How to digest onions and garlic?

August 14, 2006 9:55 AM

Is there any product available that one can take to pre-empt digestive problems from raw onions (all kinds) and garlic? In particular, the problem manifests itself as a nasty taste in the mouth an hour after consumption of said veg. (Cooking, however, the longer the better, neutralizes this effect.)
posted by the sobsister to Health & Fitness (13 answers total)

Over-the-counter product called "Beano" lists garlic and onions on its label as helping to digest.
posted by Kickstart70 at 10:03 AM on August 14, 2006

Raw parsley can help get the taste of onions and garlic out of your mouth. Just eat some after you've eaten the onions and garlic. Make sure to chew it well.
posted by alms at 10:22 AM on August 14, 2006

Response by poster: Beano simply alleviates intestinal gas, doesn't it?
posted by the sobsister at 10:22 AM on August 14, 2006

Why not stop eating them?
posted by A189Nut at 10:41 AM on August 14, 2006

Response by poster: Too many recipes I'm interested in trying call for them, not all of which can be rejiggered by simply omitting them or cooking the unpleasantness out of the raw product. Besides, there is a specific quality that these vegetables possess in their natural state which I'd like to be able to enjoy.
posted by the sobsister at 11:39 AM on August 14, 2006

You don't really eat raw garlic, do you? Sounds awful.

As for onions: green onions (the long grass-like ones) and red onions have much milder flavor than other onions.
posted by croutonsupafreak at 12:07 PM on August 14, 2006

Is this (maybe) a manifestation of heartburn? Pop some of those delicious, chalky-fruit antacids before and see if it helps.
posted by cobaltnine at 12:12 PM on August 14, 2006

Response by poster: No, it's not heartburn (for which I dutifully take my Prilosec™). This seems to be some sort of equivalent to the lactose-intolerant eating ice cream and drinking milk. Not reflux but a nasty reaction nonetheless.
posted by the sobsister at 12:37 PM on August 14, 2006

i am in the same situation; it's definitely not heartburn for me. i had not considered slow digestion... my theory was that is an ultra-sensitivity.

when you handle either onions or garlic, does the smell on your hands persist abnormally? seems like it does for me.
posted by mdpc98 at 12:42 PM on August 14, 2006

What about breath mints?
posted by Steven C. Den Beste at 2:54 PM on August 14, 2006

It's just sensitivity. Raw vegetables do that for most everybody. I bet you have a similar problem with carrots. I'd think the better bet would be to try and treat yourself rather than the food. Avoid coffee and acidic food. Get excercise and avoid sitting down all day (can cause hiatl hernia)
posted by destro at 3:34 PM on August 14, 2006

Peanut butter neutralizes the taste of garlic in one's mouth. Lemon can neutralize the odor on hands.

Croutonsupafreak, raw garlic rules.
posted by goofyfoot at 5:07 PM on August 14, 2006

Hunh, I have a similar problem and I, too, had never considered that it's digestive in nature. I eat a lot of raw fruit and veg, so figured my stomach is used to dealing with such items.... but I will be tasting garlic in the back of my throat for one or two days after eating it in a meal. ICK! It's a big pain when dining out! Multiple tooth-brushings, tongue-brushings, gum-brushings, soft-palate-brushings, mints, gums, coffee or other strong flavors don't do any good. Nor does parsley, unless maybe I try chewing it cow-like, all day long.
posted by tentacle at 7:01 AM on August 15, 2006