Many of my patients want to know if a one-pill-per-day cure is feasible, as well as why they should take it. The answer may surprise you, just as it does them.

Just a single pill each day!

If you have to take a single pill every day, garlic with an enteric coating would be the way to go. Garlic is a wonderful superfood that has long been used for medicinal purposes. It has been utilized therapeutically for millennia, dating back to ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. During World War II, it was even used to prevent gangrene. In this blog post, we will discuss the many benefits of garlic and how you can add it to your diet!

Chronic conditions

According to the CDC, 6 out of every 10 people in the United States are affected by a chronic illness. Four out of ten adults in the US have two or more chronic conditions. These include heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease and arthritis. With the increase in chronic conditions and illnesses, people are searching for methods to improve their health and immunity. 

Benefits 

Garlic is a fantastic method to achieve just that! Not only does garlic have a long list of health benefits, but it is also very adaptable and simple to incorporate into your diet. Garlic has been found in recent studies to aid with the following:

• Garlic extract is a natural anti-oxidant that increases the DNA repair process. It also aids in the maintenance of healthy, strong DNA.
• Garlic can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Garlic's sulfur chemicals are thought to aid in the prevention of plaque accumulation in the arteries.
• Garlic can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Garlic can help boost the immune system.
• Garlic can help improve cognitive function.
• Garlic can help protect against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• Garlic can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
• Garlic can help improve respiratory health.
• Garlic can help detoxify the body.
• Garlic can help increase the production of stomach acid, which helps to break down food and prevent indigestion.
• Garlic can help reduce the risk of cancer. Several studies have shown that garlic can help reduce the risk of various types of cancer, including stomach, colon, and ovarian cancer. The compounds in garlic are thought to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Be part of the Allium family!

Garlic is a member of the Allium family, which also includes onions, leeks, and chives. Allicin, a compound found in garlic, is responsible for many of its health benefits. This compound has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Garlic also contains other important nutrients, including vitamins C and B, manganese, selenium, and fiber.

There are many ways to incorporate garlic into your diet. You can add it to your cooking, or take supplements if you don’t like the taste. Garlic supplements are available in capsules, tablets, and liquids. If you're using garlic for therapeutic or other purposes and have unaddressed symptoms or underlying diseases, it's important to consult with your doctor before taking garlic supplements.

Risks

Garlic risks include:

• Allergic reactions in some people
• Bad breath
• Body odor
• Heartburn
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rashes
• Stomach upset
• Some medications, such as birth control pills, and blood thinners can interact with it.

Raw garlic vs aged 

There are two types of garlic: raw garlic and aged garlic. Raw garlic is the kind you’re probably most familiar with. It’s the kind you find in the produce section of your grocery store. Aged garlic is made by fermenting raw garlic, and it has a more mellow flavor.

Some people believe that aged garlic is more effective than raw garlic, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Both types of garlic are healthy and can be used in cooked dishes or taken as a supplement.

If you’re looking for the health benefits of garlic, you can’t go wrong with either type. Just make sure to choose a high-quality product from a reputable source.

Practitioner - Grade Garlic Supplements

When it comes to garlic supplements, choose one with a good quality and high allicin levels (https://mmichael.metagenics.com/item/bundypy9onkm/garlic/1-practitioner.html) that has an enteric coating designed to dissolve in the intestine, not the mouth or stomach, so you can enjoy all of garlic's benefits without getting garlic breath or stomach discomfort.

Conclusion

When it comes to garlic, there are many benefits that this powerful little superfood has to offer. From helping to boost your immune system, to aiding in digestion and even acting as a natural antibiotic, garlic is truly a powerhouse when it comes to keeping your body healthy.

No matter how you choose to eat it, garlic is a great addition to any diet. So next time you are looking for a little something extra to boost your health, reach for the garlic! With so many benefits, it is no wonder that this superfood is becoming more and more popular.

If you'd like to learn more about garlic and other essential nutrients, as well as how to turn your genes on and off, check out chapter #9 of my new book, "Understanding Genomics; How Nutrition, Supplements, and Lifestyle Can Help You Unlock Your Genetic Superpowers. 

Until then, stay healthy and happy!

Dr. Marios Michael

drmichaelswellness.com

Resources:

• Dr. Marios Michael, DC, CNS, cFMP, 06/2022, Understanding Genomics; How Nutrition, Supplements, and Lifestyle Can Help You Unlock Your Genetic Superpowers, 1st edition, Austin, Bookbaby

• https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/about/index.htm

• Mathew B, Biju R. Neuroprotective effects of garlic a review. Libyan J Med. 2008;3(1):23-33. Published 2008 Mar 1. doi:10.4176/071110

• https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/food-beverages/garlic

• Carmia Borek, Garlic Reduces Dementia and Heart-Disease Risk, The Journal of Nutrition, VolumeRana, S., Pal, R., Vaiphei, K., Sharma, S., & Ola, R. (2011)



• Shaikh K, Kinninger A, Cherukuri L, Birudaraju D, Nakanishi R, Almeida S, Jayawardena E, Shekar C, Flores F, Hamal S, Sheikh MS, Johanis A, Cu B, Budoff MJ. Aged garlic extract reduces low attenuation plaque in coronary arteries of patients with diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Exp Ther Med. 2020 Feb;19(2):1457-1461. doi: 10.3892/etm.2019.8371. Epub 2019 Dec 27. PMID: 32010322; PMCID: PMC6966158

• Garlic in health and disease. Nutrition Research Reviews, 24(1), 60-71. doi:10.1017/S0954422410000338136, Issue 3, March 2006, Pages 810S–812S, https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/136.3.810S

Please Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice nor does it establish a practitioner-patient relationship. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.