Aloe Vera for Heartburn
Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.
Aloe vera consumption dates all way back to ancient Egypt and has been consumed topically and orally in foods. Studies revealed that the aloe vera plant may have comparable soothing and calming effects on those suffering from acid reflux. In addition to treating heartburn, aloe vera also offer a variety of benefits like reducing cholesterol, lowering blood sugar, promoting hair growth, and revitalizing skin.
Aloe vera is abundant in healthy nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids which help cleanse the body, improve digestion, and ease waste removal. This article details aloe vera effects for heartburn, other benefits, and possible risks and side effects.
What is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a herbaceous, perennial plant that thrives in tropical climates and has long been used topically and orally. The gel is obtained from one of the stalks when you split it open. Aloe vera gel is best known for its ability to use as a natural cure for acid reflux, burns, and scrapes. Aloe plant extract is widely used as an active ingredient in moisturizers, perfumes, and cosmetics. It is typically associated with skin care; however, research has also shown that it may also be helpful for internal diseases.
Is Aloe Vera Effective for Heartburn?
Heartburn, often known as acid reflux is a condition in which the acidic content of your stomach frequently flows into your esophagus. When food reaches your stomach, a valve at the end of your esophagus often fails to close completely.
It is a common condition affecting millions of people around the world. Some people may experience chest pain, swallowing difficulties, and hoarseness on awakening. It is believed that drinking aloe vera juice helps reduce acid reflux symptoms. It has the potential to decrease inflammation and increase the production of bile, hydrochloric acid, and pancreatic enzymes.
The treatment of gastrointestinal problems and the improvement of digestion are two common uses for aloe vera products. To help with digestion, health food stores sell aloe juice, which you should consume one to three times daily with a spoonful (15ml) of water or juice mixed in.
What does Research Say?
Recent studies showed that aloe vera juice is an effective and secure remedy for treating reflux symptoms. According to a 2015 study, aloe vera consumption significantly improved the symptoms of acid reflux without causing any side effects. The research concluded that aloe vera works by reducing acid production and relieving inflammation.
According to a randomized positive control trial, individuals were instructed to consume either 10 ml of aloe vera syrup or omeprazole and ranitidine tablets for one month. Results showed that individuals who consumed aloe vera syrup reduced the frequency of acid reflux symptoms.
In a study, aloe vera’s effects were investigated for the treatment of symptoms of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease. These symptoms include food regurgitation, dysphagia, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, belching and acid regurgitation. Aloe vera’s effects were compared with those of omeprazole and ranitidine and results showed that aloe vera has significantly reduced the symptoms of GERD without causing any adverse effects to the body.
Other Benefits
Aloe vera is a well-known medicinal plant that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions and promote overall health.
Speed Up Wound Healing
Aloe vera is commonly used as a topical treatment, which is rubbed onto the skin to treat burns, sores, and sunburns. It possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat first and second-degree burns. A study revealed that topical application of aloe vera reduced the healing time by 9 days compared to other medications.
May Prevent Tooth Decay
Teeth and gum diseases are common diseases affecting millions of people. These diseases can be reduced by preventing the buildup of plaque and bacterial biofilm on the teeth' surface. In a study, the effects of aloe vera rinse were compared with a mouthwash (chlorhexidine) in reducing dental plaques and results showed that aloe vera rinse was as effective as chlorhexidine.
Can Relieve Constipation
The latex obtained from under the skin of the aloe vera leaf is known to help relieve constipation. These laxative properties are attributed to bioactive compounds like aloin and barbaloin which help loosen stool and ease the passage.
Prevent Skin Diseases
The topical application of aloe vera gel is associated with skin health. It helps relieve various skin disorders like acne, psoriasis, and acne. Aloe gel moisturizes the skin, reduces the onset of wrinkles, and slows the aging process.
Reduce Blood Sugar Levels
Aloe vera is used in the treatment of diabetes due to its ability to reduce insulin resistance and manage blood sugar levels.
How to Use Aloe Vera Supplements
It is recommended to read all product labels before using any kind of natural supplements. The dosage will change based on the product's manufacturer, potency, and user. Asking a doctor or pharmacist for the right dose for you is crucial if you want to receive the most advantages with few to no adverse effects. To guarantee that your aloe juice is of the highest quality and is free of latex, check the labels and read the components. Aloe latex and aloin might pose certain hazards.
Aloe vera may be used in several advantageous ways to alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux:
Softgels can be taken throughout the day to aid digestion and reduce heartburn, especially before meals. They can also be taken as soon as indigestion or heartburn starts.
Before or after eating a meal, use aloe vera gel, juice, or powder in a similar manner by mixing it with water. Aloe vera often has a bitter flavor, but this flavor may be successfully disguised by combining it with other ingredients to create a pleasant drink that will not aggravate your acid reflux.
Risks and Side Effects
Women who are pregnant and attempting to become pregnant should avoid aloe vera internally. If you experience heartburn during pregnancy, speak to your doctor to find a better treatment.
Aloe vera can be used topically for kids and babies, but if taken internally as a supplement, see a doctor first.
Before consuming aloe vera, speak with a doctor because it may interfere with already prescribed medications.
Aloe vera can severely drop your blood glucose levels, therefore anybody with diabetes or on medication to manage their blood glucose should speak with a doctor.
Although aloe vera has certain health advantages, it is also known to make other medical issues worse, including Crohn's disease, hemorrhoids, and ulcerative colitis.
The person who is allergic to plants in the Liliaceae family should not use aloe vera as it may cause some adverse effects.
Bottom Line
Aloe vera is an amazing medicinal plant with soothing and calming properties. It offers a wide variety of benefits to the body including treating heartburn, relieving constipation, managing blood sugar levels, accelerating wound healing, and preventing skin diseases.
Here you can check out Vorst’s Aloe vera Chewable Tablets.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26742306/
https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/effective-natural-treatment-gerd-aloe-vera-syrup
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254627215301515
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4006208/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6163315/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2883372/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27009750/