🥬 4 Types of People Who May Need to Limit or Avoid Cabbage
Cabbage is nutritious for most people, so there aren’t four groups who universally need to avoid it. However, certain people may need to limit it or discuss their intake with a clinician:
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People taking warfarin — Cabbage contains vitamin K, which can affect warfarin’s action. The key is usually keeping vitamin-K intake consistent, rather than eliminating cabbage altogether.
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People with IBS or sensitivity to FODMAPs — Cabbage can cause gas, bloating, or abdominal discomfort in some people, particularly in larger portions.
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People prone to gas or digestive discomfort — Cabbage contains fermentable carbohydrates and fiber that can increase gas for some individuals.
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People with certain thyroid conditions — Cabbage contains compounds called goitrogens. Normal dietary amounts generally aren’t a problem for most people, but people with thyroid disease—especially with inadequate iodine intake—may want individualized advice rather than consuming very large quantities of raw cruciferous vegetables.
The bottom line
For most people, cabbage is a healthy food and doesn’t need to be avoided. Cooking it may make it easier to tolerate if raw cabbage causes digestive symptoms.
If you’re taking warfarin or have a thyroid or digestive condition, don’t make major dietary changes without discussing them with your healthcare professional.
