Cabbage may work in a diet to relieve or reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD. Acid reflux causes the sensation of heartburn in the upper chest and stomach. It may also result in a bitter or sour taste in the back of your mouth from stomach acid backup. Experiencing acid reflux more than two times a week indicates GERD, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Digestion
Cabbage contains vitamins and minerals as well as high fiber to aid digestion. Because it digests smoothly, it may lessen symptoms of acid reflux. For some people, however, cabbage may produce gas and bloating to encourage the acid reflux symptoms of GERD. Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower are among the healthy vegetables that may produce gas in some cases. Gas buildup, bloating and indigestion increase the risk of acid reflux because of the delay in stomach emptying.
Acid Reflux Triggers
People respond differently to foods, so the foods that trigger acid reflux and other digestive difficulties depend on each person. Common triggers of acid reflux may include fatty or fried foods, tomato-based foods, citrus fruits, caffeine and carbonated beverages. Certain foods may relax the esophageal sphincter muscle, which normally protects you from acid reflux. A weakened muscle does not close tightly after food enters the stomach, allowing stomach acid to back up.
Fresh Vegetables
Fresh and steamed cabbage may provide protection from acid reflux for many people. Most fresh vegetables, non-citrus fruits, whole grains, lean meat and low-fat or fat-free dairy products are usually included in GERD diets. Problems with cabbage may develop because of cooking with added ingredients.
Additives
Vegetables with fatty additives, such as creams or oils, may encourage acid reflux, notes Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Fatty additives associated with cabbage -- such as butter, sauces or stuffing -- may cause acid reflux rather than the cabbage itself. If you suffer symptoms after eating cabbage soup, other ingredients may be the problem. Heavy meals also increase the risk of GERD symptoms, because more acid secretion is required from your stomach to digest large meals.
Other Factors
Stress, smoking or underlying health conditions may also increase symptoms of GERD. Before eliminating cabbage completely from your diet, keep a food diary for a week and examine the foods you eat along with the symptoms you experience to find the particular culprits. A doctor may help in diagnosing any underlying problems and advise you on the proper diet and medication to treat your GERD.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology; Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet; Frank W. Jackson, M.D.
- MayoClinic.com; Bloating, Belching and Intestinal Gas: How to Avoid Them; April 2009
