Healing Ulcerative Colitis with Cabbage Juice: Recipe, Benefits & Tips

Understanding the Benefits of Cabbage Juice

Cabbage juice is growing in popularity as a natural remedy for gastrointestinal issues, especially ulcerative colitis. Cabbage contains high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that could help heal the gut lining and reduce symptoms.

Active Compounds in Cabbage

All types of cabbage contain beneficial plant nutrients and compounds such as:

• Vitamin C - Boosts immunity and heals wounds
• Vitamin K - Improves bone and heart health
• Glucosinolates - Anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects
• Anthocyanins - Antioxidants that reduce inflammation
• Fiber - Promotes good digestion and gut bacteria

These substances provide cabbage with many of its potential therapeutic abilities, especially relating to gastrointestinal problems.

Cabbage Juice for Ulcerative Colitis

The idea of using cabbage juice to treat digestive conditions came from Garnett Cheney, a Stanford Medical School physician. He experimented with having his ulcerative colitis patients drink raw, fermented cabbage juice.

Many who tried the cabbage juice therapy saw their symptoms dramatically improve, sometimes even entering remission. This suggests compounds like antioxidants and prebiotics in cabbage help heal ulcers in the digestive tract.

Cabbage Juice Nutrition Benefits

Cabbage juice packs a concentrated dose of nutrients, including:

• Vitamin C - Strengthens immune function and vital for collagen formation for wound healing.
• Vitamin K - Essential for proper blood clotting and bone density.
• Fiber - Feeds good gut bacteria and promotes digestion.
• Potassium - Needed for fluid balance, nerve signaling, and metabolism.
• Glucosinolates - Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and potential anticancer abilities.

These cabbage juice nutrients help relieve ulcerative colitis symptoms in a few key ways:

Suppresses Gut Inflammation

Compounds in cabbage juice called glucosinolates break down into byproducts that reduce inflammation at the molecular level. This can help calm ulcer inflammation and promote regrowth of the damaged intestinal lining in colitis.

Increases Gut-Friendly Bacteria

The fiber and fluids in cabbage juice boost populations of protective bacteria species in the intestines. These good bacteria crowd out harmful microbes and produce short-chain fatty acids to nourish gut cells.

Accelerates Ulcer Healing

Key vitamins and minerals provided by cabbage juice, especially vitamin C, help repair damaged intestinal tissue characteristic of ulcerative colitis. The nutrients rejuvenate cell growth and restore protective mucus barriers.

Best Practices for Cabbage Juice

Follow these preparation tips to make cabbage juice that retains the most nutrients and therapeutic advantages for gastrointestinal health:

Choose Fresh Organic Cabbages

Pick fresh, firm green or red cabbages heads without brown spots. Organic is ideal to minimize pesticide residues. Proper washing and juicing helps further remove remaining dirt or contaminants.

Juice Raw Cabbage

Cooking cabbage via steaming, boiling or sauting reduces some of its beneficial phytochemical content. For colitis treatment, raw juicing better preserves antioxidants, vitamins and plant compounds.

Consider Fermenting the Juice

Lightly fermenting cabbage juice boosts populations of healthy probiotic bacteria that improve digestion. The fermentation process also creates more bioavailable nutrients and compounds that heal gut inflammation.

Drink 2-3 Glasses Daily

For colitis symptom relief, gradually work up to drinking 2-3 glasses of cabbage juice per day. This provides ample nutrients and compounds to start reducing gut inflammation while allowing your system to adjust.

Tips for Tolerating Cabbage Juice

Some people struggle with bloating or gas when first trying raw cabbage juice. Here are suggestions to help ease into cabbage juice consumption:

Start with Small Doses

When introducing cabbage juice, only drink about 14-12 cup at a time initially. Slowly increase your intake up to full glasses over a couple weeks so your digestive system can become accustomed to it.

Balance with Other Produce

Mix your cabbage juice with equal parts carrot, apple or celery juice. Their sugars and enzymes help balance out the bitterness and digest the sulfur compounds causing gas or bloating.

Take Digestive Enzymes

Consider taking a digestive enzyme supplement when transitioning onto cabbage juice, especially if you have chronic gas. The enzymes will help properly break down the plant compounds for absorption.

Other Gut-Friendly Juices

While cabbage juice shines for colitis treatment, other wholesome ingredient juices provide nutrients and compounds beneficial for gut health, such as:

Aloe Vera Juice

The mucilaginous gel from aloe plants can coat and protect irritated intestinal tissue. Aloe also harbors digestive enzymes and polysaccharides to speed nutrient absorption.

Beet Juice

Bright beet juice packs anti-inflammatory antioxidants called betalains to calm colon inflammation. Beets are also high in fiber and folate, a B vitamin critical for cell regeneration.

Bone Broth

Sipping mineral-rich bone broth is soothing for sensitive intestinal lining. Bone broth also contains collagen to reinforce the protective mucus barrier in your gut.

Other Tips for Managing Ulcerative Colitis

While cabbage juice can be helpful, be sure to partner it with other evidence-based treatment strategies for managing ulcerative colitis like:

• Following an elimination diet to identify food triggers
• Managing emotional stress with meditation, yoga, CBT therapy
• Taking targeted supplements like curcumin, omega-3's, probiotics
• Getting light-moderate exercise daily to reduce inflammation

Continuing your doctor recommended medications is also important for preventing colitis flares. A comprehensive approach maximizes cabbage juice benefits for overcoming ulcerative colitis.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.