Do Flu-Fighting Alternatives Work?

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Some healthy adults aren't waiting for their turn to get the H1N1 vaccine. They're trying to find ways to avoid getting sick now.

You aren't going to find many doctors writing prescriptions for it. It's over-the-counter, and unregulated by the FDA.

But, some Des Moines merchants are reporting sales are through the roof as the H1N1 vaccine is in short supply and conventional medicine is offering few alternatives.

To avoid the flu, growing number of people are turning wheatgrass juice.

Juicing and taking shots have a whole different meaning at Fresh Café and Market in West Des Moines where a shot of wheatgrass comes with an orange chaser. They're $2.50 a shot.

Kerri Rush said her wheatgrass business has spiked with the start of the flu season, and talk of H1N1.

Right now, because it is flu season people are more concerned. I see more people come in for grass," said Rush.

The wheatgrass shot contains Vitamins A, E and B-12, Calcium, Magnesium and Iron. Webmd.com said one ounce is the equivalent of one ounce of fresh vegetables.

Campbell's Nutrition will take it a step closer. Naturopathic consultant Sandy Seeman said elderberry lozenges can block H1N1 from making you sick. The pills are a dollar each, sold in bottles of 30.

"In a test tube they put healthy cells, the H1N1 virus and then they put in this elderberry. And what they found is that the elderberry stopped this H1N1 virus from getting into the healthy cells," said Seeman.

Seeman said another study shows elderberry syrup can reduce your time with symptoms.

"It actually lessens the duration of the flu for four days," said Seeman.

The syrup runs $19.99 for an 8-ounce bottle.

Doctors said there's no mainstream evidence to support claims elderberry can do either of these things, or that wheatgrass can boost your immune system.

Rush said she doesn't need the studies, she hears testimony every day. And she's living proof.

"I have to find some wood to knock on, because I haven't been sick in a long time," said Rush.

Jeff Brock is the Infectious Disease Pharmacist at Mercy Medical Center. He said to use caution when trying nutritional supplements. They can have interactions with medications or cause allergic reactions. He recommends consulting a doctor or pharmacist before trying them.

He also said eating a healthy diet, getting rest, exercising, washing your hands and avoiding people who are sick are the cheapest and most effective way of avoiding the flu.

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Wheatgrass Juice: Benefits of Drinking Wheatgrass

The benefits of drinking wheatgrass juice or consuming other wheatgrass products such as wheatgrass powder, have shown to have some health benefits for many people. Wheatgrass typically refers to the common plants such as wheat, barely, oats, and other whole grains that are often used for making many of our foods available to use today. I often talk about the importance of eating whole grains when following the Lose Free Diet, so learning about wheatgrass and the benefits of drinking wheatgrass juice may be helpful to you.

Like everything I write about here, moderation is always key in seeing benefits and reducing risks. I would never suggest that someone go on a wheatgrass juice fast or anything of those sorts. Wheatgrass can however be used for a variety of things and introduced as a nice compliment to your meals and efforts to lose weight.

Many people do not even realize that wheatgrass juice and the many other products made from wheatgrass are even available, unless they happen to be lucky enough to live in an area rich with diverse cafes and juice bars that offer wheatgrass juice. Others may learn about wheatgrass from reading various health and medical journals about natural supplements one can take.

Wheatgrass however is commonly available and easy to find. You can find it in nutrition stores, online, and possibly even through local farmers markets, depending on your geographical location. Many people have even started growing their own wheatgrass, which can be done easily indoors much the same way people grow herbs and spices. It can be made into juice, or powders are available to use it in other foods and recipes.

The reason that many people believe wheatgrass can be beneficial for one to take is because wheatgrass is rich in chlorophyll. Chlorophyll, if you may remember from your science class as a child, is the pigment found in plants that gives it its rich green color. It is used in photosynthesis and is often compared to being like the “blood” of the plant. It is believed that chlorophyll provides many health benefits, and this is why wheatgrass is a popular source for reaping these benefits.

