Who Cannot take wheatgrass juice?
Wheatgrass juice has become a popular health drink in recent years, prized for its high concentration of nutrients, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds. However, it is not necessarily safe or advisable for everyone. Here is an overview of who should exercise caution with or avoid wheatgrass juice entirely.
People with Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity
Wheatgrass is derived from the common wheat plant, which contains gluten. People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity should avoid wheatgrass and wheatgrass juice, as it can cause adverse reactions similar to other gluten-containing grains.
People with Wheat or Grass Allergies
Those with a wheat allergy should not consume wheatgrass or wheatgrass juice, as it may trigger an allergic reaction. An allergy to grasses such as ryegrass or Bermuda grass may also indicate an allergy to wheatgrass.
People Taking Certain Medications
Some medications can interact with compounds found in wheatgrass juice. These include:
- Blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin) – wheatgrass may increase bleeding risk
- Immunosuppressants – wheatgrass may stimulate the immune system
- Lithium – wheatgrass may exacerbate symptoms of lithium toxicity
- Thyroid medications – wheatgrass may affect thyroid function
Speak to your healthcare provider before taking wheatgrass if you take any of these medications.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
There is insufficient research on the safety of wheatgrass for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is best to avoid wheatgrass until more definitive safety data is available.
Children
Wheatgrass juice is not recommended for children, especially infants, due to the lack of research on appropriate dosing and potential risks.
People with Digestive Issues
Wheatgrass may exacerbate some digestive conditions, including:
- GERD – wheatgrass is highly acidic and may aggravate reflux symptoms
- Ulcerative colitis – wheatgrass colon cleanse effects may irritate the colon
- Crohn’s disease – wheatgrass may stimulate the immune system and exacerbate symptoms
People with digestive issues should exercise caution with wheatgrass.
People with Autoimmune Diseases
The effects of wheatgrass on the immune system may worsen symptoms of autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. It should be avoided by those with autoimmunity.
People Who’ve Had Organ Transplants
Wheatgrass may increase the risk of organ rejection in transplant recipients by enhancing immune activity. People who have had organ transplants should avoid it.
People with Low Blood Pressure
Wheatgrass may lower blood pressure, which could be dangerous for those with hypotension or who are on blood pressure medications. Checking with a doctor is advisable.
People with Thalassemia
Wheatgrass may worsen symptoms of thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder, by increasing oxidative stress. It is best avoided by those with this condition.
People Prone to Kidney Stones
Wheatgrass is high in oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stone formation in those predisposed. People with a history of kidney stones should limit wheatgrass.
People with Mold Allergies
Wheatgrass grown indoors may contain mold due to insufficient airflow and humidity control. People with mold allergies should check the source and growing conditions before consuming wheatgrass.
Conclusion
In general, wheatgrass juice is well-tolerated and safe in healthy adults when consumed in moderation. However, certain populations should exercise caution with it due to potential risks and drug interactions. Speaking with a healthcare provider can help determine if wheatgrass is appropriate based on your individual health profile and medical history.
| Group | Potential Issue with Wheatgrass |
|---|---|
| People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity | May react to the gluten content |
| People with wheat or grass allergies | Allergic reactions |
| People on medications like blood thinners, lithium, thyroid medications | Drug interactions |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding women | Lack of safety data |
| Children and infants | Lack of dosing guidelines and safety data |
| People with digestive issues like GERD, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis | May exacerbate digestive symptoms |
| People with autoimmune diseases | May stimulate the immune system |
| Organ transplant recipients | Risk of organ rejection |
| People with low blood pressure | May further lower blood pressure |
| People with thalassemia | May increase oxidative stress |
| People prone to kidney stones | Contains oxalates |
| People with mold allergies | Risk of mold contamination |
In summary, while wheatgrass juice provides a concentrated source of nutrients, it is not suitable for everyone. Those with gluten sensitivities, allergies, taking certain medications, with specific medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and small children may want to avoid wheatgrass or at least exercise caution and consult their healthcare provider before trying it.