About 3% to about 20% of Americans experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This condition affects women more than men. Some people with irritable bowel syndrome have only minor symptoms. However, for others, symptoms are severe and disrupt daily life.
What is the Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon, mucous colitis and spastic colitis. This is a separate condition from inflammatory bowel disease and is not related to other bowel conditions.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a group of intestinal symptoms that often occur together. Symptoms vary in severity and duration from person to person. However, they last at least three months and at least three days each month.
Irritable bowel syndrome can cause intestinal damage in some cases. However, that is not common. IBS does not increase your risk of gastrointestinal cancer, but it can still have a significant impact on your life.
Aloe vera juice
Aloe vera juice is a food product extracted from the leaves of the aloe vera plant. It is also sometimes called aloe vera juice.
The juice may contain gel (also called pulp), latex (the layer between the gel and the skin), and green leafy parts. It’s all liquefied together as juice. Some juices are made from just the gel, while others filter out the leaves and latex.
You can add aloe vera juice to dishes like smoothies, cocktails, and juice mixes. Juice is a widely known health product with many benefits. These include regulating blood sugar levels, reducing local burns, improving digestion, relieving constipation, and more.
Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice for IBS
Historically, aloe vera preparations have been used to treat digestive diseases. Diarrhea and constipation are common problems that this plant is famous for helping to cure.
Diarrhea and constipation are also two common problems that can be caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Other symptoms of IBS include cramps, abdominal pain, gas and bloating.
Aloe vera also shows potential to help solve these problems. Aloe vera leaves are rich in compounds and plant mucus. Topically, they help treat inflammation and skin burns. Following the same logic, they may alleviate gastrointestinal inflammation.
Aloe vera juice may have a soothing effect. Juice with aloe vera latex – which contains anthraquinones, or natural laxatives – can help cure constipation. However, you should remember that there are some safety concerns with aloe vera latex. Taking too much laxatives can make your symptoms worse.
How to drink aloe vera juice to treat irritable bowel syndrome:
You can add aloe vera juice to your diet in a few ways:
Follow a recipe to make your own aloe vera juice smoothie.
Buy store-bought aloe vera juice and drink 1–2 tablespoons.
Add 1–2 tablespoons daily to your favorite smoothie.
Add 1–2 tablespoons daily to your favorite juice blend.
Add 1–2 tablespoons daily to your favorite beverage.
Cook with it for health benefits and flavor.
Aloe vera juice has a taste similar to cucumber. Consider using it in recipes and drinks with flavors reminiscent of watermelon, lemon or mint.
Studies show the effects of aloe vera juice
Research on the benefits of aloe vera juice for IBS is mixed. Some studies show positive results for people with IBS who experience constipation, pain, and bloating. However, no placebo was used to compare these effects. A study in mice also showed benefits, but it did not involve human subjects.
A 2006 study found no difference between aloe vera juice and placebo in improving diarrhea symptoms. Other IBS symptoms remained unchanged. However, the researchers felt that a potential benefit of aloe vera could not be ruled out, even though they found no evidence. They concluded that the study should be replicated with a “less complex” patient group.
More research is needed to know whether aloe vera juice actually relieves IBS. Studies disproving its effects are outdated, while new research shows promise, despite flaws. Research must also be done more specifically to really know the answer. For example, studying IBS-dominated constipation and diarrhea separately could reveal more information.
Regardless of the research, many people who drink aloe vera juice report feeling relaxed and having improved health. Even if it is a placebo for IBS, aloe vera juice has many other health benefits. IBS users will experience no ill effects from trying it if consumed safely.
Consider aloe vera juice
Not all aloe vera juice is the same. Read labels, bottles, processing techniques and ingredients carefully before purchasing. Research companies that sell these supplements and herbs. This product is not monitored by the FDA.
Some aloe vera juice is made only with gel, pulp or “thinly cut leaves”. This juice can be drunk more freely and frequently without much worry.
On the other hand, some juices are made from whole aloe vera leaves. This includes the green, gel and latex outer parts all together. These products should be used in smaller amounts. This is because the green parts and latex contain anthraquinones, which are powerful plant laxatives.
Taking too many laxatives can be dangerous and actually worsen IBS symptoms. Additionally, anthraquinones may cause cancer if taken regularly, according to the National Toxicology Program. Check the label for parts per million (PPM) of anthraquinone or aloin, compounds found only in aloe vera. It must be below 10 PPM to be considered non-toxic.
Also, check the label for “decolorized” or “non-decolored” whole-leaf extracts. The deuterated extract contains all parts of the leaf, but has been filtered to remove anthraquinones. They should be similar to fillet leaf extract and completely safe to consume more frequently.
To date, no one has contracted cancer from drinking aloe vera juice. However, animal studies suggest a possible cancer risk. Take proper precautions and you should use it safely.
If you choose to drink aloe vera juice regularly, you should be careful
Stop use if you experience abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or worsening IBS.
If you take medication, talk to your doctor because aloe vera may interfere with absorption.
Discontinue use if you take blood sugar control medications because aloe vera may lower blood sugar levels.
Aloe vera juice, in addition to being great for overall health, can reduce IBS symptoms. This is not a cure for IBS and should only be used as a complementary treatment. It might be worth trying carefully as the risks are quite low, especially if you do it yourself. Talk to your doctor about aloe vera juice and make sure it is right for your health needs.
Also, remember to choose the right type of juice. Whole leaf juice should only be used infrequently for constipation. Inner fillet gel and deuterated whole leaf extract are acceptable for daily, long-term use.
