subject: Does Wheatgrass Juice Have Harmful Side Effects? [print this page] Do wheatgrass side effects surpass wheatgrass benefits? It depends, primarily, on your own body chemistry. When, if ever, should you drink wheatgrass juice?
NEVER--When You Most Definitely Should Not Consume Wheatgrass Juice
Although your numbers may be small, the potential ill effects are huge. Wheatgrass is, well, wheat. It is not entirely clear how large wheatgrass is before it consumes all the energy from the kernel, which is its seed. The seed--what we usually consider as wheat--has proteins that any celiac avoids. The jury is out on a precise answer, but "immature" wheatgrass probably does have the offending protein, and some with celiac condition have come to be extremely ill when drinking wheatgrass. Best advice--steer clear of it. (Review your vitamins--they may well have wheatgrass, barley or oat juice as an ingredient.)
"Just" gluten sensitive, not celiac? Still unclear--avoidance is perhaps best, but you could give it a try. Certainly restrict your first intake to below an ounce (and take it on an empty stomach to avoid queasiness.)
Mold aversive? Probably steer clear of wheatgrass juice unless you have grown and harvested it yourself. Wheat grown in packed, excessively humid, overly damp environments is vulnerable to numerous molds. While devotees say the mold is visible and quickly removed, the science of molds suggests there are invisible spores that may well undetectably coat "healthy" stocks. Try it, if you must, but bear in mind whatever repercussions you suffer from mold exposure.
MAYBE--When You Should Beware
A typical wheatgrass side effect is nausea. Part of it is just the flavor--moderate this by combining it with other contents like carrots, apples, cucumbers, or citrus. You might want to add herbs like basil, spices like ginger root, or even a little honey. People mention a lot less nausea if they drink wheatgrass juice on an empty stomach, so wait two hours after a meal.
Headaches, too, are common, especially for novices. This could be part of the nausea, or may be a consequence of the detoxification process. The answer is to restrict the quantity you drink. An ounce in the beginning is the maximum. Build up gradually--but your peak should probably not ever exceed 3-4 ounces at a time.
Diarrhea is the explanation for the ceiling just mentioned. If you are greatly changing your diet, especially adding a lot of vegetables, you ought to expect loose stools. Go slowly--and maybe anticipate staying home for the first several days when you start a juicing diet. Wheatgrass may be a bit more potent in this realm, so, again go slowly.
OK--When You Should Drink Up
In spite of these cautions, wheatgrass benefits outnumber its side effects, for the majority of people. The chlorophyll, 70% of the juice, has been shown to help with blood deficiencies, specifically some hereditary anemias. Unverified claims concerning chlorophyll's beneficial effect on cancer also exist. A number of micronutrients and enzymes have been shown to improve digestive ailments to varying amounts. And all of us know that more fruits and vegetables, particularly dark green ones, are being suggested for better eye, brain, heart, circulatory, immune, and eliminative health.
It appears that wheatgrass helps with diseased functions. Logically, it helps more normal functions, too. But, distrust the "if a little is good, a lot is better" mentality. With wheatgrass, that is not true. The more you consume, the more serious the side effects are. For this healthful green beverage, remember moderation in all things.
To maximize the nutrient value while juicing wheatgrass, here are three ideas:
1. Employ the best juicer. You really need a low-rpm masticating juicer such as the Omega 8006 that slowly crushes the blades without adding any heat. High speed juicers heat up the juice enough to damage the nutrients and enzymes.
2. Drink it as soon as possible after juicing. Oxidation begins immediately. That alters the flavor (for the worse), and, more significantly, destroys many of the nutrients. Any juice you can not consume immediately ought to be sealed in the smallest jar it will fit. (Only expose it to the minimum oxygen possible.) Refrigerate and drink within 12 hours. If it looks or tastes "bad", chuck it away.
3. Go slowly with the quantity. You will need to develop both physical and taste tolerances for wheatgrass juice.
By adhering to the guidance in this article, you should be able to tip the scale toward the wheatgrass benefits and away from the wheatgrass side effects.
