Garlic is often hailed as a wonder food. For centuries, it’s been used both in cooking and traditional medicine, praised for its ability to boost the immune system, improve blood flow, and—according to some beliefs—even ward off bad energy.

But don’t be fooled—while garlic has many benefits, it isn’t harmless for everyone. In fact, certain people may actually experience negative side effects. Here are 4 situations where garlic could do more harm than good:

1. Be cautious if you have liver problems

Garlic is often considered liver-friendly, but that’s not always the case. If you’re dealing with liver conditions like hepatitis or inflammation, garlic might actually aggravate the issue. That’s because garlic has natural irritants that can make an already sensitive liver more inflamed.

Too much garlic can also interfere with liver enzymes and disrupt fat metabolism, which puts extra stress on the liver.

Avoid it if: You suffer from hepatitis, fatty liver, or other liver-related illnesses.

2. Those with eye issues should cut back

There’s an old saying in Chinese medicine:
“Garlic has a hundred benefits, but it harms the eyes.”

This idea stems from the fact that compounds in garlic—especially allicin—can irritate the eye area and worsen issues like dry eyes, conjunctivitis, or general eye fatigue.

If you frequently get red, itchy, or tired eyes, reducing garlic intake might actually help prevent further irritation.

Tip: If you have chronic eye conditions or poor eyesight, consult a medical professional before consuming garlic regularly.

3. If you have diarrhea, steer clear of raw garlic

Raw garlic is known for helping with digestion and fighting harmful bacteria. But if you’re experiencing diarrhea or gut issues, it might actually make things worse. Garlic can further irritate the digestive tract and mess with your stomach acid balance, which could intensify symptoms—especially in cases like food poisoning or cholera.

Caution: Let your digestive system recover before adding garlic back into your meals.

4. Garlic on an empty stomach? Think twice

Many people swear by eating garlic first thing in the morning to “detox,” but this habit can backfire. Garlic contains strong sulfur compounds that may irritate the stomach lining when eaten alone. Over time, this can lead to acid reflux, stomach pain, or even ulcers.

If you have a sensitive stomach or are prone to acid issues, this is something to avoid.

Tip: Mix garlic into meals instead of eating it on an empty stomach to avoid discomfort.

Conclusion

Garlic is undeniably a powerful, health-boosting ingredient—but it’s not suitable for everyone in every situation. Like all potent foods, it should be consumed mindfully and in moderation.

If you fall into any of the categories mentioned above, it’s wise to check with your doctor or a nutrition expert before making garlic a daily habit.

By being mindful, you can enjoy garlic’s many benefits while avoiding the potential downsides.