Can onions treat rheumatism?
Can onions treat rheumatism?
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The potential impact of onions on rheumatism depends on how the onions are prepared and used. There is no evidence that suggests putting raw onions on the soles of the feet is helpful in treating rheumatism, uric acid levels, or any other health condition. There is, however, research that suggests that consuming onions orally, especially red onions, can help to lower uric acid levels and, in turn, help with gout and potentially rheumatism,
The potential impact of onions on rheumatism depends on how the onions are prepared and used. There is no evidence that suggests putting raw onions on the soles of the feet is helpful in treating rheumatism, uric acid levels, or any other health condition. There is, however, research that suggests that consuming onions orally, especially red onions, can help to lower uric acid levels and, in turn, help with gout and potentially rheumatism,
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What our experts say
1. Is there any scientific evidence indicating that putting onions on the soles of one's feet can remedy high uric acid levels and rheumatism?
Essentially, there is no scientific evidence about the efficacy of putting onions on the soles of one’s feet in treating uric acid levels, rheumatism, or any other health condition.
Research has been done to assess the ancient (primarily Chinese) practice of foot reflexology, which connects to the claim that putting onions on the feet could help relieve illness. A review of foot reflexology studies showed little evidence that foot reflexology is an effective practice for treating most medical conditions. Some research, in fact, shows that it could actually make some conditions worse. However, the overall quality of research on reflexology is very low overall.
2. Is there research about the effectiveness of onions (through oral or topical application) in treating uric acid levels and gout or rheumatism?
Yes, there is research that suggests that consuming onions orally, especially red onions, can help to lower uric acid levels and, in turn, gout and potentially rheumatism.
One study performed on rats found that orally giving rats onion for 7 days reduced serum uric acid levels in rats with elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia). A second study found similar results, and concluded that there is a dose response relationship, meaning that the more onion you consume, the more it will help your uric acid levels.
Uric acid is a byproduct of purine metabolism. Around 30% of the purines in our body come from the food that we eat. The fewer purines you eat, the lower your uric acid levels are likely to be. Because onions are a low-purine food, they can help to lower uric acid levels.
Research also shows that onions can help prevent inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis. This is likely due to a flavonoid found in onions called quercetin, which has been shown to inhibit inflammation-causing rheumatoid arthritis and other sources of inflammation. Onions also have another flavonoid called quercetin that has a number of health benefits such as improving heart health and protecting against physiological stress – both of which are linked to rheumatism.
All this said, research is unclear on how protective onions may be for the liver and kidney overall, and onions should not be used as a stand in for any treatments recommended by a clinician.
1. Is there any scientific evidence indicating that putting onions on the soles of one's feet can remedy high uric acid levels and rheumatism?
Essentially, there is no scientific evidence about the efficacy of putting onions on the soles of one’s feet in treating uric acid levels, rheumatism, or any other health condition.
Research has been done to assess the ancient (primarily Chinese) practice of foot reflexology, which connects to the claim that putting onions on the feet could help relieve illness. A review of foot reflexology studies showed little evidence that foot reflexology is an effective practice for treating most medical conditions. Some research, in fact, shows that it could actually make some conditions worse. However, the overall quality of research on reflexology is very low overall.
2. Is there research about the effectiveness of onions (through oral or topical application) in treating uric acid levels and gout or rheumatism?
Yes, there is research that suggests that consuming onions orally, especially red onions, can help to lower uric acid levels and, in turn, gout and potentially rheumatism.
One study performed on rats found that orally giving rats onion for 7 days reduced serum uric acid levels in rats with elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia). A second study found similar results, and concluded that there is a dose response relationship, meaning that the more onion you consume, the more it will help your uric acid levels.
Uric acid is a byproduct of purine metabolism. Around 30% of the purines in our body come from the food that we eat. The fewer purines you eat, the lower your uric acid levels are likely to be. Because onions are a low-purine food, they can help to lower uric acid levels.
Research also shows that onions can help prevent inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis. This is likely due to a flavonoid found in onions called quercetin, which has been shown to inhibit inflammation-causing rheumatoid arthritis and other sources of inflammation. Onions also have another flavonoid called quercetin that has a number of health benefits such as improving heart health and protecting against physiological stress – both of which are linked to rheumatism.
All this said, research is unclear on how protective onions may be for the liver and kidney overall, and onions should not be used as a stand in for any treatments recommended by a clinician.
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Resources
- Effects of onion on serum uric acid levels and hepatic xanthine dehydrogenase/xanthine oxidase activities in hyperuricemic rats (Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences)
- EFFECT OF RED ONION (ALLIUM CEPA VAR. AGGREGATUM G. DON) ON SERUM URIC ACID LEVEL AND TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN NORMAL AND INDUCED HYPERURICEMIC RATS (Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research)
- Onions Can Help Prevent Inflammation (Arthritis Foundation)
- Evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of fresh onion juice in experimental animals (African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology)
- Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis with Dietary Interventions (Frontiers in Nutrition)
- Onions and Gout: Are Onions Bad for Gout? (Making Sense of Gout)
- Effects of onion on serum uric acid levels and hepatic xanthine dehydrogenase/xanthine oxidase activities in hyperuricemic rats (Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences)
- EFFECT OF RED ONION (ALLIUM CEPA VAR. AGGREGATUM G. DON) ON SERUM URIC ACID LEVEL AND TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT STATUS IN NORMAL AND INDUCED HYPERURICEMIC RATS (Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research)
- Onions Can Help Prevent Inflammation (Arthritis Foundation)
- Evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of fresh onion juice in experimental animals (African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology)
- Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis with Dietary Interventions (Frontiers in Nutrition)
- Onions and Gout: Are Onions Bad for Gout? (Making Sense of Gout)
