrus, garlic has been valued for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Today, many wonder what will happen if I eat garlic for 7 days, seeking a quick health boost. While a week is a short period, consistent consumption can lead to noticeable changes, both good and bad.

Quick Summary

This article examines the effects of eating garlic for seven days, detailing potential short-term benefits for immunity and digestion, along with common side effects such as bad breath and stomach discomfort. It also provides important precautions and context on how preparation methods impact the compound allicin.

Key Points

Immune Boost: Compounds like allicin in garlic may offer antimicrobial and antiviral benefits, potentially strengthening the immune system over the course of a week.
Digestive Effects: The prebiotic properties in garlic can support a healthy gut microbiome, which may aid in digestion. However, high intake can cause gas and bloating.
Side Effects: Expect notable side effects like bad breath and body odor, especially with raw garlic, due to the release of sulfur compounds.
Raw vs. Cooked: Eating raw, crushed garlic retains more beneficial allicin, while cooking can diminish its potency. Raw garlic is also more likely to cause digestive upset.
Blood Thinning: Garlic has blood-thinning properties, which is a key consideration for anyone on anticoagulant medications or preparing for surgery.
Noticeable Changes: While some small effects may appear in a week, major health benefits like significant blood pressure or cholesterol reduction typically require consistent, long-term consumption.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a popular culinary ingredient known for its pungent flavor and historical use as a therapeutic agent. The key to many of its health effects lies in a sulfur compound called allicin, which is released when the garlic clove is crushed, chopped, or chewed. Over seven days, incorporating garlic into your diet can lead to several physiological changes. It is important to distinguish between raw and cooked garlic, as heat can reduce the potency of some beneficial compounds.

Potential Short-Term Benefits

Immune System Support

For some, a week of eating garlic, particularly raw, may provide a small but noticeable boost to the immune system. A review of studies suggests that compounds in garlic, like allicin, possess antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can potentially enhance the function of various immune cells, such as T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Regular intake might help reduce the frequency and severity of cold and flu symptoms.

Improved Digestion

Garlic acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome. After seven days, some people may experience improved digestion and a healthier balance of gut flora. The antimicrobial effects can also help combat unhealthy bacteria in the gut.

Possible Cardiovascular Effects

While seven days is not long enough for significant, measurable cardiovascular changes, preliminary research indicates potential benefits. Studies have shown that garlic may help with blood pressure and cholesterol regulation over longer periods. The short-term effect could involve an increase in nitric oxide production, which helps blood vessels relax.

Common Side Effects to Expect

Bad Breath and Body Odor

This is one of the most immediate and well-known side effects of eating garlic daily. The sulfur compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream and then released through the lungs and skin, causing a lingering odor. The effect is more pronounced when consuming raw garlic.

Digestive Discomfort

For individuals with sensitive stomachs or conditions like IBS or GERD, daily raw garlic intake can cause gastrointestinal issues. This is due to fructans, a type of carbohydrate in garlic, which can lead to bloating, gas, stomach pain, and heartburn. Cooked garlic is often easier on the stomach.

Altered Taste Perception

Consuming garlic consistently can affect your sense of taste. The potent flavor can overwhelm other tastes and may feel overpowering for some individuals. For others, this is a minor issue that is easily manageable.

Raw vs. Cooked Garlic: A Comparison


Feature	Raw Garlic	Cooked Garlic
Allicin Content	Highest. Crushing and letting it sit for 10 minutes maximizes allicin.	Lower. Heat can degrade allicin and other sulfur compounds.
Potency	Strong, pungent flavor.	Milder, sweeter, and more subtle flavor.
Digestive Impact	Can cause more digestive issues like heartburn and gas.	Generally easier to digest.
Antimicrobial Effect	Potentially more potent due to higher allicin levels.	Retains some benefits, but reduced potency compared to raw.
Incorporation	Best in dressings, pesto, dips, or as a finishing touch.	Suitable for sauces, stir-fries, and roasted dishes.

Important Precautions

While moderate garlic consumption is generally safe, it is not suitable for everyone. Before starting a regimen, consider these points:

Blood-thinning medications: Garlic possesses natural anticoagulant properties. Excessive consumption can increase the risk of bleeding, especially for those on blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin.
Scheduled surgery: Due to its effect on blood clotting, high garlic intake should be avoided for at least two weeks before any surgical procedure.
Digestive conditions: Individuals with GERD or IBS should proceed with caution, as garlic can trigger or worsen symptoms.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: While culinary amounts are safe, consuming medicinal amounts of garlic is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to a lack of reliable safety information.
Allergies: Some individuals may be allergic to garlic, experiencing reactions like skin rashes, asthma, or nausea.

Conclusion

Eating garlic for 7 days will likely be more about managing immediate side effects, such as bad breath and potential stomach discomfort, than observing dramatic long-term health improvements. While some people may notice a boost in their immune function or improved digestion, significant effects on blood pressure or cholesterol levels require consistent intake over several weeks or months. The primary active compound, allicin, is most potent in its raw form, so preparation methods matter. Ultimately, integrating garlic as part of a balanced diet is a healthy choice, but moderation is key, and it should not replace medical advice or prescribed medication. Always consult a healthcare provider, particularly if you have underlying conditions or are taking other medications.

American Academy of Family Physicians: Health Effects of Garlic

Frequently Asked Questions

For maximum health benefits, eating raw, crushed garlic is often recommended as it preserves the active compound allicin, which is diminished by heat. However, if you experience digestive discomfort, opting for cooked garlic is a gentler alternative.

No, a seven-day period is generally too short to see significant, clinically relevant changes in blood pressure. Studies showing blood pressure reduction typically involve consistent use of garlic or garlic supplements over several months.

The most common and prominent downside is bad breath and body odor, caused by the sulfur compounds in garlic. For individuals with sensitive digestive systems, daily consumption can also lead to issues like gas, bloating, and heartburn.

Individuals on blood-thinning medications, those with severe digestive issues like IBS or GERD, and people preparing for surgery should be cautious or avoid daily garlic consumption. Anyone with a known garlic allergy should also avoid it.

For most healthy adults, consuming about 1–2 cloves (approximately 3–6 grams) of garlic per day is generally considered safe and beneficial. It is always best to listen to your body and adjust intake based on your tolerance.

While garlic may support immune function and possess antimicrobial properties, it should not be viewed as a definitive preventative measure against illness. The scientific evidence is mixed on its ability to ward off common colds, and it is not a substitute for conventional medical treatments.

Some believe that eating raw garlic on an empty stomach enhances its effects, but this is largely anecdotal. It can, however, increase the likelihood of gastric irritation and heartburn in some individuals.