Cabbage is that crunchy, cheap veggie we all love in salads, stir-fries, or even as tangy sauerkraut. It’s loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making it a total health win. But hold up—not everyone’s body vibes with cabbage. For some folks, it can cause more trouble than it’s worth. Here’s a rundown of four types of people who might want to pass on the cabbage patch.
1. People with Thyroid Problems
If you’ve got a thyroid issue, like hypothyroidism, cabbage could be a sneaky troublemaker. It’s a cruciferous veggie, which means it has goitrogens—compounds that can block iodine, something your thyroid needs to work right. Eating a ton of raw cabbage (we’re talking multiple cups daily) might mess with your thyroid, especially if you’re low on iodine. Cooking it helps tone down those goitrogens, so if you’re dying for some, try steaming or sautéing. Either way, check with your doc before going ham on the coleslaw.
2. Anyone with a Sensitive Gut or IBS
Cabbage can turn your stomach into a gas factory. It’s got raffinose, a sugar that your gut bacteria go wild for, churning out bloating, farts, or even diarrhea. If you’ve got irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a touchy tummy, raw cabbage might make you feel like you’re about to pop. Plus, its high insoluble fiber can speed things up too much down there, leaving you uncomfortable. Want to give it a shot? Start with a little cooked cabbage—it’s easier on your system—and see how you feel.
3. Breastfeeding Moms Dealing with Fussy Babies
If you’re nursing, you might’ve heard whispers about cabbage causing colic. There’s something to it. Eating a lot of cabbage can pass compounds through your breast milk that might give your baby a gassy, cranky tummy. The science isn’t rock-solid, but if your little one’s already a colic champ, maybe ease up on the cabbage soup or slaw. Fun fact, though: cabbage leaves are a go-to for soothing engorged breasts, so it’s not all bad. Just watch how much you munch.
4. Folks Taking Blood Thinners Like Warfarin
Cabbage is a vitamin K rockstar, which is awesome for clotting but tricky if you’re on blood thinners like warfarin. Those meds slow down clotting, and chowing down on vitamin K-packed cabbage could throw things off, making your dose less predictable. You don’t have to swear off cabbage forever—just keep your intake steady so your doctor can tweak your meds as needed. Planning a cabbage roll feast? Give your healthcare provider a heads-up first.
A Little Heads-Up
For most of us, cabbage is a tasty, healthy addition to the plate. But if you’re in one of these groups, you might want to take it easy or talk to a doctor or dietitian before making it your daily sidekick. Your body’s unique, so tune in to what it’s telling you and enjoy your veggies smart.
Sources: Healthline, WebMD, Cleveland Clinic, Medical News Today
