Wednesday, May 30, 2012

allergy to garlic

By marina Thursday, December 20, 2007
I too am allergic to garlic. I developed this allergy about 5 years ago and it took me a while to work out what was causing my stomach cramps/spasms. If I ever eat garlic by mistake it really upsets my digestive tract causing spasms and makes it very painful to eat for 7-10days afterwards. Garlic is in so much food it is really difficult to eat anything unless you cook yourself from scratch. Eating in restaurants is normally a nightmare especially as I am also vegetarian. Normally only 1 thing I can go for on the menu and quite often the chef will have to make up something bland. Even salads can be tricky as often garlic in the dressing. I hate having this allergy and am always having to check every label. Anyone have any ideas on helping with this allergy? I wonder if I will have it for life and if Onions will be the next thing?
12/28/07 1:38pm

Hi Marina!

There are LOTS of folks living with a garlic allergy and many of them have been discussing tips and hints about how to avoid garlic and what to look for. You can find that discussion here. Laurie has posted some really good information about ordinary everyday foods that contain garlic, some you wouldn't guess about. Also some restaurant information exchanging is going on.

Check it out. As always, you should see a doctor if you are experiencing bad symptoms, vomiting or anything that begins to concern you.

Stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!

Vicki M

Anonymous
dorothea
3/13/08 6:48pm
I also took way too many years to figure out why I had serious stomach problems. My grandmother was allergic to garlic and my father, too so I feel a bit embarrassed. It is HORRIBLE in restaurants. The very 1st thing that I ask the server is which choices do not have garlic or can be made without. It's tough. Don't got to Olive Garden or Applebee's. You'll be drinking the water while others eat. At Olive Garden, they offered me pasta and butter. I told them that I did not go to a restaurant for pasta and butter. It's always olive oil and vinegar with the salad. And oh by the way, onions are bothering me. Not the stabbing pain and aftermath like garlic but I am avoiding them, too.

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By marina— Last Modified: 10/26/11, First Published: 12/20/07