Cabbage contains a hard-to-digest carb that may lead to stomach pain or gas for some.
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Cabbage is a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. In certain cases, though, cabbage can cause stomach pain and other digestive issues.
First, the good news: Cabbage is packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamin C and potassium, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Including cabbage and other cruciferous veggies (like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and arugula) in your diet can also help lower your risk for developing conditions like cancer.
But sometimes eating cabbage can lead to an upset stomach or gas. Here are the reasons why that can happen (and how to deal with it).
1. It Can Be Hard to Digest
If you regularly experience cabbage-induced stomach pain, that may be because cabbage is hard to digest.
But why does cabbage give you gas, exactly? The leafy green contains a complex sugar called raffinose, which can be difficult to digest and cause gas, bloating and stomach pain as your body breaks it down, according to John Hopkins Medicine. Other high-raffinose foods that give you gas include:
- Beans
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Whole grains like brown rice and whole-wheat bread
Another reason for cabbage-related gas pain is the vegetable's high fiber content: One cup of raw chopped cabbage has approximately 2.2 grams of fiber, according to the USDA.
While fiber is an essential nutrient that supports good digestion, eating too much too quickly can lead to gas, bloating and cramping, per the Mayo Clinic.
Fix it: To avoid gas from excess fiber, slowly work cabbage and other high-fiber foods into your regular diet over the course of a few weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Cooking raw cabbage can also help offset some digestive troubles, per a still-relevant October 2009 review in Cold Spring Harbor Symposia on Quantitative Biology.
Try These Cooked Cabbage Recipes
Note: For some, even cooked cabbage is hard to digest — if you find it gives you digestive issues, limit or avoid the vegetable.
Now you know that cabbage does cause gas for some. But if your cabbage stomach pain is accompanied by symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, you may have food poisoning, per the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Raw cabbage (and other raw foods, for that matter) that has not been properly washed, packaged or cooked can contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella, staphylococcus or E. coli, which can lead to foodborne illness, according to the NLM.
Food poisoning symptoms can also include:
- Cramping
- Gas
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Fever
- Chills
- Overall weakness
So, if you have nausea and bloating after eating cabbage, consider that it might be food poisoning causing these symptoms.
Fix it: Avoid foodborne illness by thoroughly washing your hands, utensils, surfaces and foods, per the NLM.
Here's exactly how to wash vegetables. Using a salad spinner ($24.99, Amazon.com) can help ensure cabbage is getting clean.
Cooking your food and refrigerating perishable dishes can also help prevent food poisoning.
3. You Have an Underlying Digestive Disease
If you have an underlying digestive disorder like irritable bowel syndrome or SIBO, eating difficult-to-digest foods may lead to unpleasant symptoms like gas, bloating, nausea or heartburn, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Fix it: Visit your doctor to diagnose and treat your digestive condition. They can help you determine which foods are best for you and which to avoid to prevent stomach pain and other symptoms. If you have blood in your stool, visit your doctor right away, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Cabbage Can Also Benefit Digestion
Reading about the potential for eating cabbage to give you a stomachache (and other digestive woes) might make you think you're better off avoiding it. But unless your body can't tolerate it, keep in mind the many nutritional benefits of cabbage, including its potential to fight inflammation and lower LDL (aka "bad") cholesterol, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Plus, cabbage can also be good for your digestion, helping you have regular bowel movements thanks to insoluble fiber, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It's particularly beneficial for your digestive system when you eat fermented cabbage (think: kimchi and sauerkraut) since that helps power good-for-you bacteria in your gut, per the Cleveland Clinic.
For most people, digestive woes due to eating cabbage will pass quickly. But that's not always the case, and there are some scenarios where you should speak to your health care provider.
For instance, talk to your doctor if you have food poisoning that causes diarrhea for more than five days, have bloody stools or can't keep fluids down, per the NLM.
