Fact Check: Can Sleeping with Onion Detox your whole body overnight?

An Instagram post claims that Sleeping with Onion can Detox your whole body overnight. The claim is FALSE.

Claim

In an Instagram post, it is claimed that Sleeping with Onion Can Detox your whole body. In the reel by mr.highlevel_ says, "Do this every single day before you go to bed, and this happens. If you sleep with onions on your feet, you will detox your whole body overnight. It's also one of the best ways if you want to improve your immune system. It's one of the best ways to get rid of physical pain and inflammation in your body. And now comment homemade down below for the full description and more tips and tricks."

The reel can be accessed here

Fact Check

The claim by the user is FALSE. Onions have various health benefits but there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim by the user.

How does the human body Detoxify? 

The human body naturally detoxifies itself through several organs and systems. The liver plays the central role by breaking down toxins into less harmful substances that can be excreted. The kidneys filter blood to remove waste and excess fluids, which are expelled as urine. The lungs expel carbon dioxide and airborne toxins, while the skin eliminates waste through sweat. The digestive system also contributes by flushing out undigested food and harmful substances via the colon. Together, these systems work continuously to neutralize and remove toxins, maintaining internal balance and health without the need for external detox products.

What are the Nutritional Benefits of Onion?

Onions are a staple in kitchens worldwide, valued for their distinct taste and culinary versatility. Commonly enjoyed raw in salads or cooked into soups, sauces, and a wide range of dishes, onions also offer several health advantages.

Despite their rich flavor, onions are low in calories—just 45 per serving—and contain no fat or cholesterol. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and essential nutrients like folate, calcium, and iron. Onions are also rich in organosulfur compounds, which have been associated with reducing blood pressure and cholesterol.

One of the most beneficial compounds in onions is the flavonoid quercetin. It has anti-inflammatory properties, helps prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), supports vitamin E regeneration (a vital antioxidant), and may contribute to cancer prevention.

Can Sleeping with Onion Detox your whole body overnight?

The claim that sleeping with an onion can detox your whole body overnight is false. Onions have certain benefits but there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus supporting the claim that placing onions on feet has any detoxifying effect. Detoxification is a complex biological process managed primarily by the liver and kidneys—not by vegetables placed on the skin. 

Onions might have certain health benefits. In a study published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences it was concluded that that onions may aid in preventing and managing components of metabolic syndrome—including dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This is attributed to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects, as well as their ability to enhance insulin secretion and sensitivity, lower the absorption of cholesterol and glucose, regulate lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and inhibit fat cell formation (adipogenesis).

A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences identified quercetin, a flavonoid present in onions, as possessing potent anti-inflammatory properties. These effects may help reduce inflammation associated with conditions, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for onions in managing inflammatory disorders.

There are several health benefits of onion but nothing that supports the claim that it can detoxify anyone's body overnight. It can be concluded that the claim is FALSE.

Responding to the claim Dr. Pooja Pillai, Consultant - Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore said, "Placing onions in your socks while you sleep is a popular home remedy said to ‘detox’ the body but there's no scientific proof it works. While onions do have antibacterial properties and can absorb odors, the idea that they pull toxins from your body through the feet is more folklore than fact. That said, if it helps you relax or sleep better, there's no harm in trying. Just remember, true detox comes from staying hydrated, eating well, and supporting your liver and kidneys. The body's real detox powerhouses."

Dr. Brunda M S, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore further said, "Sleeping with onions in your socks is an old folk remedy that’s gained attention for its supposed detox benefits. The idea is that onions can draw out toxins through the soles of your feet while you sleep. While it's a comforting ritual for some, there’s no scientific evidence proving it actually detoxifies the body. Onions do have natural antibacterial properties, but your liver and kidneys do the real detox work. Still, if it helps you feel better or sleep more soundly, there's no harm sometimes wellness is as much about what comforts the mind as it is about science."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The claim that sleeping with an onion on feet detoxifies the body overnight is completely FALSE and not supported by scientific evidence or medical consensus. Detoxification is an internal process handled by the liver, kidneys, and other organs. While onions are nutritious when consumed as part of a balanced diet, placing them on the body provides no proven health benefit.

Hence, the claim is FALSE.