Can you eat onions with stomach acid?
Jun 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Whether individuals with excessive gastric acid secretion can eat onions depends on the severity of their symptoms. If the symptoms are mild, onions can generally be consumed in moderation. However, if symptoms are severe, onion consumption is not recommended. In daily life, patients are advised to avoid other spicy and irritating foods such as scallions, garlic, chili peppers, as well as cold, greasy, and overly sweet foods, to prevent worsening of gastric discomfort.
Whether individuals with excessive gastric acid secretion can eat onions depends on the severity of their symptoms. If the symptoms are mild, onions can usually be consumed in moderation. However, if symptoms are severe, onion consumption is not recommended. Detailed explanation is as follows:
For individuals with mild excess gastric acid, moderate onion consumption may not trigger significant discomfort. Onions are rich in dietary fiber and various vitamins, offering certain nutritional benefits. However, even those with mild gastric acid overproduction should control their intake and preferably consume well-cooked onions to reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
However, during acute episodes of acid-related gastrointestinal diseases, such as reflux esophagitis, active gastric ulcer, erosive gastritis, or when persistent heartburn and acid regurgitation occur, onion consumption must be avoided. Onions contain certain irritants that may stimulate gastric wall cells to secrete more gastric acid, and their coarse fibers may irritate the damaged mucosa, thereby worsening gastric discomfort.
In daily life, patients are advised to avoid other spicy and irritating foods such as scallions, garlic, and chili peppers, as well as cold, greasy, or overly sweet foods, to prevent exacerbation of gastric discomfort.