Here are some of the claimed benefits of using wheatgrass:

1. Repairs tissue damage in your body’s organs

2. Helps you body neutralize pollution and air irritants such as smoke, car exhaust, and other pollutants

3. Eliminates Body Odor and Bad Breath

4. Increases Energy

5. Can be helpful With Anemia

6. Restores/Improves Fertility

7. Can be used in conjuction with other treatments for long term illnesses such as cancer

8. Prevention of Tooth Decay and Dental Problems

9. Wheatgrass juice can be used as a skin cleanser

10. Increases red blood count

11. Lowers Blood Pressure

12. Beneficial Enzymes found in raw, uncooked wheatgrass

13. Aid in fighting bacterial infections

14. Can soothe sunburn

15. Neutralizes and Detoxifies Toxins Built Up in Our Bodies

Obviously, not all of these claims of the benefits of wheatgrass are scientifically proven. However, if you enjoy taking natural supplements in addition to your diet, there is really relatively little risk in trying wheatgrass juice or other supplements unless you have an allergy concern or overdo it with the wheatgrass and neglect to get other important nutrition. You can see how some of these benefits may also help in your efforts to lose weight. For example, having increased energy and oxygen in your bloodstream can help make your exercise routines more beneficial.

How is Wheatgrass Taken?

The most popular form to take wheatgrass, and also claimed to be the most beneficial, is extracting juice from the plant and drinking it. There are many Wheatgrass juicers available, ranging from just $30 for basic juicers to $110 for more advanced juicers. They are for the most part easy to clean, easy to store, and easy to use.

If drinking wheatgrass juice or extracting it yourself is not your thing, you can also take it in the form of Wheatgrass Powder, though it is not believed to be as effective as the natural juice extracts.

Where Can I get Wheatgrass?

The best thing to do first if you are new to wheatgrass is to try it at a juicebar near you if you can. Since not all areas have juice bars, this may be difficult. In that case you can decide to try wheatgrass juice available from Amazon.com.

If you’ve had the chance to try it already and like it, and know it is something you’d like to drink more of on your own, then growing it yourself with a wheatgrass kit. Some kits have juicers included with them, or you can choose to purchase the seeds and juicer separately.

Now that you’ve had a chance to learn about what wheatgrass is and the possible benefits of drinking wheatgrass juice, I hope you’ll take the opportunity to at least try it, since trying different foods and drinks will always help keep your diet on track and full of variety so you never become bored. Who knows? You may even find yourself growing your own wheatgrass and owning your very own wheatgrass juicer!

source

Wheatgrass Juice: Benefits of Drinking Wheatgrass

The benefits of drinking wheatgrass juice or consuming other wheatgrass products such as wheatgrass powder, have shown to have some health benefits for many people. Wheatgrass typically refers to the common plants such as wheat, barely, oats, and other whole grains that are often used for making many of our foods available to use today. I often talk about the importance of eating whole grains when following the Lose Free Diet, so learning about wheatgrass and the benefits of drinking wheatgrass juice may be helpful to you.

Like everything I write about here, moderation is always key in seeing benefits and reducing risks. I would never suggest that someone go on a wheatgrass juice fast or anything of those sorts. Wheatgrass can however be used for a variety of things and introduced as a nice compliment to your meals and efforts to lose weight.

Many people do not even realize that wheatgrass juice and the many other products made from wheatgrass are even available, unless they happen to be lucky enough to live in an area rich with diverse cafes and juice bars that offer wheatgrass juice. Others may learn about wheatgrass from reading various health and medical journals about natural supplements one can take.

Wheatgrass however is commonly available and easy to find. You can find it in nutrition stores, online, and possibly even through local farmers markets, depending on your geographical location. Many people have even started growing their own wheatgrass, which can be done easily indoors much the same way people grow herbs and spices. It can be made into juice, or powders are available to use it in other foods and recipes.

