Is It a Good Idea to Eat Garlic on an Empty Stomach?

Opinions vary about whether to eat garlic on an empty stomach. Some people say that it’s a bit of an old wives’ tale, but there is some truth to the claims. Garlic really can be quite effective for preventing and curing different diseases.

Why is it beneficial to eat garlic on an empty stomach?

Several scientific studies have proven that eating garlic on an empty stomach works as a powerful, natural antibiotic. It would appear to be much more effective if you eat it before your first meal of the day because that is when bacteria is less likely to be able to defend itself from garlic’s purifying abilities.

Hypertension is another condition that becomes more manageable when sufferers include raw garlic in their diets. Not only is it wonderful for the circulation, but it also prevents heart problems and aids liver and bladder function. Garlic is an ally to anyone who experiences tummy troubles such as diarrhoea. Anecdotally, there is the suggestion that taking garlic on an empty stomach soothes anxiety and nervousness.

Garlic stimulates digestion and appetite, so works brilliantly for many stomach irritations. It can help to control stress, as well, by reducing the stomach acid that accumulates when you feel nervous.

Historically recognised as a healing food, garlic is renowned across the globe for its multiple health benefits.

Garlic as alternative medicine

If you feel the need to detoxify your body, garlic should be one of the first weapons in your arsenal. It is considered in alternative medicine to be one of the most powerful, detoxifying foods. Experts in holistic medicine believe that garlic can rid the body of parasites and worms. It’s also thought to be effective in preventing diseases like typhus, diabetes, depression and some types of cancer.

A word of warning: if you suspect that you’re allergic to garlic, don’t eat it raw. Immediately stop consuming garlic if your skin breaks out in spots or a rash, if your body temperature rises or if you get headache. There is also some evidence that shows contraindications and side effects from garlic in  people who take medicines for HIV/AIDS. You should be cautious and discuss these issues with your GP before you continue consuming it.

If garlic’s potent odour becomes unbearable and you find yourself struggling to eat it, you don’t need to resign yourself to foregoing the benefits. It’s now widely available in supermarkets and health food shops as a natural supplement in tablet or tincture form.

More amazing benefits of garlic

Bet you didn’t know that garlic is great for:

• Respiratory diseases. It’s astoundingly good for preventing and curing tuberculosis, pneumonia, bronchitis, chronic bronchial catarrhs, lung congestion, asthma and whooping cough.
• Tuberculosis. Eat an entire bulb of garlic every day to address this illness. Divide it into portions that can be incorporated into meals. You can eat garlic raw or lightly brown it in the oven. Add it to flaxseed oil or tofu to create a sauce or a dressing, but avoid boiling your creations or you’ll lose many of garlic’s medicinal properties.
• Bronchial disease. For this condition, you can make a special infusion. Simply combine 200 grams of garlic with 700 grams of refined sugar and 1000 millilitres of water. Boil the water with the garlic, then add the sugar. Drink three tablespoons of this infusion every day.

• Chronic bronchitis. To ease the symptoms of this disease, you can prepare a garlic extract. Wash your garlic well and chop into small pieces. Add 40 grams of garlic to 100 millilitres of 90 proof alcohol into a bottle that seals well. Leave it to soak for five or six days, then strain. It’s recommend that you drinking a cup of this each day. This infusion will keep for quite a while if stored in a dark, cool place.
• Catarrhs and asthma. For these complaints, drink 15-30 drops in a bit of hot water. Add a bit of mint extract if you find the smell and taste of garlic overpowering. Note that this will change the curative power of garlic.
• External applications such as poultices. Place over your abdomen to help relieve the symptoms of the common cold. Stings can also be soothed by putting a garlic poultice on the area. Fight warts with a small amount of garlic. Apply routinely and they will fall off painlessly. Tooth pain can also be alleviated by placing a little bit on the painful tooth.
• Garlic has been known to cure piles, constipation and earaches. For constipation and haemorrhoids, boil water with a generous amount of garlic and put the infusion in a mug or cup that is wide enough to allow you to breath in the vapours. You can do this until the water grows cold. For earaches, extract a little bit of juice from the garlic clove and put one or two drops in the painful ear.

Bear in mind…

Those willing to eat garlic regularly and frequently will enjoy countless health benefits. Whether you include it in recipes (dressings, soups, salads, sauces and even green smoothies) or as an infusion or supplement, you can easily benefit from all the medicinal properties of this healing food every day – and your life will be naturally healthy as a result!