Garlic, Vampires and IBS

Posted by Jul 23, 2014 Low FODMAP Diet , , , , 9 Comments

What Do Vampires And IBS Sufferers Have In Common?

Not being able to have GARLIC of course.

We all know that vampires have an aversion to garlic, but what about IBS sufferers?

We have always heard that eating garlic is beneficial to the body because it contains substances that can be used as a natural antibiotic. It has also been studied to help fight cancer cells in the body. There are lots of people who have benefited a lot from garlic. But there are also contraindications found in garlic especially to those who have intestinal problems. People who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are found to have negative reactions to garlic. This is why those who have been diagnosed with the syndrome, tend to remove it from their diet.

But why does garlic affect IBS sufferers so much?

Garlic is very high in oligos-fructans, which are bad for IBS sufferers. Even ½ a clove is too much and will trigger symptoms in most cases of IBS.

Throughout this blog I am talking about my experience with  IBS is and also how I have managed to improve its symptoms by following a low FODMAPs  diet.  Of course there are other ways to keep IBS at bay, like managing stress, have hypnotherapy sessions, and of course exercise and regularly attend enjoyable physical fitness programs. Mostly, a healthy eating habit is the best cure.

So, if you are like me and you are used to have garlic in almost every meal you make, how are you going to flavor your food? Well herbs and spices are always good, but what is pesto without garlic?

Fortunately there is a ways on how to add it in your meal without its negative effects in your stomach. You can try garlic-infused oil. This isGarlic and IBS healthy for the body and in this way you will not lack the garlic benefits, while avoiding worsening your IBS. This is fairly simple to prepare and will last you for a week or so, keeping it longer than that may cause botulism poisoning. Pull the cloves apart and peel them one by one. Do not smash or wash them. When the cloves are peeled, put them in a pot or pan. Then, pour 2 cups of extra virgin olive oil, on the garlic. Set the ingredients in the pot in a slow heat and when the garlic turns brown in color, turn off the heat.  Use what you need and  store the rest  in the fridge for a week.

With the recipe above, you can still enjoy the benefits of garlic. 

In Australia I have recently discovered Cobram Estate garlic infused oil, which is delicious and convenient.

For other healthful information, particularly about IBS,  please read my other posts, but don’t forget that before starting a low FODMAP diet, or any other diets, it is always best to consult your doctor and dietician.

Until next time take good care.

About Larah

I have been suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome for many years, but it took a longtime to get a diagnosis, since then I have been following a low FODMAP diet, which has changed my life for the better. This is my story and experience with IBS and the low FODMAP diet.
View all posts by Larah »

9 comments on “Garlic, Vampires and IBS”

  1. Love the Garlic Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil! I have been using that for the past couple of years and didn’t even realize it was good for me! There is a little place here in town where I live that makes it and it is wonderful. I would use it instead of the normal clove because it is just better tasting and not so harsh.

    I have never tried to make my own but it might be interesting to give it a go.

  2. Hi, is the Cobram Estate garlic infused oil better for you than infusing it yourself? And my other question is if you are infusing your own garlic olive oil, would it be ok to put a couple of chillies in there as well for more flavor. How is chilli situated in the low FODMAP eating plan?

    • Hi Jacinta, it’s up to you what you prefer, but for me, since finding out about the Cobram Estate garlic infused oil, I lost the motivation in making my own one, the reason is that the homemade one only lasts for max a couple of weeks and you need to watch for botulism, if it’s not stored properly or it’s kept too long. Chili is low in FODMAPs according to the Monash University app, so all good there. Take care and thanks for your input.

  3. I am of Italian origin too, so I get what you say. I was a bit upset about giving up garlic, when I found that I had IBS, but so relieved when I learnt that the Garlic Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil made by Cobram Estate was low in FODMAPs. Oh yeah baby!!!

  4. I am of Italian origin – do you know how many Italian dishes don’t have garlic in them – hardly any. I’ve tried loads of techniques to still enjoy garlic without my IBS flaring up and like you, I’ve found the garlic infused olive oil the best technique.

  5. Nice article on IBS and Garlic there. I have also used the Garlic Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil as you mentioned above and love it.

    • Hello Stephen1985, yes thank goodness I found out that garlic infused oil is low in FODMAPs. Everytime I put it in food, that normally should have real garlic, everyone notices the lovely ‘garlicky’ flavour.

  6. I am very happy to say that, if like me, you love garlic and really miss it, there is an Australian brand called Cobram Estate, which produces a lovely ‘Garlic Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil’ and they have assured me it is low in FODMAPs. Yeah!

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