People are using aloe vera for years now, either for their skin, hair, or health. However, even though it is a popular ingredient, it has some side effects that you should be aware of. Today we will talk about aloe vera juice side effects.
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How does an aloe vera plant look like?
The aloe vera plant looks like a cactus, and it grows in a dry, hot, and humid climate. It is of a gel consistency, which is very sticky.
It also has latex, which presents at the end of the plant, and it is yellow in color.
Aloe vera is used for treating some skin conditions such as skin burn and inflammation, and for oral use, it cures some chronic illnesses.
However, recently it is stated by researchers that aloe vera can cause cancer in lab animals.
A lot more researches need to be done on this topic, though.
What is the Aloe Vera Juice Side Effects?
Now we will discuss 7 aloe vera juice side effects, which most people intake daily in the morning.
Colorized Aloe Vera Juice
Colorized aloe vera juice is not purified, has anthraquinone in it, and has side effects such as diarrhea and cramping.
Diarrhea can cause dehydration, severe stomach pain, and an imbalance in electrolytes.
Anthraquinone is a laxative which should be avoided at all cost. Even though it is found naturally in the aloe vera plant, it is considered a toxin for human bodies.
In a 2013 study, aloe vera leaf extract has some serious health hazards, such as increasing the risk of carcinomas (cancer) and colon adenomas (benign) in rats.
However, other studies on rats in 2013 have said that colorless juice is safe than colored ones.
If you are planning to drink aloe vera juice, make sure it has no color in it. Decolorized means it is purified and is low in anthraquinone.
A colorless aloe vera won’t go bad for 10 to 12 weeks.
Blood Sugar Drop
Another aloe vera juice side effect may cause the blood sugar level to drop.
The laxative present in it can cause an imbalance in electrolytes in people with diabetes.
So, if you have diabetes, consult your doctor first before taking aloe vera juice.
Drug Interactions
One of the serious aloe vera juice side effects is it has been shown to interact with few medicines.
If you are consuming any medications that have ingredients like Cytochrome P450 3A4 and CYP2D6, do not drink aloe vera juice.
Aloe vera juice may trigger or worsen the side effects of these drugs.
If you take sevoflurane, do not drink aloe vera juice as it will cause unnecessary bleeding during surgery.
You need to talk to your doctor first about whether you can have aloe vera juice if you are taking the following drugs or medications:
- Steroids (orally or injection)
- Any diabetes tablets also include insulin
- Diuretics or water pills such as Lasix
- Medications for heart rhythm such as digoxin
- Any laxatives
- Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil), celecoxib (Celebrex), and NSAIDs (aspirin)
- Licorice root
Stomach Uneasiness
One of the most common aloe vera juice side effects is stomach pain or discomfort. The latex present in it causes pain and cramps.
So, if you are suffering from any stomach issues, do not consume aloe vera juice.
Allergies
Aloe vera juice causes allergic reactions, which as a result, can have skin issues like rashes and irritation.
Not for pregnant women and lactating mothers
Aloe vera juice has many irritable contains, which is not safe for lactating mothers and pregnant women.
Avoid it at all costs.
Heart Palpitation
Another aloe vera juice side effects are it causes weakness, nausea, and irregular heartbeat as it lowers the potassium levels.
Mainly older people are advised not to drink aloe vera juice without a doctor’s permission.
The Benefits of Aloe Vera
We will discuss 17 benefits of aloe vera juice.
Hydration
Aloe vera has a lot of water content, which helps to hydrate the body. Once you are hydrated, the body will flush out all the toxins and detox the body.
This is vital since the kidneys and liver are mainly in charge of purifying the blood and creating urine. For this purpose, you should keep them healthy.
Recovery from an intense workout needs rehydration through the consumption of added liquids.
The body needs additional fluids to get rid of the lactic acid build-up from working out.
For constipation
Consumption of aloe vera juice aids in raising the water content in the intestines. Researchers have stated that increasing the water content in the intestines and the encouragement of peristalsis helps to pass stool without any discomfort.
So, if you suffer from frequent constipation, then add aloe vera juice to your daily diet.
Healthy Liver
A healthy liver means the body is toxin-free and detoxifying on its own.
Aloe vera juice is a brilliant way to have a healthy liver. It is cause aloe vera juice keeps the body hydrated as it is filled with phytonutrients, which have hydrating properties.
Rich in Nutrients
Aloe vera juice is packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, iron, copper, selenium, sodium, magnesium, and zinc.
Clear skin and Anti Acne
Aloe vera juice helps to reduce acne and the appearance of acne. Moreover, some studies stated that aloe vera juice even helps in the reduction of dermatitis and psoriasis.
Since it is rich in anti-oxidants, it also protects the skin from various damage.
Relief from Heartburn
The compounds in aloe vera juice control the emission of acid in the stomach, which helps relieve heartburn.
Moreover, this also helps to reduce gastric ulcers.
Helps Digestive System
Aloe vera juice contains numerous enzymes, which help break down the fats and sugar and run the digestive system smoothly.
