Sunday, January 10, 2010

Garlic Supplements


What Garlic can Do!
Preliminary human studies suggest that regular consumption of garlic (particularly unprocessed garlic may reduce the risk of developing several types of cancer including gastric and colorectal malignancie. It also suggest that garlic may reduce the severity of upper respiratory track infections, lower blood sugar and increase the release of insulin. It also is an anti-bacterial, antioxidant, antitoxin and anti-viral. 
Garlic and pycnogenol have been shown to increase Human Growth Hormone secretion in laboratory experiments.  Garlic does so much and its within reach of you everyday especially killing parasites and worms aiding in weight loss. Read More

Human studies report the use of 4-12.3 milligrams of garlic oil by mouth daily. Some sources report that steam-distilled oils, oil from crushed garlic
600 to 900 milligrams daily of non-coated, dehydrated garlic powder in three divided doses, standardized to 1.3% allicin content, has been used in human studies. The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommends 3 to 5 milligrams allicin daily (1 clove or 0.5 to 1.0 gram dried powder) for prevention of atherosclerosis.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 2 to 5 grams fresh garlic, 0.4 to 1.2 grams of dried powder, 2 to 5 milligrams oil, 300 to 1,000 milligrams of extract, or other formulations that are equal to 2 to 5 milligrams of allicin daily.


The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommends 2 to 4 grams of dried bulb or 2 to 4 milliliters of tincture (1:5 dilution in 45% ethanol), by mouth three times a day for upper respiratory tract infections.

People with a known allergy to garlic, any of its ingredients, or to other members of the Liliaceae (lily) family, including hyacinth, tulip, onion, leek, and chives, should avoid garlic. Allergic reactions have been reported with garlic taken by mouth, inhaled, or applied to the skin. Some of these reactions are severe including throat swelling and difficulty breathing (anaphylaxis).

It has been suggested that some cases of asthma from inhaling garlic may be due to mites on the garlic. Fresh garlic applied to the skin may be more likely to cause rashes than garlic extrac.

Bleeding is a potentially serious side effect of garlic use, including bleeding after surgery and spontaneous bleeding. Several cases of bleeding are reported, which may be due to effects of garlic on blood platelets, or to increased breakdown of blood clots (fibrinolysis). There is debate about the effects of garlic in people treated with warfarin (Coumadin®), but studies suggest that garlic does not alter the International Normalized Ratio (INR) values that are used to measure the effect of warfarin on blood thinning.

Garlic should be stopped prior to some surgical or dental procedures due to an increased risk of bleeding. Caution is urged for people who have bleeding disorders or who take blood thinning medications (anticoagulants, aspirin/anti-platelet agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen) or herbs/supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Allergic ReactionsDehydrated garlic preparations or raw garlic taken by mouth may cause burning of the mouth, bad breath, abdominal pain or fullness, poor appetite, gas, belching, nausea, vomiting, irritation of the stomach lining, changes in the bacteria in the gut, heartburn, diarrhea, or constipation. One report describes bowel obstruction in a man who ate a whole garlic bulb. Garlic should be used cautiously by people with stomach ulcers or who are prone to stomach irritation


Multiple studies show a reduction in blood cholesterol levels after garlic supplements are taken by mouth. Small reductions in blood pressure are also commonly reported. One case of heart attack is noted in a healthy man after taking a large amount of garlic by mouth. So see garlic is very powerful.

Garlic may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment. 

Human reports suggest that garlic may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that also increase the risk of bleeding. Examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®). Animal and human studies show that garlic can lower blood pressure. Use caution when combining with other medications that lower blood pressure. Several human studies report lower cholesterol in people taking garlic. These effects may be increased if garlic is taken with medications that lower blood cholesterol like lovastatin (Mevacor®) or other "statins" (HMGCoA reductase inhibitors). 


I hope you have enjoyed the scoop on Garlic. Remember to consult a physician before you start any exercise or diet regiment.

One response to “Garlic Supplements”

hcg drops said...

I know garlic to be really an effective supplement to help cure asthma. Though, there's no proven fact yet.