People have been enjoying the delicious yet pungent flavour of garlic for over 6000 years and during that time, countless many have come to learn of this little bulb’s amazing health benefits.
You might have learned before that garlic is known for:
- Boosting the immune system by increasing the power of the body’s natural killer (NK) cells and even killing certain cancer cells
- Anti-inflammatory activity
- Helping to detoxify lead, mercury and aluminum from the body
- Helping to treat yeast overgrowth (candida)
- Improving cardiovascular health by widening blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and lowering cholesterol.
Garlic also has also been known to help destroy disease-causing bacteria and is, therefore, a staple in the diets of many who suffer from acute and chronic illnesses.
Current research supports the antibacterial properties of garlic, but now, it is also beginning to reveal just how powerful garlic can be against even the toughest of pathogens.
In a recent study, scientists discovered that garlic can be highly effective, not just against run-of-the-mill bacterial microbes, but also against difficult-to-treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
In this study, the researchers looked at the bacteria found in urine samples of 166 patients with urinary tract infections. Of the 166 bacterial samples, 56% of them were found to be highly resistant to multiple antibiotics.
The scientists added garlic extract (AGE) to these antibiotic-resistant strains and discovered that it successfully inhibited the growth of these resistant pathogens in 82% of the samples.
While the researchers suggest that further studies are needed to explore the bioavailability, side effects and pharmaco-kinetic properties of garlic as a treatment against multi-drug resistant bacteria, their findings inspire hope that garlic might one day be used as a powerful, yet natural means of treating those who suffer from the current super bug crisis.
For the average person, regularly adding garlic to one’s eating plan is a great and easy way to help ward off and fight infection in the body. Garlic’s healing properties are strongest when it is eaten in raw form and within 30 minutes of chopping / preparation.
However, there are a number of things to keep in mind if you are looking to increase your garlic intake:
- If added too quickly to your diet, you might experience stomach aches, diarrhea, bloating, bad breath and body odour. To start, try adding a small amount of garlic to your eating plan and increase it slowly over time.
- Garlic supplements can occasionally cause appetite loss, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, dizziness and allergic reactions such as asthma attacks or skin rashes.
- Garlic supplements can also boost the anti-clotting effects of blood thinners, making it harder for your blood to clot normally. If you are taking blood thinners, you will want to avoid these supplements altogether or consult with your doctor before taking them.
Sources:
“Healing Benefits of Garlic.” Healingthebody.ca. Apr. 15, 2014.
Clinically diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 28, Pam chose an alternative approach to recovery. Now decades later and still symptom free, she coaches others on how to treat the root cause of chronic disease, using a holistic approach. She can teach you how, too.
Pam is the author of Become a Wellness Champion and founder of Live Disease Free. She is a wellness expert, coach and speaker.
The Live Disease Free Academy has helped hundreds of Wellness Champions in over 15 countries take charge of their health and experience profound improvements in their life.
