Aloe Vera Side Effects – For centuries, aloevera has been used as an herbal supplement People also use aloe vera for hair, skin and health problems. Aloe contains gel and latex, both of which are widely used for making medicines, cosmetics, and related products.
However, if you experience discomfort, feel unwell or have an allergy, stop using the product and contact a healthcare provider.
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Diarrhea Risk
Excess consumption of aloe vera juice can cause painful abdominal cramping and diarrhea. It is one of the most common aloe vera side effects, caused due to a cathartic laxative called anthraquinone.
Diarrhea triggered by excessive aloe Vera juice causes dehydration and results in electrolyte imbalances, including lowering of potassium levels. Consume apple, rice, and banana to restore electrolyte imbalance.
Constipation Trouble
Drinking too much of aloe vera juice can cause diarrhea in addition to other common illness. This is because aloe vera is a laxative, which will improve your bowel movements for a short period. However, once you stop the consumption, it can lead to painful constipation.
Drug Interactions
The laxative property of aloe vera inhibits absorption of several drugs in the body. It may also decrease the efficacy of several diabetes medications and cause the potassium levels to deteriorate if consumed with water pills or diuretics. So, monitor your dose of aloe vera and consider healthcare professional in case you notice this side effect of aloe vera.
Reduction of Blood Glucose
Consumption of aloe vera juice may lower blood sugar levels in the body. It is suggested that people who are either hypoglycemic or those taking any blood sugar regulating medications such as metformin or insulin shouldn’t consume it before consulting their doctor.
Skin Irritation
Allergic Reaction
Although it’s quite uncommon, people who are allergic to plants in the Liliaceous family (for e.g. onions, tulips, garlic, lilies, hyacinths, etc.) can be allergic to aloe vera as well. These people can develop skin rashes, hives, itching, swollen skin, chest pain, irritation in the throat, breathing troubles, etc. after using aloe vera. If you experience such reactions, discontinue use and consult a doctor.
Latex Risk
Centuries ago, Aloe Latex was consumed for its supposed health benefits. However, it was recently banned by FDA. So, while you can have aloe vera juice or apply its gel, you should avoid oral consumption of aloe latex.
Aloe vera side effects include hepatitis and thyroid dysfunction along with the abnormal lowering of the blood glucose levels. Also, it aggravates health conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, etc.
Unsafe for Pregnant and Lactating women
Consult your expert before consuming aloe vera juice if you are pregnant or lactating. Drinking aloe vera juice during pregnancy can lead to uterine contractions, causing miscarriage and/or birth defects. It is not safe for using by anyone below 12 years of age. However, a pregnant woman should do pregnancy yoga every day.
Also Read: Complete Gym Guide For Pregnant Woman.
Production of Excess Adrenaline
Consumption of aloe vera juice can trigger the body to produce excessive adrenaline, which can turn out to be fatal for someone suffering from heart conditions. It can even influence the potassium levels in the body causing arrhythmia, weakness, and softness of muscles.
While you have to drink a large amount of juice for such effects, you must discuss side effects of aloe vera juice with your doctor if you have a heart condition.
Overdose
An overdose of aloe vera juice can severely damage your kidney by causing blood build-up in the pelvis. Before drinking the aloevera juice you should know how much quantity you have to take, Please ask you doctor before consumption of aloevera juice.
Aloe Poisoning
If consumed in its pure form and excessive quantities, aloe vera juice can cause poisoning. A yellow latex called, aloin is what makes it potentially dangerous. Cases of poisoning are very rare since most of the aloe vera products are well treated and devoid of this toxin. However, if you are consuming the juice naturally, you must restrict its quantity.
Risk of Colorectal Cancer
One shouldn’t consume large quantities of aloe vera juice for over a year, as it increases your risk of getting colorectal cancer. This happens because its prolonged intake causes pseudo-melanosis coli, which is a condition related to colorectal cancer. However, you can use aloe vera for weight loss also.
Possible Carcinogen
Of course, aloe vera is usually safe for regular use, especially in the form of gels or cream. However, consuming too much of aloe vera without doctor’s recommendation can increase the risk of aloe vera becoming a carcinogen.
So, you can use aloe vera if you want to try a natural product. However, keep these Aloe Vera Side Effects in mind before you start consuming it. You need to regulate its quantity to avoid these side effects.
Instead of consuming Aloe Vera, you can use it topically for treating hair and skin problems. You will be amazed to discover that you can even use aloe vera for hair growth.
Also Read: How to grow aloe vera