Introduction
Wheatgrass is the young grass of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. It contains high concentrations of chlorophyll, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Wheatgrass is often consumed as a fresh juice or powder for its purported health benefits. One of the main claims about wheatgrass is that it has powerful detoxifying effects on the body. But how long does it actually take for wheatgrass to detoxify the body? Let’s take a deeper look.
What is in Wheatgrass That Supports Detoxification?
Wheatgrass contains a number of compounds that are thought to support detoxification in the body:
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that allows them to absorb energy from sunlight. Wheatgrass is very high in chlorophyll, containing around 70 milligrams per 100 grams. Some research has found that chlorophyll binds to toxins and helps remove them from the body. Specifically, chlorophyll may help remove heavy metals like lead and mercury, as well as environmental toxins.
Antioxidants
Wheatgrass contains good levels of antioxidants including vitamins C and E, selenium and zinc. Antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This kind of stress damages cells and is thought to be an underlying cause of many chronic diseases. By reducing oxidative stress, antioxidants can support the body’s natural detoxification pathways.
Amino Acids
Wheatgrass provides important amino acids like phenylalanine and arginine. These amino acids aid detoxification by helping the liver produce glutathione. Glutathione is one of the body’s key antioxidant and detoxification molecules. Amino acids in wheatgrass may help boost glutathione levels, enabling the liver to more effectively filter out toxins.
Enzymes
Wheatgrass contains a range of beneficial enzymes such as amylase, protease, cytochrome oxidase and transhydrogenase. These enzymes support digestion and cellular function. Better digestion means less toxic byproducts being formed. Improved cellular function allows cells to more efficiently convert toxins into less harmful compounds in detox pathways.
Main Toxins and Wastes Removed by Wheatgrass
Specific toxins and wastes that wheatgrass may help remove from the body include:
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium and aluminum can accumulate in the body through pollution, contaminants in food, drinking water and consumer products. If allowed to build up they can cause toxicity. The chlorophyll in wheatgrass may specifically bind to heavy metals and draw them out of tissue. This helps reduce the total toxic load on the body.
Pesticides and Environmental Toxins
Chlorophyll may also bind to common environmental toxins that enter the body through contaminated food, water and air. This includes pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals such as PCBs and dioxins. Wheatgrass helps facilitate their excretion through bile and urine.
Metabolic Waste and Toxins
The natural processes of metabolism produce waste products and toxins that need to be removed. These include lactic acid, urea, polyamines, phenols and heterocyclic amines. If allowed to build up, metabolic waste can contribute to inflammation, headaches, fatigue and nausea. The nutrients in wheatgrass help the liver and kidneys filter out such waste.
Main Detoxification Pathways Supported by Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass supports all of the body’s main detoxification pathways:
Gastrointestinal Pathway
Fiber and nutrients in wheatgrass help promote regular bowel movements. This enables efficient elimination of toxins, wastes, and harmful bacteria or yeasts from the GI tract. Wheatgrass enzymes also help break down toxins.
Liver Pathway
The liver filters out toxins, bacteria, parasites and cellular debris from the blood. Wheatgrass enzymes and amino acids help optimize liver function. Its antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that damage liver cells.
Kidney Pathway
The kidneys filter blood and form urine to remove water-soluble toxins and extra fluid from the body. Wheatgrass helps dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the kidneys to support their detoxification capacity.
Skin Pathway
Toxins are expelled in sweat through the skin’s pores. Wheatgrass boosts circulation, bringing blood and lymph fluid to the skin to be purified. Chlorophyll may also directly bind to toxins in the skin and facilitate their elimination.
Lung Pathway
The lungs allow toxins to be exhaled. Wheatgrass helps boost oxygenation and blood flow to the lungs. It also thins mucus, helping clear toxins trapped in mucus lining the lungs.
How Long Does It Take to Experience Detox Symptoms?
Within the first 1-5 days of consuming wheatgrass, you may begin experiencing detoxification symptoms. This includes:
– Headaches
– Fatigue
– Nausea
– Constipation or diarrhea
– Body aches
– Skin breakouts
– Bad breath
Such symptoms indicate your body is processing and eliminating wastes and toxins built up over time. While unpleasant, they are temporary and a sign the wheatgrass is working. Staying hydrated and eating a clean diet can help minimize adverse symptoms.
How Long Until Benefits Are Felt?
It may take 2 weeks to a month of regular wheatgrass consumption to notice benefits like:
– Increased energy and stamina
– Improved digestion
– Better mental clarity
– More regular bowel movements
– Healthier skin tone
– Reduced pain and inflammation
Initially you may feel tired and achy as toxins release. But as your body rids itself of toxins, you will begin feeling more energetic, lighter, clearer headed and healthier overall.
How Long for Complete System Detox?
For a deep, full body cleanse and detox, plan on consuming wheatgrass daily for 2-6 months. Toxicity did not build up overnight, and it won’t be reversed overnight either. While some benefits are felt right away, allow at least 60-90 days for wheatgrass to really work through your entire system.
Some key timeline checkpoints for wheatgrass detox:
| Time Period | Detox Effects |
|---|---|
| 1-7 days | Detox symptoms like headaches and nausea |
| 2 weeks | Increased energy and improved digestion |
| 1 month | Healthier skin, mental clarity |
| 2 months | Reduced inflammation and allergies |
| 3+ months | Deep cleansing of the blood, cells and organs |
With extended daily use of 3-6+ months, wheatgrass can help remove deeply stored toxins from cells, tissues, organs and the circulatory system. This enables a full rejuvenation throughout the entire body.
Strategies to Enhance the Detoxification Effects
You can improve the detoxification results from wheatgrass by combining it with:
Amplifiers
Black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon and cayenne pepper help amplify the effects of wheatgrass through improved absorption and bioavailability.
Probiotics
Probiotic supplements support elimination of toxins through the gut. They also lessen adverse symptoms like nausea associated with detoxification.
Exercise
Light exercise such as walking, jogging, or rebounding helps circulate lymph and blood to better eliminate wastes through sweat and respiration. But don’t overexert yourself when detoxing.
Infrared Saunas
Sauna sessions a few times a week can help draw toxins out through the skin and allow for greater elimination. Start slowly.
Water
Drink plenty of purified water, ideally half your body weight in ounces daily. Water flushes toxins out and also lessens detox symptoms. Add lemon for an extra cleansing boost.
Who Can Benefit Most from a Wheatgrass Detox?
Wheatgrass detoxification can benefit:
– Those with chronic illnesses or inflammatory conditions
– Anyone exposed to heavy metals through environment or occupational hazards
– Those who eat large amounts of contaminated or processed foods
– Individuals living in polluted urban environments
– People who use alcohol, tobacco or drugs recreationally
– Anyone experiencing lack of energy, mental fog or skin issues
A wheatgrass detox provides a deep cellular cleanse. It’s an easy way to reset and rejuvenate the body naturally.
Precautions When Detoxing with Wheatgrass
Be sure to:
– Check with your doctor before detoxing, especially if you have a medical condition or take any medications
– Start slow and work up to higher wheatgrass dosages
– Stay hydrated and rest when feeling fatigued
– Avoid vigorous exercise and saunas if very weak or nauseous
– Eat light, clean meals, avoiding excess sugars, fats or proteins
– Discontinue wheatgrass if you experience severe reactions or symptoms
Conclusion
For most people, regularly consuming wheatgrass for 2-3 months is enough to experience a significant whole body detoxification. Ongoing daily use helps remove deeply embedded toxins and provides continued cleansing effects. Coupled with a healthy diet and active lifestyle, wheatgrass is a simple way to keep your body detoxified, energized and running at an optimal level.
