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| - Last Updated on July 12, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick take
A post on Instagram claims that onion juice with sugar can dissolve gallstones naturally. Our fact check reveals it’s False.
The claim
According to an Instagram video, you can dissolve gallstones naturally by using onion juice and sugar.
Fact check
What is a gallbladder stone or gallstone?
Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. They can vary in size, from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Gallstones can be made of cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin, and they may cause pain, infection, or other serious health issues if they block the bile ducts.
What are the main causes of gallstones?
The exact cause of gallstones is not entirely clear. But, several factors can contribute to their formation:
- Excess cholesterol: When there is too much cholesterol in the bile, it can form crystals that eventually turn into stones.
- Bilirubin: Conditions such as liver cirrhosis, biliary tract infections, and certain blood disorders can cause the liver to produce too much bilirubin. This contributes to gallstone formation.
- Bile concentration: If the gallbladder does not empty completely or often enough, bile can become overly concentrated, promoting stone formation.
What are the recommended treatments for gallstones?
There are several treatments available for gallstones, depending on their size, number, and the symptoms they cause:
- Medications: Oral bile acid pills can help dissolve cholesterol gallstones, although this method is generally slow and may not be effective for all types of stones.
- Surgery: The most common treatment is cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. This procedure is highly effective and can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. A suitable diet after the gallstone surgery is important for successful recovery.
- Non-surgical procedures: In some cases, techniques such as shock wave lithotripsy or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be used to break up or remove stones without surgery.
Can drinking onion juice with sugar dissolve gallstones naturally?
No, onion juice with sugar does not dissolve gallstones naturally. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Gallstones are complex formations that usually require medical intervention to treat effectively. Even though onion juice has some health benefits, its ability to dissolve gallstones has not been proven.
Scientific literature does not support the use of onion juice or sugar as a treatment for gallstones. Most medical professionals recommend treatments based on the specific type and size of the gallstones, as well as the overall health of the patient. Natural remedies, including dietary changes and the use of certain herbs, may offer some benefits for general digestive health but are unlikely to dissolve gallstones. We have very little preliminary research on onion’s ability to prevent gallstones.
We asked Dr Sharad Malhotra, Senior Consultant & HOD Gastroenterology Hepatology & Therapeutic Endoscopy, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, about the effectiveness of onion juice and sugar for dissolving gallstones at home. He says, “The combination mentioned here is intended for preventing the formation of gallstones, not for treating gallstone disease. Many factors contribute to gallstone formation, and no home remedy has proven effective in dissolving existing gallstones.”
Can onions prevent gallstone formation?
We can’t say conclusively at this time. During our fact check, we found only two relatively older studies, both conducted on animals.
A 2011 study found that dietary onion reduces cholesterol gallstone formation in mice by 27%, and when combined with fenugreek, the reduction increases to 76%. Both onion and fenugreek countered harmful changes in hepatic enzyme activities and reduced liver fat and gallbladder inflammation, demonstrating their potential in preventing gallstones.
A 2010 study found that dietary garlic and onion can reduce existing cholesterol gallstones in mice by 53% to 59%. Both spices lowered cholesterol levels in bile, with garlic being less effective when cooked. Garlic and onion also decreased cholesterol in the blood and liver and boosted enzymes that break down cholesterol, showing their potential in managing gallstones through diet.
Therefore, we need more research to be sure.
What are the benefits of onion juice?
While onion juice is not a solution for gallstones, it does offer several health benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants: Onions contain compounds like quercetin, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Antibacterial properties: Onion juice has been shown to have antibacterial effects, which can help fight infections.
- Improved heart health: Regular consumption of onions can help reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. This in turn contributes to better cardiovascular health.
- Digestive health: Onions are a good source of fibre, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
- Immune support: The vitamins and minerals in onions, including vitamin C, help support a healthy immune system.
In conclusion, the claim that onion juice with sugar can dissolve gallstones naturally is not true and lacks scientific support. We need more research to confirm the role of onion in preventing gallstones. But, it’s clear that many home remedies lack scientific support. For instance, false claims like Kalanchoe pinnata with honey can treat gallstones, yoghurt, honey and lemon can cure gallstones, and using onion juice to remove wrinkles still exist. And hence, you should be really careful before trusting health claims online.
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