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Have you ever experienced a burning sensation in your chest after a meal? Do you often find yourself burping and experiencing acid reflux?
If you have heard of avoiding vegetables such as cabbage when you have these symptoms, then you are in for a surprise, because a glass of cabbage juice may actually be helpful in instantly relieving heartburn due to acid reflux!
How Can Cabbage Juice Help?
It is not unknown that cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage cause flatulence or gas. (1) While this is true, cabbage also contains insoluble fiber and phytosterols that aid digestion and improve the symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn.
1. Cabbage is a low-FODMAP food
FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which are types of sugars present in the foods people eat.
The FODMAP diet involves avoiding foods rich in these types of sugars to reduce bloating, diarrhea, and cramping, which are common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disorder.
Patients on this diet are asked to avoid foods such as wheat; rye; fruits such as apricots, peaches, prunes, and watermelon; vegetables such as leeks, onions, garlic, peas, and fennel; some nuts; mushrooms; and also artificial sweeteners. (2)
A low-FODMAP diet is often recommended for patients with inflammatory bowel disease that causes acid reflux. (3) Since cabbage is a food that is allowed on a low FODMAP diet, it can aid in reducing heartburn as well.
2. Cabbage contains an anti-peptic-ulcer factor
Studies have found cabbage juice to be an effective remedy in healing ulcers associated with excessive acid in the stomach as it contains a specific anti-peptic-ulcer factor. (4)
The anti-inflammatory property of cabbage is believed to aid in the healing of ulcers, although more studies are needed on this topic. (5)
3. Cabbage Is beneficial for gut bacteria
Cabbage has been found to contain specific compounds that influence gut bacteria and facilitate their healthy growth and diversity. (6)
Since a healthy gut microorganism diversity is essential in improving the outcomes of many diseases including acid reflux and heartburn, (7) cabbage juice or even whole cabbage can be beneficial.
How to Consume Cabbage Juice
- Blend 5–6 leaves of fresh white cabbage.
- Strain the juice (should be around half a cup).
- Optionally, you can add some apple juice to sweeten the flavor or a pinch of pink Himalayan salt to the juice.
- Consume it thrice a day for relief from heartburn.
Most-Asked Questions About Cabbage Juice
Who should avoid cabbage juice?
People with an altered thyroid function such as those with hypothyroidism, goiter, hyperthyroidism, or Hashimoto’s disease should avoid the consumption of raw cabbage and its juice as it contains goitrogens, which can interfere with normal thyroid function. (8)
Does cabbage juice have any side effects?
Though cabbage juice is beneficial, excessive consumption of it can lead to bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and impaired thyroid function. (9)
Final Word
Cabbage is a fantastic vegetable to include in the daily diet. Full of fiber and rich in nutrients, it is beneficial for many health conditions.
Cabbage contains specific compounds that have anti-peptic-ulcer ability and can heal ulcers effectively and quickly. In addition, many people claim cabbage juice to effectively treat heartburn.
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