A cabbage salad with cucumbers and tomatoes.
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The Cabbage Soup Diet is a weight-loss diet designed to promote rapid weight loss. Though numerous variations of the Cabbage Soup Diet exist, they all promote one primary guideline -- eating as much cabbage soup as you desire. The soup usually contains onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, celery, cabbage and bouillon cubes, salt, pepper and other seasonings. According to the American Heart Association, the Cabbage Soup Diet is ineffective and poses numerous adverse side effects.
Gas, Abdominal Pain and Bloating
Cabbage, like other cruciferous vegetables, is known to cause gas, bloating and associated abdominal pain when consumed in excess. People particularly prone to gas may experience these symptoms from even small amounts of cabbage. For this reason, it is no surprise that gas, bloating and abdominal pain are common reported side effects of the Cabbage Soup Diet. Symptoms vary in severity and frequency, depending upon how much cabbage soup you consume and your sensitivity to gas-causing substances in cabbage. However, the more cabbage soup you consume during the diet, the greater your becomes of experiencing these symptoms.
Exhaustion, Hunger and Fatigue
The Cabbage Soup Diet encourages severe calorie reduction and provides no fat or protein. According to "The New Cabbage Soup Diet," by Margaret Danbrot, the diet bases itself on low-calorie and negative-calorie foods -- foods your body uses more calories to eat than are contained in the foods. Danbrot says that even a modest alteration to the Cabbage Soup Diet, such as exchanging a fruit for a vegetable, can contribute modest amounts of calories that may make a difference in weight loss. This emphasis on eating as few calories as possible while attempting to avoid hunger by consuming soup is not scientifically or nutritionally valid, but it is potentially dangerous. Without appropriate calories for fuel, you may experience intense hunger and tiredness and feel less able to tend to usual work, school and home activities. Fat and protein provide numerous benefits, including improved energy, satiation and food enjoyment. Fat is also necessary for the absorption of certain nutrients and protein contributes to muscle strength. Without fat and protein, your chance of experiencing exhaustion, hunger and fatigue are heightened.
Heart and Electrolyte Problems
One of the dangers of extremely low-calorie diets, such as the Cabbage Soup Diet, involves the heart. According to the Weight-control Information Network, consuming fewer than 800 calories per day is associated with irregular heart rhythms, which can become fatal. An irregular heartbeat is particularly dangerous if you have a history of heart disease. Low-calorie diets are often deficient in hydrating foods, such as proper amounts of fruits and vegetables. In addition, consuming soup throughout the day may reduce your interest in drinking water. For these reasons, the Cabbage Soup Diet may also lead to dehydration. Dehydration can cause numerous symptoms, including tiredness, weakness and dizziness. If left untreated, dehydration may lead to electrolyte imbalances -- improper levels of bodily salts that help regulate your heartbeat, muscle contraction and other important functions. In severe cases, electrolyte imbalances cause fainting, difficulty breathing and death.
Emotional Effects
The Cabbage Soup Diet may also adversely effect your emotional wellness. Restriction from normal meals and snacks can cause feelings of deprivation. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, dieting is associated with poor self-esteem and body image, anxiety, depression and increased risk for mental illnesses, such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.
Weight Gain
The effectiveness of the Cabbage Soup Diet lacks evidence. In fact, most dieters are disappointed when, after the diet, their lost weight returns quickly as they begin eating normal foods. Restrictive dieting can also reduce your metabolism and lead to increased weight gain later on. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, most diets fail to provide long-term weight loss success. Dieting also increases your risk of developing binge-eating behaviors, which may also lead to weight gain.
FAQs
Gas, Abdominal Pain and Bloating
What are the disadvantages of cabbage diet? ›
Cons of the Cabbage Soup Diet
This diet is very low in calories, and following it can make people feel less energized as a result. It also does not provide enough healthy fats, an important part of a healthy and balanced diet.
