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Home » Acidic Foods

Does Garlic Cause Heartburn?

aaron l gravelyMedically Reviewed by Aaron Gravely, MD · Written by Rizza Joyce Mira, MD · Updated on May 9, 2023

Garlic is delicious, low in calories, and highly nutritious. Loaded with vitamins and minerals, this pungent cousin of onions and shallots is often used to flavor dishes from pizza to meat sauces.

does garlic cause heartburn

Modern lifestyles and diets have led to an increasing number of people suffering from acid reflux and its unpleasant symptom, heartburn. These people may follow a low-acid diet to avoid triggering such symptoms, requiring them to limit their intake of acidic foods.

This can be especially difficult to do when a common ingredient like garlic is often used to enhance flavor. Dishes that do not have garlic as the main ingredient, but only as a seasoning, would be suspect. Without it, these dishes will unlikely to trigger symptoms of heartburn.

Table of Contents
  • Does Garlic Cause Heartburn?
  • What Is the pH of Garlic?
  • How Does Garlic Give You Heartburn?
  • Is Garlic Healthy?
  • Can You Eat Garlic if You Suffer from Heartburn? 
  • Does Garlic Butter Give You Heartburn?
  • Conclusion

Does Garlic Cause Heartburn?

Although garlic is good for you, doctors advise that those suffering from acid reflux or GERD should avoid it or strictly limit their intake. Too much garlic may irritate your esophagus and stimulate the production of stomach acid.

However, not everyone reacts the same, so it might be possible to eat a little garlic if you follow a low-acid diet. But if even this triggers your symptoms, it's best to cut it from your diet completely.

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What Is the pH of Garlic?

ph level of raw garlic

Fresh raw garlic has a pH of around 5.80. So it's only slightly acidic, but it's also acid-forming, which increases the likelihood of it triggering heartburn. 

Powdered and pickled garlic have low pH levels, even lower than fresh garlic. Pickled garlic also contains a lot of additives, such as sugar and salt, which can trigger acid reflux.

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How Does Garlic Give You Heartburn?

Garlic's strong taste can irritate your throat and esophagus, triggering or worsening acid reflux symptoms. This is the most common way garlic causes heartburn, especially in people not diagnosed with acid reflux or GERD.

Eating too much garlic can also lead to indigestion, which increases stomach acid production. So limit your garlic intake, especially raw garlic, to reduce the risk of heartburn.

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Is Garlic Healthy?

Garlic is very nutritious but low in calories. It contains a good amount of phosphorus, calcium, manganese, selenium, vitamins C and B6, and thiamin.

Some studies suggest that garlic or garlic extract may reduce your risk of illness and help you fight the common cold. Experts believe that the compounds and nutrients in garlic help boost your immune system.

Therefore, adding garlic to your diet during the colder months might benefit your health.

raw organic peeled garlic cloves

Garlic also contains active compounds that help lower your blood pressure. High blood pressure is closely linked to increased stroke and heart attack risk, and research shows that garlic supplements may lower blood pressure as effectively as medication.

  • 20 Common Acidic Foods to Avoid if You Suffer from Acid Reflux

Adding fresh garlic or supplements containing garlic extract to your diet may also lower your bad cholesterol levels, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Can You Eat Garlic if You Suffer from Heartburn? 

Everyone’s symptom triggers are different, so you may be able to tolerate garlic if you suffer from acid reflux. Generally, raw garlic is most likely to trigger heartburn, so you could try roasting it to reduce its pungency and strong taste.

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Roasted garlic is readily incorporated into sauces, soups, and marinades.

Does Garlic Butter Give You Heartburn?

fresh garlic butter in a container

Garlic butter is high in fat, which increases the likelihood of triggering heartburn. High-fat foods stay in your stomach longer, stimulating gastric acid production.

Garlic butter also tends to be high in sodium, which disrupts digestion and irritates your stomach lining.

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This makes your digestive tract much more sensitive to acid and can cause heartburn and other issues. In addition, a diet high in sodium increases your risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

So, eat salty foods in moderation and only as part of a healthy diet.

Conclusion

Although only slightly acidic, garlic is acid-forming, which may cause heartburn in some people.

However, if it doesn't trigger your symptoms, it's an excellent addition to a healthy, balanced diet.

Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level

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aaron l gravely

Aaron L. Gravely, MD earned his MD from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and BA in Neurobiology from Harvard College.

Aaron has over 5 years of experience revising medical content and scientific language for usage, flow, and clarity in accordance with the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) and the American Medical Association (AMA).

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