FACT OR MYTH? Doctors reveal the truth about eating raw onions. Is it really damaging to your stomach?

Introduction:  In recent days, disturbing news has circulated on the Polish internet and Facebook groups. Thousands of users are sharing warnings claiming that eating raw onions directly causes sudden and painful gastritis and intestinal problems. Many people are terrified to eliminate this vegetable from their diets. But is it right? We decided to consult this “internet diagnosis” with real experts. Here’s what you need to know before you believe everything you read online!

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Where did this internet panic come from?

Rumor has it that raw onions are “toxic” to our mucous membranes and act like a sponge, attracting harmful bacteria that then attack our digestive system. Videos on popular social media platforms show people complaining of sharp abdominal  pain immediately after eating onion  salad .

For many of us, raised in Polish culinary traditions (where onions are the basis of almost every dish!), this information sounds like a death sentence.

Medical Verdict: What Do Gastroenterologists Say?

We interviewed leading Polish internal medicine and gastroenterology specialists. Their response is unequivocal:  The information circulating online is a dangerous myth, concealing only a grain of truth.

It’s true that raw onions can cause discomfort. Why? Because they’re high in  fructans  , a type of carbohydrate (FODMAP) that’s difficult for people with sensitive digestive systems to digest, especially those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). When fructans reach the intestines, they’re fermented by bacteria, causing gas, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness.  However, onions do NOT damage the stomach, do not cause ulcers, and are NOT toxic.   Pain is a reaction of the irritable bowel, not physical damage to the organs.