Aloe Vera Health Benefits
Who knew an aloe vera plant had so much goodness packed into its leaves? Despite the bevy of nutrients inside the gel, modern-day science has sought to confirm many claims made about the plant. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health an arm of the National Institutes of Health says the gel isnt approved for any oral uses primarily because of a lack of evidence. Researchers have spent decades analyzing the plant as a health remedy and have come up with fascinating results.
1. Aids in Digestion
Aloe vera is popular in natural health as a digestion aid.
Aloe is chock full of antioxidants which promote a strong immune system and the polysaccharides also have anti-inflammatory qualities. Some people use aloe to help with irritable bowel syndrome , ulcers and to detoxify the intestinal track.
Kelly Morrow is a core faculty member in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science at Bastyr University.
Aloe vera is soothing to the mucosal tissues in the gut, says Kelly Morrow, MS, RD, CD, a faculty member in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Science at Bastyr University in Washington.
Morrow, who is also a clinical supervisor at Bastyr Center for Natural Health, has used aloe vera gel to ease irritation in the digestive track in patients going through chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Its soothing to any kind of irritation, Morrow says.
For gastritis, aloe isnt at the top of my list, she asserts.
2. Strengthens the Immune System
Juices That Help Reduce The Inflammation Of The Liver Pancreas And Kidneys
The juices we want to tell you about today are rich in several nutrients. Therefore, they may contribute to the health of all of the systems in your body, including your liver. At the same time, they could help maintain optimal intestinal transit and prevent constipation. So, lets move on to the recipes!
Who Should Not Take Aloe Vera
Aloe latex and aloe whole leaf extracts are possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in children. Children younger than 12 years old might have stomach pain, cramps, and diarrhea. Intestinal conditions such as Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, or obstruction: Do not take aloe latex if you have any of these conditions.
Read Also: Is Pomegranate Juice Good For Kidney Stones
Aloe Harvesting And Production
Before aloe gel and juice can hit store shelves, it has to be properly harvested and undergo a highly-sanitized production process.
Aloe farms can be found throughout the world. Africa, Australia, Asia, Central America, South America and the Caribbean are all popular locations for growing aloe for commercial use. Perhaps because aloe has been recognized as big business by many, farms in other countries are cropping up. The International Aloe Science Council states that commercial operations have requested set-up help in Greece, Iran and other countries in the Middle East.
Cultivation
To grow strong aloe plants, farms need good irrigation systems, fertilization and the proper climate. Since aloe is resistant to insects and disease, theres no need for pesticides.
Did you know? There are no aloe vera seeds, only pups. To grow a new aloe plant, simply cut offshoots of a mature plant and replant.
Harvesting
While cutting and gathering aloe leaves may seem like a simple task, theres a science behind it. If cut improperly, aloe loses its potency quickly and becomes susceptible to contamination. Farm employees harvest the largest leaves which are found at the bottom of the plant. Some aloe plants yield three leaves at a time, while others can produce six to nine leaves at harvest time.
How aloe is cut:
Upon harvesting, the leaves are gathered and delivered to a highly-regulated and sanitized processing facility.
Processing
Pasteurization
Drinking Alcohol In Excess
Regular heavy drinking more than four drinks a day has been found to double the risk chronic kidney disease. Heavy drinkers who also smoke have an even higher risk of kidney problems. Smokers who are heavy drinkers have about five times the chance of developing chronic kidney disease than people who dont smoke or drink alcohol to excess.
Recommended Reading: Can Seltzer Water Cause Kidney Stones
Water Pills Interacts With Aloe
When taken by mouth aloe latex is a laxative. Some laxatives can decrease potassium in the body. “Water pills” can also decrease potassium in the body. Taking aloe latex along with “water pills” might decrease potassium in the body too much.Some “water pills” that can decrease potassium include chlorothiazide , chlorthalidone , furosemide , hydrochlorothiazide , and others.
Aloe Veras Topical Uses
Aloe vera may be most well-known for its moisturizing properties. It can be found in plenty of skin and hair products, but it can also be used straight from the plant.
Aloes reputation for healing wounds starts as far back as 1935 when it was documented that the whole-leaf extract promoted complete regeneration of the skin. Research suggests that polysaccharides in the gel have anti-itching and anti-inflammatory that help with wound healing.
The most remarkable experiences have been with topical uses, Morrow recalls. It encourages regeneration of tissue.
However, more research is needed another study demonstrated that aloe may delay surgical wound healing.
Anecdotal evidence suggests aloe can be used topically for the following purposes:
Hair conditioning
Mix equal parts water and aloe vera gel together. Next, add an essential oil of your choice. The aloe locks in moisture and blocks external toxins from damaging hair.
The moisture from the aloe also promotes a healthy scalp and the anti fungal elements in the gel are known to eliminate dandruff.
