Cabbage contains high levels of vitamin K, a nutrient that plays a key role in blood clotting. While vitamin K is essential for health, sudden changes in intake can interfere with anticoagulant medications like warfarin, reducing their effectiveness.
What to do:
- You don’t need to avoid cabbage entirely
- Keep your intake consistent from week to week
- Inform your doctor so medication dosages can be adjusted if needed
2. People With a History of Calcium-Oxalate Kidney Stones
Cabbage contains oxalates, compounds that can bind with calcium in the urine and increase the risk of stone formation in susceptible individuals.
What to do:
- Avoid eating cabbage too frequently
- Stay well-hydrated to dilute oxalate levels
- Balance cabbage intake with calcium-rich foods to reduce oxalate absorption
3. People With Hypothyroidism or Thyroid Disorders
Cabbage belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which contains goitrogens — substances that may interfere with iodine absorption when consumed in excess, particularly in raw form.
This can be problematic for people with hypothyroidism or those taking thyroid medications such as levothyroxine.
What to do:
- Always cook cabbage thoroughly (cooking reduces goitrogen activity)
- Avoid eating large amounts daily
- Do not consume cabbage close to the time you take thyroid medication