The reason that many people believe wheatgrass can be beneficial for one to take is because wheatgrass is rich in chlorophyll. Chlorophyll, if you may remember from your science class as a child, is the pigment found in plants that gives it its rich green color. It is used in photosynthesis and is often compared to being like the “blood” of the plant. It is believed that chlorophyll provides many health benefits, and this is why wheatgrass is a popular source for reaping these benefits.

Here are some of the claimed benefits of using wheatgrass:

1. Repairs tissue damage in your body’s organs

2. Helps you body neutralize pollution and air irritants such as smoke, car exhaust, and other pollutants

3. Eliminates Body Odor and Bad Breath

4. Increases Energy

5. Can be helpful With Anemia

6. Restores/Improves Fertility

7. Can be used in conjuction with other treatments for long term illnesses such as cancer

8. Prevention of Tooth Decay and Dental Problems

9. Wheatgrass juice can be used as a skin cleanser

10. Increases red blood count

11. Lowers Blood Pressure

12. Beneficial Enzymes found in raw, uncooked wheatgrass

13. Aid in fighting bacterial infections

14. Can soothe sunburn

15. Neutralizes and Detoxifies Toxins Built Up in Our Bodies

Obviously, not all of these claims of the benefits of wheatgrass are scientifically proven. However, if you enjoy taking natural supplements in addition to your diet, there is really relatively little risk in trying wheatgrass juice or other supplements unless you have an allergy concern or overdo it with the wheatgrass and neglect to get other important nutrition. You can see how some of these benefits may also help in your efforts to lose weight. For example, having increased energy and oxygen in your bloodstream can help make your exercise routines more beneficial.

How is Wheatgrass Taken?

The most popular form to take wheatgrass, and also claimed to be the most beneficial, is extracting juice from the plant and drinking it. There are many Wheatgrass juicers available, ranging from just $30 for basic juicers to $110 for more advanced juicers. They are for the most part easy to clean, easy to store, and easy to use.

If drinking wheatgrass juice or extracting it yourself is not your thing, you can also take it in the form of Wheatgrass Powder, though it is not believed to be as effective as the natural juice extracts.

Where Can I get Wheatgrass?

The best thing to do first if you are new to wheatgrass is to try it at a juicebar near you if you can. Since not all areas have juice bars, this may be difficult. In that case you can decide to try wheatgrass juice available from Amazon.com.

If you’ve had the chance to try it already and like it, and know it is something you’d like to drink more of on your own, then growing it yourself with a wheatgrass kit. Some kits have juicers included with them, or you can choose to purchase the seeds and juicer separately.

Now that you’ve had a chance to learn about what wheatgrass is and the possible benefits of drinking wheatgrass juice, I hope you’ll take the opportunity to at least try it, since trying different foods and drinks will always help keep your diet on track and full of variety so you never become bored. Who knows? You may even find yourself growing your own wheatgrass and owning your very own wheatgrass juicer!

source

WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT WHEATGRASS JUICE?

