Wheatgrass and Ulcerative Colitis

Can wheatgrass help with Ulcerative Colitis?

Yes! Ulcerative colitis, a prevalent form of inflammatory bowel disease, presents painful ulcers and inflammation in the colon and rectum, often resulting in bloody diarrhea and discomfort. While traditional treatment options for ulcerative colitis include steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, and in severe cases, surgery, the role of wheatgrass juice as a complementary therapy cannot be overlooked. Here are specific components of wheatgrass that contribute to its potential in managing ulcerative colitis:

• Fiber Content: Wheatgrass is rich in dietary fiber, which has been associated with various health benefits. For individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis, a high-fiber diet can have protective effects on the digestive tract. It may reduce lesions in the intestine and prolong remission periods.
• Selenium: Selenium, present in wheatgrass, plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy metabolism and has antioxidant properties. Patients with ulcerative colitis often exhibit lower plasma selenium levels due to poor nutrient absorption in the gut. Increasing selenium levels through wheatgrass consumption may help reduce inflammation and the risk of colonic cancer.
• Vitamin E: Vitamin E, an antioxidant found in wheatgrass, can protect the intestinal walls from damage. In cases of ulcerative colitis, where oxidative stress is a concern, vitamin E can help mitigate cell deterioration and inflammation.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency is common in ulcerative colitis patients and is associated with increased disease activity. Wheatgrass juice contains vitamin D, which can help control colon inflammation, even in those who are using steroids as part of their treatment regimen.
• Vitamin C: Wheatgrass juice is a rich source of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant. In addition to its antioxidant properties, vitamin C can inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to ulcers in inflammatory bowel diseases. This further contributes to the alleviation of ulcerative colitis symptoms.

Here are some key findings from a research study done on wheatgrass and ulcerative colitis:

• Wheatgrass Juice Intervention: Researchers administered 3.4 ounces (100 cc) of wheatgrass juice daily to ten patients with colitis for a duration of two weeks.
• Positive Outcomes: The study reported significant improvements in the patients’ overall disease activity and a reduction in the severity of rectal bleeding.
• High Success Rate: Notably, 90% of the participants who received wheatgrass juice experienced improvement in their condition, with none of them showing any worsening of symptoms.
• Safety: Importantly, the study found that wheatgrass juice was well-tolerated by the participants, with no observed adverse effects.
• Conclusion: As a result of these findings, the researchers concluded that wheatgrass juice shows promise as both a standalone and complementary treatment for active lower ulcerative colitis.

Where to get Wheatgrass

A consistent therapeutic dose of wheatgrass is imperative when managing colitis. You can get wheatgrass juice shots at your local juice bar or juice it yourself at home.

Wheatgrass specialists Perfects Foods Inc. have been growing wheatgrass in upstate New York since 1982. They ship wheatgrass and microgreens throughout the US and offer a DIY raw vegan ‘Reset Cleanse’ with a supportive virtual community. If you are going to juice wheatgrass at home you will need a masticating wheatgrass juicer. A budget-friendly option would be to grow wheatgrass yourself at home.

Wheatgrass juice is most effective when freshly juiced or frozen. Processed powders and pills don’t retain all of the live enzymes that are necessary for combatting illnesses such as colitis.

-Yours Truly

Rachel Matsil – Wellness Specialist at Perfect Foods