Can aloe vera juice treat IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)?

Aloe vera is known as a natural ingredient that is effective in moisturizing the skin and is good for hair health. Although it is well known as a skin and hair treatment, aloe vera is also effective in helping to overcome various digestive disorders. In fact, he says aloe vera juice is quite effective in overcoming symptoms irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). So, how can this natural juice overcome this chronic intestinal disorder?

Efficacy of aloe vera for the digestive organs

Besides being easy to find or make yourself, the original aloe vera juice extract from the aloe vera plant does have many benefits, such as:

Maintain body hydration. Aloe vera plants contain lots of water, therefore, consuming aloe vera is one way to prevent dehydration. For people with diarrhea, who usually lose a lot of fluids, this aloe vera plant can help restore wasted body fluids.
Maintain liver function. Aloe vera contains many phytochemicals that can help nourish and hydrate the liver. This makes the digestive system run smoothly.
Contains many nutrients such as vitamins B, C, E, and folic acid. Aloe vera is also the only plant source that contains vitamin B-12 so it can be used by vegans.

So, how can aloe vera juice help treat IBS?

IBS is a chronic digestive problem. This condition causes symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and prolonged constipation.

Actually, there are few studies on aloe vera that can help treat IBS. However, aloe vera is known to help relieve diarrhea, constipation, and flatulence. All three of these are symptoms that can arise during IBS. That way, aloe vera will help relieve the burden of symptoms felt in people who have IBS.

Apart from that, aloe vera juice also has a calming effect when you drink it. Aloe vera juice contains anthraquinones, which are natural laxatives that can treat people who are constipated.

A 2013 study in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences showed positive results regarding administering aloe vera juice to IBS people. Especially for people with IBS who experience symptoms of constipation, abdominal pain, and flatulence. However, this study is not yet complete.

Other studies have shown that the results have no effect on the condition of aloe vera juice on IBS. More research is still needed to find out if aloe vera juice can actually help treat IBS.

Although there is still not much research suggesting it could have an effect, drinking aloe vera juice will not make people with IBS worse. Because natural aloe vera basically does have anti-inflammatory properties and soothes the digestive system.

Regardless of the research, there are indeed many people who feel comfortable drinking aloe vera so they choose this juice as an addition to their IBS treatment.

Be careful when choosing aloe vera juice

When you are choosing aloe vera juice, you also need to be careful. Read the label, processing technique, and other ingredients that are included in the juice. Aloe vera juice made with whole aloe vera leaves should be drunk in smaller amounts.

Because aloe vera juice contains anthraquinone (natural laxative) which is more than the type of aloe vera juice which is made from the inside of the aloe vera leaf. If you drink too much laxative, this can actually worsen IBS symptoms.

In addition, anthraquinones can lead to cancer if taken regularly. Check your aloe vera juice packaging label as well for the anthraquinone levels. These substances must be under 10 PPM to be safe. Therefore, avoid consuming anthraquinones in aloe vera by staying German and being careful in choosing aloe vera juice.

Also check the description of the processing technique, whether decolorized or nondecolorized. The decolorized type is made from the whole aloe vera leaf but has been filtered so that the anthraquinone is reduced. This type is safer to consume regularly.

Meanwhile, if we consume aloe vera juice with the nondecolorized technique, it gives several side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, dehydration, decreased blood sugar levels, and allergic reactions.