1.	Wheatgrass juice is 70% chlorophyll.
2.	Chlorophyll is the first product of light and contains more light energy than any other element.
3.	Wheatgrass juice is a crude chlorophyll and can be taken orally and as a colon implant without toxic side effects.
4.	Chlorophyll is the basis of all plant life.
5.	Wheatgrass is high in oxygen like all green plants that contain chlorophyll. The brain and all body tissues function at an optimal level in a highly oxygenated environment.
6.	Chlorophyll is anti-bacterial and can be used inside and outside the body as a healer.
7.	Renowned nutritionist Dr. Bernard Jensen says that it only takes minutes to digest wheatgrass juice and it uses up very little body energy.
8.	Science has proven that chlorophyll arrests growth and development of harmful bacteria.
9.	Chlorophyll (wheatgrass) rebuilds the bloodstream. Studies of various animals have shown chlorophyll to be free of any toxic reaction. The red cell count was returned to normal with four to five days of the administration of chlorophyll, even in those animals that were known to be extremely anemic or low in red cell count.
10.	Farmers in the American midwest who have sterile cows and bulls put them on wheatgrass to restore fertility. (The high magnesium content in chlorophyll builds enzymes that restore the sex hormones.)
11.	Chlorophyll can be extracted from many plants, but wheatgrass is superior because it has been found to have over 100 elements needed by man. If grown in organic soil, it absorbs 92 of the known 102 minerals from the soil.
12.	Wheatgrass has what is called the "grass juice factor," which has been shown to keep herbivorous animals alive indefinitely.
13.	Dr. Ann Wigmore helped people get well from chronic disorders for 30 years using wheatgrass.
14.	Liquid chlorophyll gets into the tissues, refines them, and rebuilds and rejuvenates them.
15.	Wheatgrass juice is a superior detoxification agent compared to carrot juice and other fruits and vegetables. Dr. Earp Thomas, an associate of the late Ann Wigmore, says that 15 pounds of wheatgrass is the equivalent of 350 pounds of carrots, lettuce, celery, and so on.
16.	Liquid chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body.
17.	Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body.
18.	Chlorophyll helps purify the liver.
19.	Chlorophyll improves blood sugar problems.
20.	Wheatgrass juice cures acne and even removes scars after it has been ingested for seven to eight months. The diet must be improved at the same time.
21.	In the 1940 American Journal of Surgery, Benjamin Cruskin, MD recommended chlorophyll to: clear up foul-smelling odors, neutralize strep infections, heal wounds, hasten skin grafting, cure chronic sinusitis, overcome chronic inner-ear inflammation and infections, reduce varicose veins and heal leg ulcers, eliminate impetigo and other scabby eruptions, heal rectal sores, successfully treat inflammation of the uterine cervix, get rid of parasitic vaginal infections, reduce typhoid fever, and cure advanced pyorrhea in many cases.
22.	Wheatgrass juice acts as a detergent in the body and is used as a body deodorant.
23.	A small amount of wheatgrass juice in the human diet prevents tooth decay.
24.	Wheatgrass juice held in the mouth for 5 minutes will eliminate toothaches and poisons from gums.
25.	Gargle with wheatgrass juice for a sore throat.
26.	For pyorrhea of the mouth, lay pulp of wheatgrass soaked in juice on diseased area in mouth or chew wheatgrass. Spit outthe pulp.
27.	Drink wheatgrass juice for skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis.
28.	Wheatgrass juice keeps the hair from graying.
29.	By taking wheatgrass juice, one may feel a difference in strength, endurance, health, and spirituality and experience a sense of well-being.
30.	Wheatgrass juice improves the digestion.
31.	It is great for blood disorders of all kinds.
32.	Wheatgrass juice is high in enzymes.
33.	Wheatgrass juice is an excellent skin cleanser and can be absorbed through the skin for nutrition. Pour green juice over your body in a tub of warm water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
34.	Wheatgrass implants (enemas) are great for healing and detoxifying the colon walls. The implants also heal and cleanse the internal organs. After an enema, wait 20 minutes, then implant 4-ounces of wheatgrass juice. Retain or 20 minutes.
35.	Wheatgrass juice is great for constipation and keeping the bowels open. It is high in magnesium.
36.	Dr. Max Bircher, a research scientist, inventor of muesli, and founder of the famed Bircher-Benner Clinic in Zurich, Switzerland, called chlorophyll "concentrated sun power." He said, "Chlorophyll increases the function of the heart, affects the vascular system, the intestines, the uterus, and the lungs.... It is therefore a tonic which, considering its stimulating properties, cannot be compared with any other. "
37.	According to Dr. Bircher, nature uses chlorophyll (wheatgrass) as a body cleanser, rebuilder, and neutralizer of toxins.
38.	Wheatgrass juice can dissolve the scars that are formed in the lungs from breathing acid gasses. The effect of carbon monoxide is minimized since chlorophyll increases hemoglobin production.
39.	Wheatgrass juice reduces high blood pressure as it enhances the capillaries.
40.	Wheatgrass juice can remove heavy metals from the body. source