Garlic Helps with GERD

You may have read in many places how garlic should be avoided if you have GERD.  However, I've read tons of blogs where people have said the opposite.  I found this article that may help to explain why garlic may or may not help:

Eat Garlic & Parsley: This is one of the biggest myths you will see on line, not to eat garlic. Garlic is one of the great plant healers. The garlic must be crushed or chopped up to release the components. Don't buy garlic that is shipped in from over seas. All garlic that comes into America from over seas has to be irradiated before entering the country. This kills the healing properties. Only buy local grown garlic. Parsley is another great healer. It is not only for garnish. Get fresh parsley, mince it up with the garlic and add it all fish, chicken or meat dishes. Add parsley minced (stems too) to all types of salads, soups and stews. Add a handful into the juicer when juicing other vegetables to pack a healthy punch.

 So, I ran to the store and bought myself some locally grown garlic.  I can't say it's cured me, but it definitely has not hurt.


Also, take a look at more information:

How Garlic Works

• Garlic contains the enzyme allinase and alliin, an amino acid. When a garlic clove is attacked by bacteria or crushed, the enzyme reacts with the amino acid to produce allicin. The new compound is known to fight off bacterial infections, such as those which cause acid reflux symptoms.

Using Garlic

• In order for allicin to be produced, a garlic clove must be damaged, either through biting, chewing or crushing. To relieve acid reflux, you should chew garlic thoroughly before swallowing, or blend a clove with fruits or vegetables in a juicer and consume immediately.

Prevention/Solution

• Whether garlic will be good or bad for acid reflux relief depends on how it is consumed. Despite the known health benefits, in some instances, garlic remains listed as a food to avoid to prevent acid reflux, as are other foods used to create spicy, highly seasoned dishes. These types of foods aggravate the condition rather than help it.

I think the reason why garlic is still listed is because we're all so use to just buying garlic from the super market.  According to articles, this garlic has lost all its original healing properties because import regulations require that the garlic be irradiated (exposed to radiation).