Adopting a diet devoid of onions and garlic may seem unconventional to some, but it has been observed by many Indians for centuries as these foods are believed to have stimulating or negative effects on the mind and body.
By abstaining from these ingredients, adherents aim to cultivate a sense of calmness, clarity, and purity within themselves, aligning with the principles of mindfulness and holistic living.
Benefits of the no onion, no garlic diet
Kanikka Malhotra, a consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, mentions that there are several benefits to this type of diet.
First, she says, onions and garlic contain sulfur-containing chemical compounds called fructans and disulfides. These can irritate the esophageal lining, particularly in persons who are prone to heartburn or acid reflux. Removing them may lower the number and severity of heartburn episodes.
“Some people have IBS symptoms such as bloating, gas, and stomach pain when they consume particular foods. Onions, garlic, and other FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) are frequently responsible,” she adds. Eliminating them can be part of a dietary approach to treating IBS symptoms, but it’s critical to consult with a healthcare provider as well.
Some people may be hypersensitive to onions and garlic, causing discomforts such as nausea, diarrhoea, or stomach cramps after eating them. Removing them can provide relief in these situations.
Onions and garlic are high in antioxidants and allicin, an antioxidant with possible health advantages such as decreased blood pressure and cholesterol. (Source: Freepik)
Impact on digestive health after removing onions and garlic from one’s diet
The effects on overall gut health are mixed, says Malhotra. “Both onions and garlic include prebiotics, which nourish beneficial intestinal bacteria. However, they can aggravate certain people’s digestive systems.”
Onions and garlic are both prebiotics, which means they support the beneficial bacteria that live in your stomach. “These bacteria help to maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is vital for digestion, immunological function, and overall health.”
However, the small intestine does not readily absorb prebiotics. They pass through the large intestine and are fermented by gut bacteria, resulting in gas. While fermentation might be beneficial, she informs it can also cause bloating, gas, and abdominal pain in certain people.
“Some people may develop a general sensitivity to onions and garlic, causing discomfort such as nausea, diarrhea, or stomach cramps even if no underlying illness is present. Removing them can help to solve these problems,” Malhotra suggests.
Nutritional concerns to be mindful of when following a no onion, no garlic diet
Onions and garlic are high in antioxidants and allicin, an antioxidant with possible health advantages such as decreased blood pressure and cholesterol. Removing them from your diet can lead to a reduced intake of beneficial compounds. Malhotra also informs that these root vegetables provide depth to recipes. “Their absence may lead to a greater reliance on salt or harmful fats for taste.”
In the end, she stresses that it’s important to remember that abstaining from onions and garlic isn’t universal in India. “Additionally, while onions and garlic might be triggers, stress, fatty foods, and spicy cuisines can all cause digestive problems. To determine the root reason, consult a healthcare practitioner.”
The evidence tying onions and garlic especially to digestive difficulties in otherwise healthy people is primarily based on anecdotes and limited research. More research is needed to determine a conclusive correlation.
FAQs
Impact on digestive health after removing onions and garlic from one's diet. The effects on overall gut health are mixed, says Malhotra. “Both onions and garlic include prebiotics, which nourish beneficial intestinal bacteria. However, they can aggravate certain people's digestive systems.”
Why can't I digest onions and garlic? ›
Onions are hard to digest largely because they contain fructans, which are not absorbed well in the small intestine. In fact, as fructans ferment, they can cause a great deal of digestive distress in the form of bloating, gas and diarrhea.
What happens if you stop eating onions and garlic? ›
Digestive Comfort
For some people, avoiding onion and garlic may alleviate digestive discomfort, as these foods can be hard to digest and may cause bloating or gas in sensitive individuals.
Are onions and garlic bad for gut health? ›
What's clear is that allium vegetables are generally good for gut health. That's because they contain prebiotics: compounds that feed the microorganisms in fermented foods (otherwise known as probiotics) and “help maintain a healthy gut biome,” says Cara Harbstreet, a Kansas City-based registered dietitian.
