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can you eat aloe vera
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Digestive Health
Question #12973
48 days ago
139

can you eat aloe vera - #12973

Manvi

I am a little confused about something and I think it's important. I hurt my stomach last year and have been trying all sorts of remedies, natural and otherwise. At the same time, I read somewhere that can you eat aloe vera could help with digestion and heal the gut. But I'm not sure if that's really true or just one of those myths. A friend swears by it and says she tries to add it to her smoothies every day, but I can't help but think, is it actually safe? I've heard all these mixed reviews. I also tried some aloe vera gel a while back for a sunburn, and it worked wonders on that! But when I'm talking about can you eat aloe vera, I feel pretty lost. Is the juice different than the gel? Do you have to prepare it in a certain way? Another thing that worries me is potential side effects — I've read that some people can have digestive issues after eating it. Should I expect that, or is that just rare? If I wanted to try it, how would you recommend it? Like, what's the best way to incorporate it into my diet? Is there a safe quantity or something? Just really, can you eat aloe vera without feeling sick or anything?

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Doctors’ responses

Aloe vera can be consumed but there are important considerations to keep in mind. The gel from aloe vera is generally safe to eat if properly prepared, but consuming the whole leaf, especially the yellow latex just beneath the skin, can cause adverse effects. This latex contains compounds like aloin that can act as a harsh laxative and may cause cramping, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. It’s usually removed in commercial preparations of aloe vera juice or gel meant for consumption. When considering aloe for digestive benefits, some people find it soothing for the digestive system and claim it helps with issues like stomach ulcers or IBS, although robust scientific evidence backing these specific benefits is mixed. If you’re thinking of trying aloe vera, start with small amounts to gauge how your body reacts. Opt for commercially-prepared aloe vera juice labeled as safe for consumption, as they are designed to be free of the latex compounds. Avoid consuming aloe vera directly from the plant unless you’re absolutely certain how to correctly process it to remove any components that could irritate your system. As for mixing it into smoothies, that’s a good way to consume it but keep the amounts modest initially. Always check with your healthcare provider, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are on medications, as there may be interactions or side effects. Moderate usage is generally safe for most people when done correctly, but as with any supplement, individual responses can vary. If you experience any adverse effects, stop using it and consult a healthcare professional.

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