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Aloe vera juice is widely used to treat various health problems, including constipation and heartburn. Its benefits to our health are numerous. However, do you know this herbal drink can be harmful to your health, as well? Aloe vera juice has its apparent side effects. Drinking unprocessed aloe vera juice extracted from latex can trigger several side effects causing severe health risks.
The juice is particularly not advisable for certain people. Expecting and lactating mothers, people with digestive issues and on medications, must consult a dietician.
Taxing the digestive health
Aloe vera juice has a substance called anthraquinone. As per medical science, it is a laxative that can cause diarrhoea if taken in excessive amounts. Severe diarrhoea can cause pain and cramps. If one experiences it uncontrolled, it may lead to intense dehydration. Meanwhile, if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal problems, it is wise to say no to this beverage. It houses a high quantity of laxatives which can add to the severity of the problem.
Can interfere with medication
It is highly recommended to seek medical advice before starting to drink Aloe Vera juice, especially if you're on medication. Why? The fluid may cause adverse reactions when you have it, along with some specific medicines. Laxatives in aloe vera may even restrain the absorption of some drugs in the body. Its juice has also shown the reaction to herbs such as jalap roots, castor oil, rhubarb root and bark root. This eventually leads to dehydration and diarrhoea. Fenugreek and garlic are tough to digest well with aloe juice. In addition, it brings blood sugar and potassium levels down in the body.
Extracting juice from aloe vera, Image Credit: yummymummykitchen.com
Can trigger allergy
We all know the good side of applying aloe vera gel or natural fluid as a topical application. However, consuming aloe vera juice at times may result in allergic reactions such as skin rash or hives and itchy or swollen skin. It doesn't end there. One may experience difficulty in breathing, chest pain and throat irritation. So consult your doctor before adding this juice to your diet.
Aggravate existing medical conditions
As mentioned earlier, aloe vera juice's latex content can trigger many health risks. For example, it might aggravate problems, including colitis, Crohn's disease, appendicitis, diverticulosis, intestinal obstruction, haemorrhoid, stomach pains and ulcers. There are reported cases of hepatitis caused by this juice.
Cause uterine contractions
Expecting and nursing women should avoid aloe vera juice because of its purgative and irritant qualities. It may rouse uterine contractions in pregnant women, leading to miscarriage and birth defects. Likewise, nursing mothers should refrain from consuming it since it has anthraquinone. This component can cause diarrhoea.
Aloe Vera juice is also not recommended for children below 12.