What does raw onion and garlic do to the body? ›
Garlic and onions are considered to be superfoods that contain many heart-protective benefits. Garlic and onions are allium vegetables, meaning that they contain high levels of organosulfur compounds which have been shown to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
What is a good substitute for garlic and onion? ›
Fortunately, there are a number of substitutes that can give the same effect, from other aromatics such as fennel and bell peppers to herbs and spices like ginger and horseradish. Oil infused with garlic and garlic powder are also possible substitutes.
What is it called when you can't eat garlic and onion? ›
Allium intolerance symptoms and their severity can differ from person to person. You might find symptoms appear shortly after consuming onions or garlic, or you might find the signs of your intolerance don't show for a few hours.
Why do yogis avoid onions and garlic? ›
Those practicing meditation or who are committed to following a conscious, spiritual path tend to avoid consumption of onion and garlic as it is believed these foods can enhance anger, aggression, ignorance, overstimulation of the senses, lethargy, anxiety, and an increase in sexual desire.
What is the religious reason for not eating onion and garlic? ›
Hindu devotees believe that onions and garlic make it difficult to differentiate between desires and priorities since garlic is known as Rajogini - a substance believed to make one lose grip over their instincts while onions produce heat in the body.
Why many people don t eat onion and garlic? ›
As any sulfur-rich ingredient, onions and garlic are very heating. They aggravate Pitta on both physical and emotional levels. For someone suffering from acid reflux, ulcers, colitis, heartburn, intestinal inflammation, skin rashes or redness, etc. eating these two substances aggravates the aforementioned.
Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods.
When you think about your diet, consider the number of plant-based foods, grains, legumes and beans you're eating. Foods high in fiber, especially prebiotic fiber, balance your gut increasing good bacteria and starving bad bacteria.
Do onions clean your gut? ›
Onions have fructooligosaccharides, substances that act as prebiotics (food for your gut's healthy bacteria), which can help with digestion. They pass through the small intestine and feed the healthy bacteria in the large intestine.
How to rebalance gut bacteria? ›
What can you do to support the good bacteria in your gut? Eating a plant-based diet that includes fermented foods and fiber from colorful fruits and vegetables, having healthy sleep habits and managing stress levels are other ways to support a healthy gut.
What is the benefit of not eating onion and garlic? ›
First, she says, onions and garlic contain sulfur-containing chemical compounds called fructans and disulfides. These can irritate the esophageal lining, particularly in persons who are prone to heartburn or acid reflux. Removing them may lower the number and severity of heartburn episodes.
What happens to your body when you eat raw onions everyday? ›
While onions offer many health benefits, consuming an excess amount can lead to gastrointestinal distress, such as irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux. Although onions are quite safe to consume, rarely they may harm your health if you have any underlying health conditions or when you consume them in excess.
Why put an onion in your sock? ›
The onion in sock home remedy has origins in western folklore and is hundreds of years old. It also has links to the Chinese practice of reflexology. Many people claim that the onion in sock remedy is an effective treatment for a cold or the flu. Despite these claims, there is no scientific evidence to support this.
What causes garlic and onion intolerance? ›
This is because onion and garlic are both bulbous plants from the allium family. They contain similar proteins, which means your body can react to them similarly. This is called cross-reactivity. Other close relatives of garlic include chives, shallots and leeks.
Does onion and garlic trigger IBS? ›
Unfortunately it's hard to avoid garlic and onion as they're used in so many dishes and food products. In fact, it's likely garlic or onion powder is an ingredient in something you eat on a regular basis. Summary: Fructans in garlic and onion can cause digestive distress for those with IBS.
Why can't my stomach handle garlic? ›
Like onions, leeks, and asparagus, garlic is high in fructans, a type of carb that may cause bloating, gas, and stomach pain in some people ( 7 ). In fact, when those with a fructan intolerance eat a high fructan food, it isn't fully absorbed in the small intestine.
Can onions cause digestive issues? ›
Onions may cause symptoms of gastrointestinal upset, such as heartburn, bloating, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting, in susceptible individuals, which may aggravate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in affected individuals. These symptoms are relatively more common when eating onions raw rather than cooked.
Onions and garlic are high in antioxidants and allicin, an antioxidant with possible health advantages such as decreased blood pressure and cholesterol. (Source: Freepik)