The Benefits and Potential Side Effects of Drinking Aloe Vera Juice

The Benefits and Uses of Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. The gel and juice from aloe leaves can be used topically to treat skin conditions and burns, as well as consumed orally for internal health benefits. Aloe juice made from the whole leaf is growing in popularity as a wellness drink and digestive aid.

But is aloe vera juice good for you? There are some potential benefits, but also some concerns over toxicity and drug interactions. Here's what health experts want you to know about the trendy wellness drink.

What is Aloe Vera Juice?

Aloe vera juice is made by crushing or grinding the entire aloe vera leaf, including the gel and rind. This allows the nutrients and benefits from all parts of the plant to be included. The juice is then filtered to remove aloin, a compound found in the outer rind that can cause diarrhea when consumed in high amounts.

Aloe vera juice made from the inner gel fillet only tends to have a milder, more pleasant taste. However whole leaf aloe juice retains a higher concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the rind. But the taste can be quite bitter.

Potential Benefits of Drinking Aloe Vera Juice

There are many anecdotal claims about the health benefits of drinking aloe vera juice. Here are some of the ways it may positively impact health:

• Hydrates the body and helps flush out toxins
• Soothes digestive issues like heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome
• Boosts regularity and detoxifies the digestive tract
• Supports immune system function
• Anti-inflammatory effects may help with joint, muscle, and skin conditions
• Rich in antioxidants that fight free radical damage
• Contains vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, E, B12, folic acid, and calcium
• May lower blood sugar levels
• Some studies show it can lower cholesterol

Drinking aloe vera juice may provide nutrients and compounds that benefit these aspects of overall health. But more research is still needed to substantiate many of the claims.

Is Aloe Vera Juice Safe to Drink?

When shopping for aloe juice, be sure to select a brand that safety filters out aloin during processing. Raw aloe vera juice containing aloin can act as a laxative and irritate the intestines.

Aloe vera juice is generally safe when consumed occasionally in small amounts. But drinking too much may cause:

• Diarrhea and abdominal cramping
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Drug interactions
• Lower potassium levels

Health experts recommend limiting intake to a few ounces per day at most. Children, pregnant women, and people with digestive diseases should exercise caution before consuming aloe juice.

Possible Side Effects of Drinking Aloe Vera Juice

When consumed in moderation, most healthy adults can tolerate aloe vera juice. But possible side effects include:

• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Cramping
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Low potassium levels
• Drug interactions

Aloe vera juice may also irritate existing gastrointestinal issues like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. Those with kidney disease should not drink aloe juice.

Interactions with Medications

Aloe vera juice can potentially interact with several types of medications. Consult a doctor before consuming aloe if you take any of the following:

• Laxatives - may increase risk of diarrhea and electrolyte abnormalities
• Diuretics or water pills - can lead to potassium depletion
• Diabetes medications - can enhance blood sugar lowering effect, causing hypoglycemia
• Digoxin (Lanoxin) - aloe vera may increase absorption and blood levels
• Sevoflurane (anesthetic) - aloe vera may prolong anesthetic effects
• Thyroid hormones - aloe juice may reduce intestinal absorption

Aloe may also interact with other herbs, vitamins, or supplements like garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and more.

How to Drink Aloe Vera Juice

It's best to start with a small dose to assess your tolerance. Consume no more than 2-4 ounces diluted in water or another beverage once or twice per day. Many people find mixing aloe vera juice with citrus juices helps counter the bitter taste.

Shake the bottle well before using. For maximum absorption and benefits, drink on an empty stomach either 20-30 minutes before meals or 2 hours after.

When drinking aloe juice, stay hydrated by also drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Store any unused juice in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

The Takeaway

Applied topically, aloe vera gel can have benefits for skin and wound healing. When ingested as a drink, some limited evidence suggests aloe vera juice containing antioxidants may provide benefits like supporting digestion, immunity, heart health, managing diabetes, and more.

However, aloe vera juice side effects can occur in high doses. Health experts suggest limiting intake to a few ounces per day, diluted in water or juice. Those with medical conditions or taking medications should exercise caution and consult a doctor before consuming aloe juice.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.