A diet containing plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit will provide most people with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Most vegetables are highly nutritious, and a lot are delicious; however, some are also acidic.
Modern lifestyles and diets have led to an increase in people suffering from acid reflux or GERD, and they need to know which common foods are acidic and whether they trigger symptoms like heartburn.
Let's take a look at a vegetable common in many diets: cabbage.
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Is Cabbage Acidic or Alkaline?
Cabbage is slightly acidic but has alkalizing properties that reduce acid levels. Therefore, it's often recommended that people struggling with acid reflux and GERD symptoms add it to their diets.
What Is the pH of Cabbage?
Cabbage has a pH of between 5.50 and 6.75, making it one of the least acidic vegetables.
As it's also alkalizing, cabbage is an excellent addition to a low-acid diet.
Is Cabbage Healthy?
Cabbage is low in calories, with a cup containing just 22. It also has no fat and is highly nutritious.
A cup of cabbage contains 85% of the recommended daily vitamin K intake, essential for blood clotting and bone health.
One cup of cabbage contains around half of the recommended daily vitamin C intake, which supports your immune system and helps keep skin, blood vessels, bones, and cartilage healthy.
Vitamin C is soluble in water and not stored by your body, so you must get some daily. Deficiency can lead to scurvy and impaired immunity to disease.
Cabbage is rich in antioxidants that flush out free radicals, preventing cellular damage and age-related illnesses. Antioxidants also contribute to good gut health and help soothe your upset stomach.
It's also a good fiber source, soaking up excess stomach acid and preventing it from refluxing up your esophagus.
Is Cabbage Bad for Acid Reflux?
Cabbage is an excellent dietary addition for those struggling with acid reflux and GERD.
Adding cabbage to your meal plan is easy, as it can be added to many dishes or eaten raw.
Studies show that cooked or steamed cabbage is higher in antioxidants and more likely to reduce stomach inflammation.
Is Cabbage Juice Bad for Acid Reflux?
Cabbage juice reduces inflammation and aids gut health, which is good for acid reflux. It's highly nutritious, has the same pH as raw cabbage, and is also alkalizing.
It's low in calories, and drinking it instantly relieves acid reflux symptoms in some people.
Is Fermented Cabbage Bad for Acid Reflux?
Fermented cabbage (sauerkraut) has a pH of around 4.6. However, despite its acidity, it aids digestion and reduces inflammation. Inflammation is often linked with acid reflux and GERD symptoms.
Sauerkraut is easy to make at home, and you can avoid adding ingredients that may worsen your symptoms.
Fermented vegetables contain healthy bacteria that help protect your stomach and esophagus from damage and inflammation.
Cabbage is an excellent addition to your diet, even if you suffer from acid reflux or GERD.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level