Cabbage is a highly nutritious vegetable, packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants—making it beneficial for overall health.
However, many people don’t realize that eating cabbage the wrong way or in excess can cause serious health issues for certain individuals.
Overconsumption of cabbage may aggravate acid reflux, raise the risk of kidney stone recurrence, interfere with iodine absorption in people with hypothyroidism, or reduce the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications.
4 GROUPS OF PEOPLE WHO SHOULD LIMIT OR BE CAREFUL WHEN EATING CABBAGE
1. People taking anticoagulant medications (such as Warfarin)
– Cabbage is very high in vitamin K, which promotes blood clotting and may counteract the effects of Warfarin if intake is large or inconsistent.
– Recommendation: You don’t need to avoid cabbage completely, but keep your intake consistent each week so your doctor can properly adjust medication dosage.
2. People with a history of calcium-oxalate kidney stones
– Cabbage contains oxalates, compounds that can bind with calcium in the urine and contribute to stone formation.
– Recommendation:
👉 Avoid eating cabbage too frequently and drink plenty of water to help dilute oxalate levels.
3. People with hypothyroidism or undergoing thyroid treatment
– As a member of the Brassicaceae family, cabbage contains goitrogens—substances that can interfere with iodine absorption when eaten in excess or raw.
– Recommendation:
👉 Cook cabbage thoroughly; avoid eating it raw.
👉 Do not consume large amounts daily and avoid eating it close to the time you take levothyroxine.
4. People prone to bloating or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
– Cabbage is high in FODMAPs, which ferment easily in the gut and produce excess gas, leading to:
🔸 Bloating, abdominal discomfort, excessive gas
🔸 Worsening IBS symptoms
– Recommendation: Eat in small portions, preferably well cooked, and avoid raw or pickled cabbage.
📌 SO HOW MUCH CABBAGE IS SAFE?
For healthy individuals:
– Eating cabbage 3–4 times per week is reasonable
– Choose boiling, steaming, or light stir-frying to reduce gas and improve digestion
– Pair cabbage with ginger or garlic to help minimize bloating
– Avoid large amounts of raw cabbage, especially at night or on an empty stomach