aloe vera water - #16292
I am really confused about this whole aloe vera water thing. A few weeks ago I started feeling super bloated after meals and a friend suggested I try drinking aloe vera water, right? I thought, why not, and gave it a shot. At first, it seemed like a miracle! I felt less heavy, and the taste wasn’t too bad honestly, even kinda refreshing. But after a few days, I started having some stomach cramps and this weird urge to run to the bathroom, like suddenly! I thought aloe vera water was supposed to help with digestion, but now I'm not sure what’s going on. Is aloe vera water supposed to help everyone? Am I just sensitive to something in it? I mean, I don’t have any allergies that I know of, but it feels like the bloating could be coming back too. I’ve stopped drinking it for a few days to see if it helps, but now I’m second guessing if I should just stick to it or try something else. Anyone have advice or similar experiences?? Really curious if aloe vera water might works better for some people than others!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Aloe vera water can indeed have varying effects on individuals, and your experience is not entirely uncommon. It’s marketed for its digestive health benefits, partly because aloe contains compounds that may act as a natural laxative. While this might initially relieve bloating for some, the increase in bowel movements or cramping, like you’ve experienced, could be a sign that your gut is reacting too strongly to those compounds. This is especially possible if you’re sensitive to any component in aloe vera. It’s helpful you decided to stop drinking it to see if your symptoms improve. If they do subside, then it’s likely that your body doesn’t tolerate aloe vera well. If the bloating returns or persists, it might be worth exploring other causes as well, such as dietary habits, stress levels, or food intolerances.
For anyone experiencing sustained bowel urgency or uncomfortable cramps, it might be worth ruling out any underlying gastrointestinal issues. Consider keeping a food diary to detect any other dietary triggers contributing to your symptoms. In the meantime, you might try other methods to cope with bloating, like reducing intake of high-fiber foods, consuming smaller meals, or trying herbal teas known for soothing digestion like peppermint or chamomile. But should the cramps persist or escalate, a healthcare provider may need to evaluate to rule out more significant conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or other gastrointestinal disorders. It’s always best to personalize care by working closely with a healthcare professional to navigate what’s best for your specific health needs.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.