General Uses and Contraindications
Aloe vera is a plant that can currently be found in a wide variety of products, including food, cosmetics and even medicines. This is because this plant has a large number of benefits for our body and can be used both topically and ingested in the form of juices.
Whether we use Aloe Vera gel directly extracted from the plant, or whether we use a product already manufactured for topical purposes, the contraindications are minimal. It can cause some type of allergic reaction in a very small percentage of the population or damage in some specific cases that we will mention later.
Therefore, It is advisable to first test the Aloe Vera on a small area of skin. and thus ensure that we do not suffer any allergic reaction.
However, if we drink Aloe vera juice, this is where we can find some adverse effects to take into account.
In this post we are going to tell you All about Aloe Vera juice and its contraindications so you can take it more safely.
Contraindications of Aloe Vera
In pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and young children
The first contraindication of Aloe vera is its use in pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and small children. Aloe vera has the ability to regulate the digestive system, helping with heartburn, reflux, and even balancing intestinal flora. However, in pregnant women, breastfeeding women and young children, the intake of Aloe vera could cause diarrhea and stomach upset.
In people with diabetes
Just like the previous contraindication, The consumption of this plant is also contraindicated for people who have diabetes of any kind., since this plant (in the long term) can harm the natural production of glucose in the blood, which would decrease it within the body and cause diabetes to worsen.
Electrolyte loss
The loss of electrolytes due to prolonged consumption of Aloe vera is also a reality, causing reduce potassium in your body which in turn can lead to severe heart problems, which is another important reason why it is contraindicated for people with heart-related diseases.
Recommendation of use
Since Aloe vera juice has some contraindications, It is necessary that you take this kind of natural supplement always under the supervision of a specialist in the health area., so that you can prevent or be warned about any negative aspects that this intake may have on your body.
When NOT to use Aloe Vera
Aloe vera juice, as already demonstrated, can bring with it great disadvantages if not consumed with proper care. Interestingly, this concept can also be applied when trying to use Aloe Vera topically., being poorly implemented in such a way that it harms the entire organism irreparably. Therefore, it is worth knowing when Aloe Vera should not be used topically or consumed:
For severe burns
Aloe Vera Concentrate It can help treat minor burns thanks to its moisturizing properties., but this is not the case when it comes to really serious burns. Using Aloe vera on severe burns can worsen the condition of the burn.
Before corticosteroid treatments
One of the least known contraindications of Aloe Vera involves the consumption of the plant when undergoing treatment with corticosteroids. This combination could harm the functioning of this type of hormones!
To heal open wounds
Aloe vera itself has a very powerful healing effect that acts on the dermis if applied to minor or small wounds. On the contrary, this effect does not appear in the case of large open wounds, rather, obtaining an effect of irritation and delay in healing.
To hydrate the skin
Pure Aloe Vera juice does not moisturize the skin, despite what most people may say about it. What does moisturize the skin are creams and remedies based on aloe. Aloe vera that make use of their properties in conjunction with other substances to achieve the corresponding hydration.
Be careful with using Aloe vera juice as digestive solutions
To counteract diarrhea
It is correct to say that taking Aloe vera can improve the overall condition of the digestive system., avoiding gas and stomach discomfort of any kind imaginable. However, we must mention that Aloe Vera also tends to worsen the condition of diarrhea, so its consumption is not really recommended if you have this type of stomach problem.
If you are taking blood thinning medications
Aloe vera can act in the same way as the anticoagulant you are taking, promoting uncontrollable bleeding that can seriously endanger your health. Therefore, it is not advisable to consume Aloe Vera if you take anticoagulants.
If you are going to enter a surgical intervention soon
It is known that Aloe Vera tends to thin the blood, which is the main reason why it is not recommended to ingest it or use it in its pure form if you are about to undergo surgery. You could make the operation much riskier!
Other less known contraindications of Aloe vera juice
The most well-known contraindications of Aloe Vera juice have been mentioned above, and the reasons why there is a tendency to not recommend its prolonged use. However, this particular fact does not mean that there are no further contraindications that may be a bit on the specific side., but they are still necessary to know if it is really necessary to use Aloe vera to improve health (which is possible if Aloe vera juice is used properly).
In people with Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome
Aloe vera is contraindicated for people who suffer from Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome, since the Aloe vera can cause a worsening of the symptoms of these diseases, causing much more discomfort..
In people with hemorrhoids and kidney problems
Aloe vera is also contraindicated for people who have hemorrhoids and kidney problems in general, since the kidneys could be greatly damaged by the stress to which this plant in particular subjects the body.
Allergic reactions
It is possible that you are allergic to Aloe vera and, if so, it is obviously contraindicated. To confirm whether you are allergic to Aloe Vera or not, place a little pure gel on your skin and see how it reacts.
Responsible use
You have to understand that the aloe vera juice and Aloe vera in general are not capable of working miracles on a medical level (despite the fact that it is popularly known as a miracle plant). What it can do is help you feel better and improve the physical condition of your body as long as it is used precisely and appropriately.
The key to making Aloe Vera work is to be in good enough health and to take into account the contraindications already mentioned, in addition to having the advice of a health professional who can guide and advise on the use of this plant. It's up to you to feel good and make good use of nature to improve your health!
You may be interested in:
- Complete Guide: Pure Aloe Vera Gel and Its Uses
- Differences between aloe vera gel, juice and extract
- Benefits and Properties of Aloe Vera Juice to Drink