Aloe-vera is known for its medicinal and skin benefits. Aloe-vera gel is made up of the water which it stores in its leaves. Therefore the leaves of this plant are thick and fleshy. To get a cooling gel, you need to slice the leaves and apply the sticky coolant where ever you want. This moist gel is beneficial for health, skin, and hair. But as it is always said, excess of anything is wrong, and the same is the case with aloe-vera. Everyone may not be benefitted with the nutrients of aloe-vera. Some may be allergic to it, or some could have faced some side-effects out of it. Here we present to you some of the side effects of aloe vera. While aloe vera is a safe plant, it can have some side-effects of drinking if consumed without being adequately processed after being extracted from the latex. These side-effects of aloe vera juice can lead to significant health risks.
Aloe vera juice side effects
Diarrhoea
The laxative present in aloe vera can cause diarrhoea if taken in large amounts. Some people drink the juice before having their meals to help the digestive system absorb nutrients and breakdown the foods. While the limited amount may help stimulate bowel movements or reduce constipation, an overdose of it can cause diarrhoea and cramping.
Reaction to medicines
If you are undergoing medical treatment for an ailment or taking prescription drugs, the side-effects of drinking aloe vera juice can hit you harder. It may react with your medicines, and the laxative present in the liquid can inhibit the absorption of some drugs in the body. Not just treatments, aloe vera juice does not go well with fenugreek or garlic. Low blood sugar and potassium levels in the body are some side-effects of drinking aloe vera juice with these herbs or drugs.
Allergy
If you are allergic to plants from the Liliaceae family (like onions, garlic, tulips, lilies, etc), you are more likely to develop allergic reactions to aloe vera juice whether it is taken orally or topically. This side-effect of aloe vera juice in the form of an allergic reaction can cause a skin rash, chest pain, difficulty breathing, swollen skin, and hives. If you want to ward off such side-effects of drinking aloe vera juice, perform a simple patch test on your skin before directly applying the gel to your skin.
Also Read: Tips To Spot An Allergy Attack
Miscarriage
Pregnant women are strongly recommended against drinking aloe vera juice for its strong laxative qualities, leading to congenital disabilities and miscarriage. Do you know that aloe vera juice's side-effects affect lactating moms too? Because it may get transferred on to the baby through the milk and cause diarrhoea in the last. Also, children below twelve years of age are recommended against drinking aloe vera juice.
Heart diseases
Aloe vera juice can cause your body to produce excessive amounts of adrenaline which can be harmful to people who suffer from heart problems. It lowers the potassium levels in the body, causing irregular heartbeats, weakness, and soft muscles. It is, therefore, not recommended for children and older adults.
Gastrointestinal issues
Drinking aloe vera juice can aggravate irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal problems in people who have them. Side-effects of drinking aloe vera juice don’t end here. The high amount of laxatives present in unprocessed juice can also cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in the body. A change in your urine colour to pink or red can also be a side-effect of aloe vera juice.
Also Read: Eating Cranberries Can Cure Gastrointestinal Problems In Adults
Blood sugar
Drinking aloe vera juice can lower blood sugar levels in your body. If you are taking any medications to regulate blood sugar or diabetes, you should not consume aloe vera. People who regularly take medications such as insulin may experience blood sugar imbalances as well, so they need to be very cautious about side-effects of drinking aloe vera juice. Prolonged use of aloe vera juice can increase the risk of constipation. An overdose can also cause blood to build-up in the pelvis, leading to kidney damage. It is best not to drink aloe vera juice unless under medical supervision.
Aloe vera juice can cause diarrhoea if taken in large amounts. It may even inhibit the absorption of some drugs in the body. Drinking aloe vera juice can result in allergic reactions. Thus, you should consume aloe vera juice carefully so that it does not harm your health in any manner.
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