What conditions should you be careful with?
Sauerkraut contains a large amount of beneficial bacteria and fiber, but it is these that can cause increased gas formation and irritate the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
Therefore, the product is not recommended for people suffering from:
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severe forms of gastritis,
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stomach or duodenal ulcer,
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inflammatory diseases of the digestive system, especially during exacerbation.
The reason is that fiber is not broken down in the upper parts of the digestive tract, but only in the lower ones. In the large intestine there are small “pockets” called diverticula , which can become inflamed with excessive intake of coarse plant foods.
Not suitable for hemorrhoids
Sauerkraut is also not recommended for patients with hemorrhoids , as the coarse fibers can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when the problem is aggravated.
This is a common condition in women, the specialist emphasizes.
Salt content and risk of edema
Another feature of sauerkraut is the high salt content used in fermentation.
And excessive salt intake:
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retains water in the body,
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leads to swelling,
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increases blood pressure,
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increases the risk of kidney disease and stone formation.
Some scientists even link excessive salt consumption to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, although, according to Professor Kovalkov, this connection has not been fully proven.
