Ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), causes inflammation in the large intestine.
This can lead to ulcers in the lining of the colonthat bleed, as well as symptoms ofpainanddiarrhea.
The connection betweenulcerative colitis and dietis not well understood.
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But until more is known, people living with IBD need guidance on diet to help with their symptoms.
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Some people turn to makingchanges to their diet.
Talking to your healthcare team and working with a dietitian is the best way to navigate diet.
In some cases, adding fruits and vegetables to the diet via blending or juicing might be recommended.
Cabbage juice is one addition to an ulcerative colitis diet that some people may be considering.
Benefits
Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables is recommended for overall health.
The reason is the many beneficial nutrients these foods contain.
Cooking, blending, and juicing fruits and vegetables might help in making them easier to eat.
Red cabbage contains the highest amounts when compared to other cabbage varieties.
How It Works
Extracting the juices from fruits and vegetables is called juicing.
Juicing may be a way to get more fresh foods into the diet when coping with aflare-up.
The process of breaking down foods into juice may remove some of the fiber from the food.
Juicing machines can be helpful in making fruit and vegetable juices at home from fresh ingredients.
A low-fiber diet should be expanded as the ulcerative colitis goes into remission.
What to Eat
There are various types of cabbage available.
All forms of cabbage will contain beneficial vitamins and nutrients.
When shopping for cabbage, look for one with leaves that are crisp and not wilted.
Also, look to ensure leaves are not damaged and that the head is compact and not split.
Modifications
Adding other vegetables or fruits can help make cabbage juice more palatable.
Addingjuiced celery, cucumber, or carrots will give cabbage juice a milder taste.
For a sweeter flavor, try adding juiced apples, pears, or melon.
These compounds have an effect on the thyroid glandand may prevent the uptake of iodine in the thyroid.
So far there is no good evidence that eating cabbage can lead to thyroid problems.
People who are following a low-FODMAP diet should take care when incorporating cabbage juice.
Juices and smoothies may be helpful when coping with a flare-up.
However, they are not meant to be consumed exclusively for a long period of time.
Other fruits and vegetables may be considered for juicing.
There is not much evidence about how juices affect ulcerative colitis.
The key is to go slow when adding juices to the dietan adjustment period may be needed.
Commercial juices often contain added sugar and other additives that may not be beneficial.
Be sure to check labels when purchasing.
Its always important to talk with your healthcare team about how juices may affect ulcerative colitis.
If on a restricted fiber or another medical diet, be sure to ask which juices are allowed.
Summary
Cabbage juice contains a variety of healthy nutrients and is low in fiber.
However, there is no research that supports it having any specific benefits for ulcerative colitis.
When you have ulcerative colitis, discuss any changes to diet with your healthcare team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diet in ulcerative colitis is extremely individualized.
Some people will find that juicing fruits and vegetables may be easier on their digestive system.
Others may find that there is no difference.
There is only weak evidence that cabbage juice may be beneficial for stomach ulcers.
Fruit and vegetable juices can be an addition to a healthful diet.
While eating a healthful diet, cabbage juice could be added as long as it is palatable.
Other juices often discussed for digestion include cranberry, kale, and celery.
Celery juice can lead to digestive symptoms in some people, so it should be used with care.
Kale juice may be similar to cabbage in its effects and nutrients.
Raw cabbage does have fiber.
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