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.

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Human studies looking into the effects of cabbage juice on stomach ulcer prevention are several decades old.

Some studies suggest that vitamin C, which is found in cabbage juice, may help to prevent and treat H. pylori infections when combined with other treatments. However, research is mixed. H. pylori is a bacteria that causes an infection in the stomach and is a common cause of stomach ulcers.

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 1949, researchers administered fresh cabbage juice to participants with stomach ulcers and measured the average time it took for the ulcers to heal.

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 1952 and 1956 found similar results. Researchers in both studies noted that cabbage juice or concentrated cabbage juice helped to significantly decrease the healing time of peptic ulcers, including stomach ulcers.

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 believed it could lower inflammation and aid in the healing of ulcers.

Animal studies

A 2011 animal study investigated the effects of cabbage extract on stomach ulcers in rats. The researchers divided the rats into two groups and treated one with cabbage extract (CE) and the other with the drug “omeprazole,” which is the standard treatment for stomach ulcers in humans. The researchers reported that the cabbage extract had an inhibitory effect on the formation of stomach ulcers in the rats.

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 liter a day, but medical professionals have yet to corroborate this.

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.

A 2017 study noted traditional dietary advice for IBS involves avoiding gas-producing foods, such as cabbage.

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:

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 liter of cabbage juice a day helps to heal stomach ulcers. However, there is insufficient follow-up research to support this claim.

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 1949 study investigating the effect of cabbage juice on stomach ulcers reported healing within about 7 days.

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.