Plus, if you suspect you have a digestive condition, such as IBS, then a visit to the doctor is in order, so you can diagnosis and treat the condition, and know if cabbage is on a no-go list for you.
FAQs
Cabbage and Its Cousins
Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cabbage, have the same sugars that make beans gassy. Their high fiber can also make them hard to digest. It will be easier on your stomach if you cook them instead of eating raw.
What does cabbage do to your stomach? ›
Improves digestion
Packed with phytosterols (plant sterols) and insoluble fiber, cabbage can help keep your digestive system healthy and bowel movements regular. It fuels the good bacteria in your gut that protects your immune system and produces essential nutrients.
Can cabbage cause painful bloating? ›
Worst: Broccoli, cabbage, kale
Kale, broccoli, and cabbage are cruciferous vegetables, which contain raffinose — a sugar that remains undigested until bacteria in your gut ferment it, which produces gas and, in turn, makes you bloat.
Why does my stomach rumble after eating cabbage? ›
Avoid gassy foods, including beans and cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, to name a few), which can trigger stomach rumbling and gas. Cut down on certain sugars in your diet, particularly fructose and sorbitol (found in fruits and used as artificial sweeteners).
Does cabbage trigger gastritis? ›
Overall, incorporating cabbage juice into your diet can be a simple and effective way to promote digestive health and potentially reduce symptoms of digestive disorders like ulcers and gastritis.
Why am I so sensitive to cabbage? ›
Cabbage can occasionally induce symptoms of food allergy in sensitised individuals (3-4,12-13). Proteins of these vegetables may cause immediate-type allergy, the pollens may be involved in hay fever (14), and skin contact with the isothiocyanates released may cause contact dermatitis (15).
How do you make cabbage not hurt your stomach? ›
Boil it. In general, cooking makes vegetables easier to digest, which can help reduce gas. To retain the nutrients in the cabbage that would be lost when you drain the water, try cabbage soup or Mexican cabbage roll soup.
Is cabbage bad for IBS? ›
Certain vegetables cause gas and abnormal bowel habits. Avoid cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, coleslaw and sauerkraut. Also, limit artichoke, brussels sprouts, onions, shallots, leeks and asparagus.
What are the side effects of eating too much cabbage? ›
5 Side Effects of Eating Cabbage
- Increased Gasses. Well this side effect might actually ruin your social life, image having gasses in public spaces or in tight elevators or even with your significant other. ...
- Deficiencies and Problems. ...
- Diarrhea. ...
- Low Blood Sugar Levels. ...
- Colic In Baby.
Cabbage can occasionally induce symptoms of food allergy in sensitised individuals (3-4,12-13). Proteins of these vegetables may cause immediate-type allergy, the pollens may be involved in hay fever (14), and skin contact with the isothiocyanates released may cause contact dermatitis (15).
"Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits, therefore recommended for those individuals who are at risk for heart disease," Gans said.
How long does it take for cabbage to go through your system? ›
Whereas cooked leafy and cruciferous vegetables such as kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower take approximately 40-50 minutes to digest. Root vegetables like turnips, beetroot, sweet potatoes, radishes and carrot digest in an hour.
How do you get rid of cabbage bloat? ›
Add Garlic, Bay Leaf and Peppercorns to Boiling Water
Chebotar recommends adding garlic cloves, bay leaves and peppercorns to the pot of boiling water as this may help reduce gas. Bay leaf tea can help ease an upset stomach, so boiling it with the cabbage can prevent gas after eating the cabbage.
What are the symptoms of cabbage allergy? ›
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to cabbage may include:
- Swelling.
- Tingling.
- Itching of the mouth, tongue, lips, and face.
- Redness or rash.
- Abdominal pain.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
Cruciferous vegetables can also contribute to IBS flare-ups. These include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, shallots, and asparagus. Beans and legumes. Beans are associated with causing gas and bloating in those without IBS.
