Older research suggests that cabbage juice may have a preventive and healing effect on stomach ulcers in humans. However, there is no recent scientific research to support these claims.
Stomach ulcers or “gastric ulcers” are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach. They may cause a burning pain in the stomach, and other symptoms such as indigestion, heartburn, or acid reflux.
The treatment for stomach ulcers typically involves treating bacterial infections that can cause ulcers, or reducing acid production to allow the ulcers to heal.
This article reviews the research into cabbage juice for stomach ulcers and provides tips on how to prepare cabbage juice at home. We also outline some potential risks of incorporating cabbage juice into the diet and discuss some other treatments for stomach ulcers.
Human studies looking into the effects of cabbage juice on stomach ulcer prevention are several decades old.
Research into the effects of cabbage juice on stomach ulcers mainly consists of older studies on human participants and more recent studies on animals.
Human studies
Older research suggests that cabbage juice may help to heal stomach ulcers in humans.
In a study from
The researchers reported that six participants who received the cabbage juice treatment experienced an average gastric ulcer healing time (GUHT) of 7.3 days. By comparison, existing literature at that time suggested that the average GUHT in response to standard medical treatment was 42 days.
Later studies published in
It is important to note that each of the three studies mentioned in this section featured the same lead researcher. Also, researchers have not conducted any more recent studies investigating the effects of cabbage juice on stomach ulcers in humans.
Many of these studies cite a vitamin the researchers name “vitamin U.” Its scientific name is methylmethionine sulfonium chloride, or S-methylmethionine sulfonium. Scientists
Animal studies
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Subsequently, a 2014 animal study investigated the effects of garlic and cabbage extracts on stomach ulcers in rats. According to the results, both garlic and cabbage extracts increased the pH value of gastric juice, making it less acidic. Both extracts also appeared to cause reductions in the following:
- total stomach acidity
- the volume of gastric juice
- gastric ulcer size
It is important to note that both studies in this section were animal studies, and researchers have yet to establish whether the effects also apply to humans.
The studies investigating the use of cabbage juice for stomach ulcers do not provide much information on dosing for the prevention or treatment of stomach ulcers. One early study suggests that a person should drink a
A person can make cabbage juice using a juicer or blender. Combining cabbage juice with fruits or other vegetables may help improve the flavor.
Anyone considering trying cabbage juice for stomach ulcers should consult their healthcare professional for advice and tips.
Cabbage juice is not likely to cause significant issues for most people.
However, people with underlying health conditions should talk with a doctor about adding cabbage juice to their diet. Some foods and dietary supplements can aggravate certain underlying conditions or may interfere with medications a person is taking.
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A person with stomach ulcers will likely need some form of medical intervention. According to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), most people require medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These medications reduce the production of stomach acid, thereby allowing the stomach ulcer to heal.
Other possible treatment options for stomach ulcers include:
- taking antibiotics to treat H. pylori infections
- stopping use of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- procedures to treat a bleeding ulcer, such as injections, cauterization, or clamping
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about stomach ulcers.
How much cabbage juice should I drink for a stomach ulcer?
Some early studies suggest that consuming a
Anyone who is considering adding cabbage juice to their diet should consult their doctor for advice.
How long does it take cabbage juice to heal gastritis?
The
Can cabbage juice reverse ulcers?
Older research suggests that cabbage juice can help heal stomach ulcers. However, researchers are yet to corroborate these findings using high quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in human participants.
Currently, it remains unclear whether and to what extent cabbage juice affects stomach ulcers in humans, and the dosages required.
What is the fastest way to cure a stomach ulcer?
Anyone who experiences symptoms of a stomach ulcer should see their doctor for a diagnosis. The doctor will work to establish the cause of the stomach ulcer and will use this information to determine the most effective treatment.
Stomach ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach. They can cause burning pain in the stomach, along with other gastric symptoms, such as indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux.
Some older research from the 1940s and 1950s suggests that drinking cabbage juice may help to heal stomach ulcers. However, more recent research into the effects of cabbage juice on stomach ulcers in humans is lacking.
Anyone who experiences symptoms of a stomach ulcer should see their doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. They can also talk with their doctor about alternative treatment options, including drinking cabbage juice.
People with underlying health conditions should always talk with a doctor before adding new foods or supplements to their diet.