Anxiety is a broad diagnostic term that covers many diagnoses in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-IV-TR. According to the DSM, at the heart of any anxiety disorder lays irrational fear. The manual describes anxiety as, "the unpleasant experience of fear in the absence of that of which we might be afraid." The category of anxiety disorders includes generalized anxiety, phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress. Given the breadth of anxiety, scientists have looked at the role of all sorts of substances, even onions, to examine their role, if any, in anxiety.
The Components of Onion
To understand if onions play a role in anxiety, knowing what constitutes the vegetable is key. Onions contain a compound called phenolic acid, which is very important in healing cell regrowth in plants, as well as for defending injured plants against pathogens. In 2004 researchers in India investigated the traditional use of herbs and vegetables containing phenolic to heal various physical and emotional problems. Their study, which was published in the "Journal of Herbal Pharmacology," examined more than 20 spices used in medical herbal substances. They found that phenolic acid was found in onion seed, leading to the conclusion that these nutrients may be beneficial to humans.
Anxiety and General Nutrition
Mood disorders and general nutrition have been studied extensively. In 2010 scientists at the University of Melbourne looked at a traditional diet versus a Western diet and mental health. They defined a traditional diet as "characterized by vegetables, fruit, meat, fish and whole grains," whereas a Western diet consisted of more processed foods. Their results, which were published in the "American Journal of Psychiatry," suggested that traditional diets of vegetables resulted in a diminished chance for major depression and anxiety disorders.
Stomach Pains and Anxiety
Stomach pain has long been associated with anxiety disorders. Such pain often comes at the result of poor dietary choices that neglect fruits and vegetables. In 2009, researchers in China published a study in the "Chinese Journal of International Medicine" that reviewed mental health issues in patients who present with gastrointestinal complaints. They found that patients with stomach aches, diarrhea and general stomach issues have a high rate of mood disturbance and anxiety disorders. Furthermore, the rate of identification of emotional issues by physicians was very low.
Putting it All Together
At the time of this publication, the role of onions in the etiology and treatment of anxiety is not clearly defined. Though studies suggest that nutrition as a whole plays a role in mood disorders, exact fruits and vegetables have not been studied well enough for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to make formal recommendations. Individuals concerned with nutrition and anxiety should consult a psychiatrist for further recommendations.
References
- "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders"; The American Psychiatric Association; 1994
- "Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine"; The Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety in Gastrointestinal Out-patients of Tertiary General Hospitals in Beijing; R.H. Jiang, et al.; May 2005
- "American Journal of Psychiatry"; Association of Western and Traditional Diets with Depression and Anxiety in Women; F.N. Jacka, et al.; March 2010
- "Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy"; Investigation on the Phenolics of Some Spices Having Pharmacotherapeuthic Properties; U.P. Singh, et al.; April 2004