Skin Inflammation
The combination of vitamins and minerals in aloe can soothe skin that is red from inflammation and acne. Regularly applying aloe to the face can help reduce redness.
Psoriasis
Some studies have found aloe may help treat the skin disease. The NIH cites research that used a cream with 0.5 percent aloe and after four to eight weeks, skin plaques were reduced and the overall severity lessened.
Lip Treatment
You May Like: Wine For Kidney Stones
Side Effects Of Aloe Vera Could Be Harmful For You Watch Out For
The aloe vera plant is known for its healing properties and has long been used as a herbal medicine. Taking aloe vera supplements, for instance, is not good for you.
Experts say that aloe vera is best had in its natural form. Ingredients like aloe vera, amla, and neem must be consumed like medicines, and an excess of anything can be bad.
Aloe latex can cause some side effects such as stomach pain and cramps. .
Tips To Be Water Wise For Healthy Kidneys
Keep your kidneys healthy by being water wise. This means drinking the right amount of water for you. A common misconception is that everyone should drink eight glasses of water per day, but since everyone is different, daily water needs will vary by person. How much water you need is based on differences in age, climate, exercise intensity, as well as states of pregnancy, breastfeeding, and illness.
About 60-70% of your body weight is made up of water, and every part of your body needs it to function properly. Water helps the kidneys remove wastes from your blood in the form of urine. Water also helps keep your blood vessels open so that blood can travel freely to your kidneys, and deliver essential nutrients to them. But if you become dehydrated, then it is more difficult for this delivery system to work. Mild dehydration can make you feel tired, and can impair normal bodily functions. Severe dehydration can lead to kidney damage, so it is important to drink enough when you work or exercise very hard, and especially in warm and humid weather.
Don’t Miss: What Laxative Is Safe For Kidneys
Cranberry Juice For Chronic Kidney Disease:
The organic compounds found in cranberries are very effective for reducing the severity of infections in the kidney. It is recommended to treat all sorts of kidney issues. Drinking 2 to 3 glasses of cranberry juice during periods of inflammation or irritation in the kidneys will be helpful in reducing these symptoms. You can follow this therapy for preventing the development of kidney infections. However, it is important not to drink too much cranberry juice, as the fruit juice can be toxic in extremely high concentrations.
Side Effects Of Aloe Vera
While there are unprecedented benefits of aloe vera gel, it can also have certain side effects that may affect overall health. Here are some side effects of aloe vera gel that you should know:
Also Check: Va Rating For Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3
Dandelion For Chronic Kidney Disease:
The diuretic properties of dandelion may help in treating kidney diseases. It is also a good source of vitamin A and has been used in traditional medical systems to cure various health ailments including kidney diseases. Dandelion is a great source of minerals such as potassium, iron, and zinc. Not only dandelion leaves but also dandelion roots can treat kidney failure effectively and naturally as it has antibacterial properties which can reduce the frequency of urinary tract infections. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to dissolve kidney stones. Drinking dandelion tea is believed to improve kidney failure. However, it is important for you to talk to your doctor before using dandelion to treat kidney failure, kidney stone, and other health conditions. The daily recommended dosage for patients with kidney failure is 2 g to 8 g of dried dandelion root which can be taken three times per day. Alternatively, take 250 mg doses of powdered extract in capsules three or four times daily. It may react with certain drugs that are used to treat high blood pressure or diabetes. Also it is suggested not to take dandelion for more than one month if you suffer from gallbladder disease.
Is Aloe High In Potassium
Aloe vera is chock-full of vitamins and minerals Aloe vera contains more than 75 different health-boosting compounds, including antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E vitamin B12 and minerals such as zinc, copper, selenium, potassium, and calcium, according to research in the March 2020 issue of Molecules.
You May Like: Does Red Wine Cause Kidney Stones
Houseplants You Should Keep Away From Your Cat
Aloe juice and pulp can be used to treat a variety of conditions in people, but it is highly toxic to cats.Your cat can experience salivation, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion and other concerning symptoms after consuming this potent houseplant.To keep your cats safe, use eucalyptus essential oil in a sealed container instead of fresh or dried plants.In some cases, poisoning in your cat can take hours to manifest as it works its way through their vital organs, including their kidneys.Christmas trees – or their limbs, needles and pine cones – are popular home decor during the fall and winter seasons.In addition, pine needles can become choking items, so watch for signs of distress in your feline when they are around your decor, including:.If you believe your cat is choking or experiencing other symptoms of poisoning and they have been near your Christmas tree or its needles, call your vet right away.If you have houseplants and you are concerned about keeping them around your cat, call our vet team at Pet Medical Center of Vero Beach today. .
What You Can Do With Aloe Vera
Aloe vera may turn out to be more than just a superfood and skin and hair treatment. It can be used for other daily tasks, like brushing your teeth and keeping food fresh. Here are 10 things you can do with aloe vera.