Why is cabbage bad for GERD? ›
Vegetables. Veggies that commonly cause gas have the potential to also cause acid reflux and heartburn in GERD sufferers, and are therefore best avoided. Brussels sprouts and turnips have this effect on many people, and you should be cautious with foods like broccoli, cabbage and beans to see how they affect you.
Does cabbage trigger ulcers? ›
Cabbage is a popular natural ulcer remedy. Doctors reportedly used it decades before antibiotics were available to help heal stomach ulcers. It's rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant shown to help prevent and treat H. pylori infections.
Why is it not advisable for ladies to eat cabbage? ›
An increase in goitrin and thiocyanates inhibits thyroid function and benzyl cyanide can result in potential adverse effects (dermal and respiratory manifestations). Eating cabbage in excess can result in abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and flatulence.
Does cooked cabbage cause inflammation? ›
It's Good for Inflammation
Cabbage is loaded with lots of chemicals that help ease swelling in your tissues. This helps protect you from other health issues because inflammation is linked to things like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease.
Is cabbage bad for sensitive stomach? ›
Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower are high in sulfur and can cause bloating and gas. Try some of these vegetables to see if they are easier to digest: carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, zucchini, green beans, celery and squash.
There are two major reasons why vegetables can be hard on our stomachs: soluble fiber and cellulose, or insoluble fiber. Fiber is healthy, but for some, it can cause issues. Your gut flora easily ferments soluble fiber. This fermentation does produce some gas but usually not enough to cause any significant symptoms.
What vegetables should I avoid with irritable bowel syndrome? ›
If you have IBS, we recommend you avoid cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage or salads containing these vegetables, such as coleslaw. We also suggest you limit your intake of artichoke, onions, leeks, garlic, and asparagus.
What are the worst foods for IBS? ›
Worst Foods For IBS
- Cow's Milk and Dairy. Heavy cream, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products contain lactose, a sugar in cow's milk. ...
- Cruciferous Vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain a type of sugar called raffinose. ...
- Beans. ...
- Fried Foods. ...
- Caffeine. ...
- Alcohol. ...
- Fatty Fish. ...
- Probiotics.
Foods that may make IBS diarrhea worse
- Fried foods.
- Fatty foods.
- Dairy (especially if you are lactose intolerant)
- Foods containing wheat (if you are gluten-sensitive)
- Too much fiber (especially from fruit/vegetable skin)
- Chocolate.
- Carbonated drinks.
- Caffeine.
It's best to avoid cabbage if you have an under-active thyroid gland. Surgery: Cabbage might affect blood glucose levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgical procedures. Stop using cabbage at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Does cabbage soup make your stomach hurt? ›
Cabbage commonly causes bloating and flatulence because of its high fiber content. It also contains raffinose, a complex sugar that is hard to digest. Both of these can make you feel very uncomfortable.
Does cabbage clean out your system? ›
Like most cruciferous vegetables (including broccoli and sprouts), cabbage contains a chemical called sulforaphane, which helps the body fight against toxins. Cabbage also supplies the body with glutathione; an antioxidant that helps improve the detoxifying function of the liver.
What are the 3 most common food intolerances? ›
The three most common food intolerances are lactose, a sugar found in milk, casein, a protein found in milk, and gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley.
How long after eating cabbage do you get gas? ›
Well, when cabbage is raw it will usually take a good 40 minutes or so for it to digest, so you will probably start to get gas after around an hour after eating.
What are the 5 classic signs of inflammation? ›
Based on visual observation, the ancients characterised inflammation by five cardinal signs, namely redness (rubor), swelling (tumour), heat (calor; only applicable to the body' extremities), pain (dolor) and loss of function (functio laesa).
Eating more cabbage is an excellent way to keep your digestive system healthy and happy. Cabbage contains insoluble fiber, which keeps the digestive system healthy by providing fuel for friendly bacteria and promoting regular bowel movements.
What are the worst inflammatory foods? ›
What foods cause inflammation?
