Wheat grass is prepared from the leaf of the common wheat plant and is often juiced and combined with a nutritional drink or taken directly as a 1 to 3 oz. shot. Wheat grass is used for its reported health benefits, including general well-being, metal detoxification, cancer prevention and digestive health. Although many of the benefits have not been scientifically verified, an article published in the "Journal of Nutrition Research" in 2007 states that chlorophyll may have digestive health benefits in the human diet. However, some individuals may experience side effects of wheat grass, including nausea, low blood pressure, and allergic reactions and the side effects of detoxification.
Nausea
Wheat grass acts as an ideal host for mold, mildew, and other mildly toxic bacteria that is able to cling on to the stalk and feed off of its nutrients. The most common effect of ingesting these compounds along with wheat grass is nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea. To avoid the potential side effects of ingesting mold and bacteria with wheat grass, thoroughly wash the blades and stalks prior to juicing. Gently scrubbing the grass with a brush may help remove mold that clings to the sides of the grass.
Low Blood Pressure
One of the effects of the compounds found in wheat grass is vasodilation, or an increase in the diameter of blood vessels due to the relaxation of the smooth muscles surrounding the veins and arteries. As a result, your blood pressure may drop, causing fatigue, headache and dizziness. If you suffer from low blood pressure or are taking medication to control high blood pressure, wheat grass may adversely affect your condition by lowering your blood pressure too much, increasing the risk of symptoms associated with low blood pressure.
Allergic Reaction
Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to wheat grass, especially people who are sensitive to gluten or have gluten intolerance. An allergic reaction to wheat grass may cause the appearance of a skin rash or hives, swelling of your face and neck, fatigue, difficulty breathing and heart palpitations. An allergic reaction to wheat grass is considered a medical emergency; seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the symptoms associated with an allergic reaction.
Detoxification
Detoxification in your body occurs when your body removes potentially harmful toxins, such as free radicals, heavy metals and metabolic waste that has been stored in your body as a result of poor nutrition or exposure to harmful metabolites. The compounds found in wheat grass, including antioxidants, help remove these materials from your body, which may cause temporary side effects including upset stomach, headache, nausea, coughing, nasal congestion, fatigue and a mild fever.
References
- "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs"; Nicola Reavley; 1999
- "Today's Herbal Health: The Essential Reference Guide"; Louise Tenney; 2007
- "Nutrition Research"; Digestion, Absorption, and Cancer Preventative Activity of Dietary Chlorophyll Derivatives; M.G. Ferruzzi and J. Blakeslee; 2007
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