If the digestive system is not running smoothly, then the foods do not get absorbed properly. To keep yourself healthy, you need to keep your internal organs healthy too.
Aloe vera juice reduces the irritation in the intestines and stomach. It is even seen that it helps individuals who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
A study done in 2013 stated that few IBS patients have said that aloe vera juice has helped reduce IBS and other stomach issues.
However, more researches need to be done on this subject.
Immune system booster
Aloe vera juice is filled with polysaccharides, which helps to boost the immunity system. Regular drinking aloe vera will strengthen your immune system.
Lowers Cholesterol
Aloe vera juice has niacin, a type of vitamin B3, which helps to reduce cholesterol levels.
Niacin helps lower the low-density lipoproteins, which is the bad cholesterol that causes many health issues.
Gingivitis
When the plaque gathers on the teeth, it leads to gingivitis. Plaque is a naturally happening tacky substance in the mouth.
However, once there is too much plaque, it causes bleeding and pain in the gum.
If it is too much, then you need to visit the dental clinic for a clean-up. They will remove the plaque. Moreover, have proper dental hygiene.
Brush your teeth twice each day and use mouthwash. It will also lessen the inflammation in your mouth.
Researches have even shown that aloe vera has the properties to heal any oral cuts or wounds.
A study done in 2013 has 45 people who have gingivitis and was divided into 3 groups, every 15 individuals.
The first group use aloe vera juice as a mouth wash two times a day for 12 weeks.
The second group only got scaling treatment.
The third group, these 15, did both scaling and use aloe vera juice as a mouth wash for 12 weeks.
All 45 individuals have a reduction in gingivitis and inflammation. But, the third group who did both the mouth wash and scaling had the maximum reduction.
Thus, it means aloe vera juice has healing properties and helps to get rid of gingivitis faster.
Beauty hacks
If you are someone who loves makeup, then aloe vera is something that is used in multiple ways, such as makeup remover or makeup primer.
Anti-aging Benefits
Aloe vera juice delays the sign of aging. Now, if you already have fine lines and wrinkles in your face or body, then aloe vera juice cannot reverse it, but it does delay the future lines and wrinkles.
According to some researchers that consuming aloe vera juice daily will boost collagen production in the body. Collagen is one of the main compounds which helps to keep the skin firm and young-looking.
However, a lot more researches are going on on this topic.
Sunburn
Sunburns are really common, especially if you live in a hot and humid climate.
If you have sunburns, take some aloe vera juice in a cotton pad and apply it to the affected area a few times every day.
Aloe vera juice also helps to treat minor cuts and burns.
Moisturizer
Since aloe vera juice is rich in water content, so it hydrates the skin as well. Depending on your skin type, it can even replace your current face or body moisturizer.
You can replace your face toner with aloe vera juice for extra hydration, or you can even make some home-made packs with aloe vera juice if your skin is dehydrated.
Removal of Blemishes and Acne Spot
The acne spots and blemishes are hard to remove. Once they appear, they stay on the skin for months, even sometimes for years.
Aloe vera juice contains gibberellins and polysaccharides that help to produce new cells. Once new cells produce the dead cells clear out.
Use aloe vera juice as a spot treatment; if you want to maximize the effect, you can even add few lemongrasses essential oils in it too.
Anti-dandruff
Aloe vera juice helps to treat seborrheic dermatitis, which causes dandruff.
Mix 2 to 3 tablespoon of aloe vera juice in your hair oil and apply it overnight.
You can also add aloe vera juice is one of your hair masks and use it.
Periodontitis disease
If you do not treat gingivitis, then it becomes periodontitis disease. This gum disease has serious effects and damages the bone which supports the teeth.
Some of the periodontitis disease symptoms are bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and space between the teeth.
To treat periodontitis disease, you need to visit the dentist who will do scaling and root planning, and if the damage is too much, they might do surgery such as bone graphs.
The presence of bacteria in periodontitis disease triggers an inflammatory response, leading to painful, swollen gums.
Aloe vera juice is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, which helps to reduce periodontitis disease.
A study did in 2011 with 15 individuals with periodontitis disease.
Few individuals were treated with root planing, scaling, and consumption of aloe vera juice. At the same time, others did root planing and scaling.
The result after has shown the group who used aloe vera juice got rid of it in 4 weeks whereas, who didn’t use aloe vera juice got rid of it in 12 weeks.
Thus, aloe vera juice helps to get rid of periodontitis disease way faster due to its beneficial properties.
Suggested Dosage of Aloe Vera Juice:
Liquid: 30 to 35 milliliter 3 times a day.
Leaf Gel Cap: 50 to 250 milligram per day
Topical: 4 to 6 times a day or as needed
Tincture: 20 to 50 drops
The Final Word
We have talked about the aloe vera juice side effects and benefits to help you understand it better.
Almost every component in this world has some side effects, or it might not suit you. Now it’s up to you whether you want to try aloe vera juice or not.
If you have any health conditions, aloe vera juice might extravagate it. Please do talk to your doctor before consuming aloe vera juice.