1. Toothpaste and mouthwash
Aloe vera gel contains antiseptic properties which can help clean teeth and gums. Since it doesnt contain harsh ingredients, the soothing gel may be a better option for people with sensitive teeth. The NIH also states the ingredient can help reduce inflammation of the gums caused by gingivitis or periodontitis.
2. Food preservative
Back in 2005, researchers in Spain found that adding an aloe vera coating to fruits and vegetables may help them last longer. In 2014, researchers tested the effectiveness of aloe vera as a coating on tomatoes.
The results showed that aloe vera prevented parasitic and fungus growth on the tomatoes. The quality of the fruit was maintained but the aloe coating did delay ripening.
3. Shaving Gel
Aloes moisturizing qualities make for a natural and refreshing shave gel. It also helps prevent razor burn and soothes cuts. Mix one part olive oil and three parts pure aloe vera to make your own concoction.
4. Body/Face Mist
Aloe gel has a cooling effect. With a few ingredients, you can make a refreshing spritz for the body and face. Heres a recipe from MindBodyGreen.
Cucumber-Aloe Hydrating Mist
- 1 tsp. witch hazel
Instructions:
5. Fight Dandruff
6. Ice Cubes
7. Hand Sanitizer
8. Skin Salves
9. Face Scrub
Read Also: Is Cranberry Juice Good For Your Liver And Kidneys
Is Aloe Vera Bad For Kidneys
4.1/5Aloe vera juicebad for kidneyaloekidneyskidneyaloe vera juice
Furthermore, is aloe vera safe for kidneys?
Aloe gel is generally considered safe when appropriately applied to the skin. It might be safe when appropriate doses are taken orally for a short time. Taking 1 gram a day of aloe latex for several days can cause acute kidney failure and can be fatal. Aloe latex might also have the potential to cause cancer.
Likewise, is aloe vera dangerous? Summary Aloe vera latex can be harmful, especially to pregnant women, people with digestive disorders and people on certain medications. You should also avoid aloe vera gel if you take diabetes, heart or kidney medications.
Subsequently, one may also ask, what are the side effects of aloe vera?
Common side effects of aloe include:
- blood sugar
- Burning and itching of the skin
- Stomach pain and cramps
- Diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances
- Liver problems
Can too much aloe vera be bad?
Aloe latex can cause some side effects such as stomach pain and cramps. Long-term use of large amounts of aloe latex might cause diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances. Taking aloe latex 1 gram daily for several days can be fatal.
Dangers Of Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera juice has already been used for many centuries to cure a variety of health conditions such as kidney stones, bowel disorders, peptic ulcers and constipation. Aloe vera juice is considered as the main form of the aloe herb for it to be taken orally. However, there are some dangers of aloe vera juice that you may not be aware of. Despite the fact that it is a natural product, the consumption of aloe vera juice may give you some side effects. Some of those may really be dangerous.
You May Like: Is Watermelon Good For Your Kidneys
What Disease Can Aloe Vera Cure
The bioactive compounds from Aloe vera are claimed to be very effective in treatment of various ailments, such as burns, allergic reactions, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, acid indigestion, ulcers, diabetes, skin diseases, dysentery, diarrhea, piles and inflammatory conditions of the digestive system and other
Aloe Vera Juice For Chronic Kidney Disease:
The healing and antioxidant properties make aloe vera an effective home remedy in fighting against kidney disease. It is also used in many different health treatments for various conditions for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking Aloe Vera juice together with medical treatments for kidney failures can fasten the healing process and give you a significant relief for unpleasant symptoms. As it is packed with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, saponins, lignins, and anthraquinones that are necessary for the body, Aloe Vera juice can give you a significant relief for kidney disease.
Also Check: Std Kidney Pain
Research Indicates Aloe Vera Helps Promote Kidney And Urinary Tract
Khon Kaen, THAILAND Researchers at Khon Kaen University have provided additional confirmation for the strong potential of Aloe vera gel in preventing renal stone formation. Based on past use of citrate-rich herbal products in promoting kidney health, two intriguing studies set out to evaluate citrate concentrations in fresh aloe and then observe changes in urinary concentrations among study subjects after consuming aloe gel. An additional benefit discovered during the studies was on overall increase in urinary volume, also helpful in promoting urinary tract health through decreasing salt crystallization.
The use of Aloe as a soothing topical is ubiquitous in the US, said Ken Jones, Chief Science Officer of Aloecorp®, the worlds leading vertically integratedmanufacturer of bioactive aloe products. To learn more about these studies and the many other whole health benefits of Aloe vera gel, contact Aloecorp at or call 458-2563, ext. .
Home Remedies For Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is a slow and progressive loss of kidney function over a period of several years, which will lead to permanent kidney failure eventually. It is also known as chronic renal failure, chronic renal disease, or chronic kidney failure. It often goes undetected and undiagnosed until the disease is well advanced.
You May Like: Can You Have 4 Kidneys