How much weight can you lose on the 7 day cabbage soup diet? ›
The Cabbage Soup Diet is a short-term weight loss diet. Proponents of the diet say that it can help you lose up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in a single week, but many health experts warn that the diet does not promote health and wellness, and results are unsustainable.
Does cabbage burn belly fat? ›
Does cabbage burn belly fat? Although cabbage is a nutritious low-calorie vegetable, many people associate it with weight loss because of the popular "cabbage soup diet". Some creative marketing has led people to believe that cabbage actually burns body fat. In fact, no food, including cabbage, burns body fat.
Can I drink coffee on the cabbage soup diet? ›
You should also remember to drink plenty of water and moderate amounts of herbal tea and black coffee to stay hydrated throughout the day. It's important to note that the cabbage soup diet is intended for short-term use (it's typically a 7 day diet) and should not be followed for an extended period.
Does cabbage have any side effects? ›
An increase in goitrin and thiocyanates inhibits thyroid function and benzyl cyanide can result in potential adverse effects (dermal and respiratory manifestations). Eating cabbage in excess can result in abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and flatulence.
Which patient should not eat cabbage? ›
Under-active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism): Cabbage might make this condition worse. Check with your healthcare provider before consuming cabbage if you have an under-active thyroid gland. Surgery: Cabbage might affect blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery.
What happens to the body when you eat cabbage everyday? ›
Cabbage has 1 gram of fiber for every 10 calories. That helps fill you up, so you eat less. It also keeps you regular, and it could help lower your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and control your blood sugar. Cabbage also has nutrients that keep the lining of your stomach and intestines strong.
How much cabbage should I eat a day for weight loss? ›
Low-calorie intake Cabbage is a great food for weight loss because it is low in calories. A cup of shredded cabbage only has 22 calories. This means you can eat a lot of cabbage without worrying about overeating. Adding cabbage to your meals can help you consume more food while consuming fewer calories.
What does cabbage do to a woman's body? ›
This cruciferous vegetable provides a good deal of fiber and vitamins C and K, which means it may support your immune system, gut health, and bone health. There's evidence that eating cabbage might help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. You can enjoy cabbage raw or cooked.
The diet plan is extremely rigid. Most of the weight lost will likely be water weight. The diet is only meant for short-term weight loss. The diet does not yield long-term results and most dieters will gain the weight back as soon as they stop the diet.
How many bananas can I eat on a cabbage soup diet? ›
Day 3: Eat cabbage soup and raw, low fat fruits and vegetables, but no potatoes or bananas. Day 4: Eat cabbage soup, skim milk, and no more than eight bananas. Day 5: Eat cabbage soup, six tomatoes, and 565 grams of beef (or a substitute for beef, such as pork, fish, or chicken).
Can you eat avocados on the cabbage soup diet? ›
Foods like avocados, olive oil, salmon and nuts that are healthy and filling sources of unsaturated fats are not a large part of this diet.
Why is it not advisable for ladies to eat cabbage? ›
Cabbage contains phytonutrients that act as antioxidants to reduce your risk of certain cancers. However, eating large quantities of cabbage can cause negative side effects, such as flatulence, diarrhea, medication interactions and hypothyroidism.
Is it OK to eat cabbage everyday? ›
It is important to note that, while it is true that eating cabbage may support weight-management goals, this veggie should not be overconsumed, as too much cabbage can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, like bloating. It is also important to enjoy cabbage as a part of a balanced and healthy diet.
Do doctors recommend the cabbage soup diet? ›
No health authorities recommend following the diet. Proponents of the cabbage soup diet also encourage people not to exercise while following it. However, getting enough exercise is very important to good health overall. Regular exercise is also far more likely to lead to meaningful, long-term weight loss.
Does cabbage detox the liver? ›
Cabbage is rich in vitamin C and sulphur; both help remove toxins such as free radicals and uric acid from your body. Cabbage juice contains 'Indole-3 carbonile' antioxidant, which plays a pivotal role in detoxifying the liver.
