Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: IBS and Aloe Vera Juice

Welcome to the board,

Presumably you are IBS-C (i.e. constipation predominant) and you use aleo vera to help with the C. There is plenty of misinformation about aloe vera and IBS on the Web.

Heather has an excellent write-up on aloe vera and IBS in on of her newsletters title Aloe Vera and IBS "Can aloe vera help my IBS symptoms? Is it safe?" in which she says the following:

"Who would have thought aloe vera could be bad for you? Keep reading to learn just why it can be downright dangerous."

"Because aloe is well-known as a gentle external treatment for minor burns and skin irritations, it's easy to assume that it would be safe for use internally as well. This is not necessarily true. Even though aloe vera is a plant, and thus "natural", it is still classified by the FDA as a Class 1 harsh stimulant laxative. There are substances called anthroquinones and anthrones in aloe, which produce a laxative effect by increasing colonic peristalsis and intestinal water content, by opening chloride channels of the colonic membrane to cause a net reduction of liquid absorption by the colon.

"In plain English, this means that aloe causes faster and stronger contractions of the colon - something that people with IBS are already overly prone to, and which can cause violent abdominal cramps, painful spasms, and diarrhea."

There is plenty more information in the article. One should think about the possible side effects before using aleo vera with IBS.

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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS

The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS

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