3 Reasons Cabbage Can Cause Stomach Pain

Cabbage is a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), it provides fiber and plenty of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, manganese, and B vitamins. Including cabbage and other cruciferous veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and arugula in your diet can also help lower your risk of developing conditions like cancer, according to Cleveland Clinic.

However, in certain cases, cabbage can cause stomach pain, gas, and other digestive issues. This article explains why this happens, how to fix it, and when to see a doctor.

1. Cabbage Can Be Hard to Digest

If you regularly experience cabbage-induced stomach pain, that may be because cabbage is hard to digest.

But why does cabbage give you gas, exactly? The leafy green contains a complex sugar called raffinose. It can be challenging to digest and cause gas, bloating, and abdominal pain as your body breaks it down, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Other high-raffinose foods that cause gas include:

• Beans
• Brussels sprouts
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Whole grains, like brown rice and whole-wheat bread

Another reason for cabbage-related gas pain is the vegetable’s high fiber content: Just 1 cup of raw, chopped cabbage provides approximately 2.2 grams (g) of fiber, according to the USDA. This provides 7.8 percent of the recommended daily value for fiber intake, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although this can vary by sex, age, and pregnancy status.

While fiber is an essential nutrient that supports good digestion, eating too much too quickly can lead to gas, bloating, and cramping, per Mayo Clinic.

‌Fix It

To avoid gas from excess fiber, slowly work cabbage and other high-fiber foods into your diet over a few weeks, according to Mayo Clinic.

2. It’s Contaminated

If symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting accompany your cabbage-induced stomach pain, you may have food poisoning, according to MedlinePlus.

Raw cabbage (and other raw foods, for that matter) that has not been properly washed, packaged, or cooked can contain harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus, or E. coli, which can lead to foodborne illness.

Food poisoning symptoms can also include:

• Cramping
• Gas
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Fever
• Chills
• Overall weakness

So, if you have acute diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and other digestive symptoms after eating cabbage, consider food poisoning may be why.

‌Fix It

You can avoid foodborne illness by thoroughly washing your hands, utensils, cooking surfaces, and foods. You can use a salad spinner to help ensure raw cabbage is getting clean.

Cooking cabbage and refrigerating perishable dishes at the right temperature can also help prevent food poisoning.

3. You Have an Underlying Digestive Disease

If you have an underlying digestive disorder like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eating difficult-to-digest foods may lead to unpleasant symptoms like stomach pain, gas, bloating, nausea, or heartburn, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Indeed, cruciferous veggies like cabbage are more likely to cause gas, according to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.

‌Fix It

Visit your doctor to diagnose and manage your digestive condition, especially if you’ve had belly pain, constipation, or diarrhea for three months. Your doctor, along with a nutritionist, can help you determine which foods are best for you and which to avoid to prevent stomach pain and other symptoms.

Cleveland Clinic advises seeking immediate medical attention if you have blood in your poop or sudden weight loss, as this may relate to a severe digestive issue that isn’t IBS.

Cabbage Can Also Benefit Digestion

Cabbage provides plenty of benefits if your body can tolerate it. According to Cleveland Clinic, cabbage can help reduce inflammation and lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Plus, cabbage’s fiber content can support smooth digestion and regular bowel movements.

It’s particularly beneficial for your digestive system when you eat fermented cabbage, such as in kimchi and sauerkraut. It helps nurture good bacteria in your gut, promoting comfortable poops and safe weight loss.

When to Talk to a Doctor

For most people, digestive symptoms due to eating cabbage will pass quickly. But that’s not always the case. And some scenarios mean you should speak to a healthcare provider.

For instance, talk to your doctor if you have food poisoning that causes diarrhea for more than five days, have bloody stools, or can’t keep fluids down, per MedlinePlus.

Plus, if you suspect you have an underlying digestive condition, such as IBS, that’s causing more chronic symptoms, seek medical support. A healthcare professional can help you understand whether cabbage is a likely culprit for your digestive symptoms and if you should avoid or limit it in your diet.