Fact Check: Can Milk with Garlic Cure Asthma?

Claim: An Instagram post claims that milk and garlic can cure asthma. In the post, the user suggests putting water and milk in a pot, then adding garlic and boiling the mixture further. After straining the mixture, sugar is added, and it is consumed warm. The post says that milk and garlic can cure asthma and other disorders. The claim can be accessed here. 

Fact Check: This claim is FALSE.

What is Asthma?

According to the World Health Organisation, “Asthma is a chronic lung disease affecting people of all ages. It is caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe.”

Asthma risk can increase due to several factors, some of which are:

• One of the most common causes of Asthma is Genetics.

• Allergies like eczema or hay fever can also be a risk factor contributing to asthma.

• Asthma can be due to poor lifestyle factors.

• Early life events can impact lung development and increase asthma risk, such as low birth weight, premature birth, tobacco smoke, passive smoking, pollution, and viral lung infections in the early stages of life.

• Environmental triggers, such as pollution, dust mites, mould, and some workplace chemicals or dust, can also increase asthma risk.

• Being overweight or obese can also be a risk factor for asthma, both in children and adults. (1)

Nutritional Benefits of Garlic

Garlic (Scientific Name Allium sativum L.) is a polyphenolic and organosulfur spice that has been consumed since ancient times. In a study published in Antioxidants by Johura Ansary et al., it was found that garlic has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering properties. (2)

Garlic also has enhancing effects on the immune system, as stated by Georgia Schäfer et al. in Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry. (3)

Milk and its Nutritional Properties

Milk is a nutrient-dense food, supplying energy and high-quality protein with a range of essential micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus in an easily absorbed form. Milk minerals are crucial for human health and development. They play a key role in healthy human nutrition and development throughout life. Milk is rich in nutrients that are essential for good bone health, including calcium, protein, vitamin D, potassium, and phosphorus. (4)

Lactose, also known as “milk sugar”, stimulates the growth of lactobacilli in the large intestine; these organisms synthesize many B vitamins. Lactose improves the absorption of several important minerals like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. (5)

Can Milk and Garlic Cure Asthma?

There is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that drinking milk and garlic can cure asthma. Both ingredients offer some health benefits, leading some to believe they might help manage asthma symptoms. However, this belief does not have any scientific backing. 

In a study conducted by José L. Sánchez-Gloria et al. in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, it was found that sulfur compounds in garlic provide antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral benefits, which potentially reduces inflammation – a key player in asthma. These properties suggest that garlic can help manage asthma symptoms. (6) However, another study by Johura Ansary et al. highlights the limitations. Garlic's rapid breakdown and low bioavailability (absorption by the body) might restrict its therapeutic benefits for asthma. (2)  

A systematic review by Feng Song et al. published in the Archives of Public Health found no direct link between dairy product consumption and a lower risk of asthma. However, the review did observe a correlation between higher milk and dairy intake and a decreased risk of asthma development. (7)

Therefore, while there is scientific evidence to support the use of garlic in managing asthma symptoms, limited data suggest that increased milk consumption reduces the risk of asthma. 

What do experts say?

The Health Dialogues team spoke with Dr Mrigakshi Aggarwal, a Pulmonologist at Sanjeevan Hospital in New Delhi. She said, "The claim that drinking garlic milk can cure asthma is false. Asthma is a chronic lung condition involving airway inflammation and tightening, often influenced by genetics, allergies, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. While garlic has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help manage asthma symptoms, and milk provides essential nutrients for overall health, there is no scientific evidence to support the notion that a combination of milk and garlic can cure asthma. It is important to consult with healthcare professionals for effective asthma management and treatment." 

How is Asthma managed?

Dr Kamal Kant Kohli, Chest Specialist, New Delhi explained, "Managing asthma requires a well-rounded approach tailored to each individual. Asthma is a chronic condition that, unfortunately, cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed. First and foremost, it's essential to identify and avoid your specific triggers, such as pollen, dust mites, mould, pet dander, smoke, and pollution. This can significantly reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. Sticking to your prescribed medications is crucial. This includes both long-term control medications to prevent symptoms and quick-relief inhalers for acute attacks. A healthy lifestyle also plays a significant role. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking are key. It's important to note that relying on dietary changes alone to manage asthma is not recommended. A comprehensive treatment plan should always be followed to keep asthma under control." 

Health Dialogues Final Take

The claim that milk and garlic can cure asthma is false. While some believe these foods may alleviate symptoms, there is no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in curing asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition requiring medical management. Although consuming milk and garlic can be part of a healthy diet and may help manage some asthma symptoms by reducing risk factors, they cannot cure the condition. Scientific evidence highlights the benefits of these foods in general health, but there is are no scientific studies or medical consensus to support the claim that this combination can cure asthma. 

Hence the claim that Garlic milk can cure asthma is FALSE.

References

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma

2. Ansary J, Forbes-Hernández TY, Gil E, Cianciosi D, Zhang J, Elexpuru-Zabaleta M, Simal-Gandara J, Giampieri F, Battino M. Potential Health Benefit of Garlic Based on Human Intervention Studies: A Brief Overview. Antioxidants. 2020; 9(7):619. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9070619

3. Schäfer G, Kaschula CH. The immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effects of garlic organosulfur compounds in cancer chemoprevention. Anticancer Agents Med Chem. 2014 Feb;14(2):233-40. doi: 10.2174/18715206113136660370. PMID: 24237225; PMCID: PMC3915757.

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723869/

5. http://ecoursesonline.iasri.res.in/mod/page/view.php?id=6128

6. Sánchez-Gloria JL, Rada KM, Juárez-Rojas JG, Sánchez-Lozada LG, Rubio-Gayosso I, Sánchez-Muñoz F, Osorio-Alonso H. Role of Sulfur Compounds in Garlic as Potential Therapeutic Option for Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Asthma. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Dec 9;23(24):15599. doi: 10.3390/ijms232415599. PMID: 36555240; PMCID: PMC9779154.

7. Song F, Xie Y, Guo N, Zhao H. Consumption of milk and dairy products and risk of asthma in children: a systematic review and Meta-analysis. Arch Public Health. 2023 Aug 16;81(1):147. doi: 10.1186/s13690-023-01162-8. PMID: 37587503; PMCID: PMC10428541.