- Red meat and processed meats, including bacon, hot dogs, lunch meats and cured meats.
- Refined grains, including white bread, white rice, pasta and breakfast cereals.
- Snack foods, including chips, cookies, crackers and pastries.
- Sodas and other sweetened drinks.
- Fried foods.
Pointed Cabbage
Why you should eat pointed cabbage more often: Healthy pointed cabbage also contains plenty of vitamin C and is being low in calories and fat – it's also one of the most easily digestible types of cabbage.
Is cabbage better for you cooked or raw? ›
Steaming was found to retain the most antioxidants and vitamin C compared to other cooking methods, making this a good option if you don't like it raw. Additionally, for those who find raw cabbage difficult to digest, cooking it and eating smaller portions may help prevent or reduce GI side effects.
Does cooked cabbage cause gas? ›
Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables are common foods that cause flatulence and gas. These plants release sulfur-containing organic compounds, called glucosinolates, when the leaves are cooked and/or chewed.
What is the number one food that causes bloating? ›
Beans. It's hardly a surprise to see beans atop the list of bloat-causing foods. After all, the legendary powers of this legume have even captured the attention of lyricists: Beans, beans, the musical fruit… Science is behind that tune, explains Czerwony.
Why do cruciferous vegetables hurt my stomach? ›
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain high levels of insoluble fiber, which can quickly lead to digestive upset, especially when consumed raw. Symptoms can include bloating, gas and cramping.
How do you calm a bloated gassy stomach? ›
Beat The Bloat
- Eat slowly, and consume smaller, more frequent meals.
- Chew your foods well.
- Drink beverages at room temperature.
- Have your dentures checked for a good fit.
- Increase physical activity during the day.
- Sit up straight after eating.
- Take a stroll after eating.
Add Garlic, Bay Leaf and Peppercorns to Boiling Water
Chebotar recommends adding garlic cloves, bay leaves and peppercorns to the pot of boiling water as this may help reduce gas. Bay leaf tea can help ease an upset stomach, so boiling it with the cabbage can prevent gas after eating the cabbage.
Why can't you lay down after eating cabbage? ›
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are very good for health in general but are probably not the best thing to load up on before you head to bed. These vegetables can interfere with your ability to sleep soundly because you're likely still digesting all that fibre while trying to fall asleep.
Cabbage contains a hard-to-digest carb that may lead to stomach pain or gas for some. Cabbage is a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. In certain cases, though, cabbage can cause stomach pain and other digestive issues.
How long does cabbage stay in your stomach? ›
Whereas cooked leafy and cruciferous vegetables such as kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower take approximately 40-50 minutes to digest.
How do you get rid of trapped gas? ›
Here are some quick ways to expel trapped gas, either by burping or passing gas.
- Move around. Walk around or exercise. ...
- Get a massage. Try gently massaging the painful spot, which can stimulate gas to move downward and out of the body. ...
- Do yoga poses. ...
- Drink more liquids. ...
- Try herbs. ...
- Try baking soda. ...
- Drink apple cider vinegar.
Making lifestyle changes may help reduce or relieve excess gas and gas pain.
- Try smaller portions. ...
- Eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly and don't gulp. ...
- Avoid chewing gum, sucking on hard candies and drinking through a straw. ...
- Check your dentures. ...
- Don't smoke. ...
- Exercise.
Under-active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism): There is some concern that cabbage might make this condition worse. It's best to avoid cabbage if you have an under-active thyroid gland. Surgery: Cabbage might affect blood glucose levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgical procedures.
What happens after eating cabbage? ›
Cabbage is highly nutritious and rich in vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin K. What's more, some research suggests that it may support digestion, improve heart health, and decrease inflammation.
Does cabbage interact with medications? ›
Cabbage might increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking cabbage along with some medications that are changed by the liver can decrease the effectiveness of some medications. Before taking cabbage talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
