Thalassemia, a common genetic blood disorder, has been a significant health concern worldwide. With an estimated 240 million carriers globally, the search for effective management strategies is ongoing.
One such promising alternative treatment is the use of “wheatgrass”. This blog post will delve into the benefits of wheatgrass, particularly its impact on hemoglobin values and its role in managing thalassemia.
Understanding Thalassemia
Thalassemia is characterized by impaired production of one or more polypeptide chains of globin, resulting in low hemoglobin (Hb) levels.
Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen around the body. In thalassemia, mutations either in alpha or beta chain synthesis result in low hemoglobin.
Why Wheatgrass Is A Green Savior?
Wheatgrass, the young grass of the common wheat plant, has been used for many years for health purposes.
It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and enzymes¹². Some reports suggest the beneficial effect of wheatgrass on transfusion requirements. But how does it help thalassemia patients?
Boosting Hemoglobin Levels
Wheatgrass is linked to improved hemoglobin levels due to its high chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll is similar to hemoglobin, leading some scientists to argue that wheatgrass can boost oxygen supply to the blood.
This increase in hemoglobin levels can help fight fatigue and keep energy levels high, especially beneficial for people prone to anemia.
Reducing Transfusion Requirements
In thalassemia intermedia patients, wheatgrass was shown to reduce transfusion requirements, reduce ferritin levels, and increase hemoglobin levels.
Wheatgrass has the potential to increase the Hb levels, increase the interval between blood transfusions, and decrease the amount of total blood transfused in Thalassemia Major patients
Decreasing Iron Load and Eosinophil Count
Treatment with wheatgrass on patients with ß-thalassemia (major) may have beneficial effects in the form of a decrease in ineffective erythropoiesis, stimulation of hemoglobin synthesis in RBC, decrease in iron load, and decrease in eosinophil count.
Safety And Efficacy
While the benefits of wheatgrass are promising, it’s essential to note that mild side effects like nausea and vomiting have been reported in a few cases.
Therefore, it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.
Let’s delve deeper into the scientific evidence and statistics related to the use of wheatgrass in managing thalassemia.
Scientific Evidence
Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of wheatgrass in managing thalassemia. Here are some key findings:
1. A study conducted on 53 patients of thalassemia major found that the mean pre and post-wheatgrass therapy pack cell requirement was 288.06 ± 53.25 gm/Kg/year and 301.25 ± 54.86 gm/Kg/year respectively.
2. Another study involving 69 children with thalassemia found that wheatgrass appears to play a promising role in children with thalassemia receiving chronic blood transfusions². The difference in Quality of Life at the start and end was significant in the wheatgrass group.
3. A study conducted at K. T. Children Hospital, Civil Hospital, Rajkot, found that treatment with wheatgrass for 9 months produced a significant decrease in hemoglobin, total RBC, eosinophil, and reticulocyte counts. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly increased.
4. A pilot study conducted by Dr. Marwaha et al in IPGMR, Chandigarh, India, found that wheatgrass juice reduces the number of blood transfusions needed in people with thalassemia⁸.
Conclusion
Wheatgrass, with its potential benefits, offers a ray of hope for thalassemia patients. While more research is needed to fully understand its impact, the current findings are encouraging.
As we continue to explore the power of nature in managing health conditions, wheatgrass stands as a testament to the potential of natural remedies in contributing to health and wellness.
Important To Know
Remember, while wheatgrass shows promise, it should not replace any current treatments or medications unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.