A stomach ulcer is a condition wherein sores occur in the lining of the stomach or small intestines. This happens when the protective mucus that lines the stomach is worn away and stops functioning effectively. If left untreated, this can cause significant health problems.

Fortunately, some foods are healers. When it comes to treating ulcers, cabbage has been documented in several medical literatures to be an effective remedy for dealing with painful stomach ulcers.

Cabbage is a leafy green, red, or white cruciferous vegetable belonging to the Brassica family and is round or oval in shape. It is widely used throughout the world and can be prepared in numerous ways.
As per the USDA Nutrient Database, it contains, calcium, magnesium, dietary fiber, potassium, and various vitamins as well as high amounts of antioxidants including flavonoids, zeaxanthin, lutein, choline, and beta-carotene.

According to a study, complete healing for 7 days has been experienced by patients with stomach ulcers after drinking one liter or 4 glasses of raw cabbage juice daily. This leads to reduced pain and faster healing as confirmed by X-ray results.

In a separate study, inmates at San Quentin Prison in California with ulcers were given with cabbage juice concentration in capsules (this is equivalent to a fresh quart of cabbage juice every day) for three weeks. After the given period, researchers have found that out of 41 inmates with ulcers, 32% of them experienced complete healing. Researchers say that cabbage works by strengthening the stomach lining’s resistance to acid attacks.

Rachael Kazibwe, a nutritionist in Nakawa., says:

“Freshly made cabbage juice is a very effective home remedy for peptic ulcers as it does well with maintaining stomach pH. It contains natural medicinal compounds which strengthen the stomach lining’s resistance to acid attacks.”

Cabbage, whether it’s red or green, helps get rid of toxins from the stomach and detoxify the upper bowels resulting in improved digestive efficiency and rapid elimination. Aside from this, cabbage also works to stimulate the immune system, alkalinize the body, kill viruses and bacteria, and soothe and heal stomach ulcers.

Also cabbage juice contains-glutamine (an amino acid), and S-methylmethionine, which both protect the gut’s mucous membrane. S-methylmethionine stimulates the secretion of mucus from the stomach’s lining while L-glutamine provides the main source of energy for immune cells which fight infections and also maintains the integrity of the gut lining. According to Agnes Sitati, a nutritionist at Kenyatta National Hospital, a breakdown in this lining causes most ulcers.

How To Enjoy Eating Cabbage

Make a juice. Wash and slice the cabbage and then soak it in lukewarm water with a small quantity of salt or vinegar. This helps ensure that the vegetable is thoroughly free of dirt and other impurities that might be still clinging on. Simply shred or cut cabbages into small pieces and put them in a blender. Add one cup of water and blend into pulp.   Use a cloth to sieve and wring out as much juice as possible.

Eat boiled cabbage together with potatoes and celery, and seasoned with black pepper and ginger. All of these ingredients contain anti-ulcer compounds.

Whether it’s red or green or white, in a form of juice or salad, make it a habit to add cabbage in your daily diet. Just make sure that its fresh – this is the key to getting good results.

Additional Tips

Aside from the help provided by cabbage, we should also avoid habits that can contribute to ulcers.
We need to avoid, coffee, concentrated drinks, restrictive milk-based diets, low fiber diet, cigarettes, stress and drugs like aspirin —  a gastric irritant that damages the stomach’s lining and predisposes you to ulcers. Moreover, don’t eat foods that give you allergies.