[toc wrapping=”right”]The aloe Vera plant is well known for its soothing qualities. Many people use aloe Vera soothe sunburns, relieve the pain of minor burns and cuts, or reduce inflammation from arthritis. However, did you know that there are side effects associated with eating aloe Vera? This blog post will discuss some of these side effects in detail.
Cramps and Stomachache
The first side effect of eating aloe Vera is cramps and stomachache. This occurs because the aloe Vera plant contains a compound called anthraquinonoid. Anthraquinonoid can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to cramps and stomachaches.
It may also alter the absorption of iron, which can lead to anemia. It can also cause intestinal blockage, which may lead to abdominal distention and shock.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Another side effect is vomiting, diarrhea and upset stomach. Because aloe Vera contains compounds that may cause irritation in the stomach lining or even intestinal bleeding. This results in nausea, vomiting, cramps, bloating, gas, and maybe bloody stools.
These are all symptoms that have been reported by people who ate too much aloe Vera or took a high dose of aloe Vera supplement for long periods of time.
Allergic Reaction
As with any food product consumed orally, there is always a potential risk for allergic reaction due to ingestion of trace amounts of allergens common ingredients found within Aloe Vera.
A small proportion of the population experiences allergic contact dermatitis as a result of handling aloe latex gloves or coming into contact with products containing Aloe Vera. Symptoms may include skin rash, itching, and hives. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock can occur, which is a potentially life-threatening condition.
Blood Sugar Levels to Rise
Eating aloe Vera may cause your blood sugar levels to rise. This is because Aloe Vera contains a substance called Aloin, which can interfere with the absorption of glucose by cells in the intestine and make it difficult for insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into muscle tissues and other organs.
This means that eating aloe Vera regularly could lead to problems with diabetes. If you have pre-diabetes or Type II Diabetes, be sure not to eat too much fresh aloe at one time because this could trigger a diabetic crisis. In some cases, it can also cause your blood sugar levels to decline, which is also dangerous.
Itching On Your Skin
Another side effect of eating aloe Vera is itching on your skin. This occurs because the plant contains a compound called urushiol, which is also found in poison ivy and oak. Urushiol can cause an allergic reaction that results in an itchy rash.
It can also cause a burning sensation on your skin and swelling. If you experience itching from eating aloe Vera, stop taking it and see a doctor.
Liver Problems
Aloe Vera contains Aloin and emodin, which are compounds that can damage the liver. If you have pre-existing liver problems or drink alcohol regularly, eating aloe Vera may worsen your condition.
So it is very important to monitor your intake of aloe Vera. Aloe Vera very rarely affects the liver, but if you are not careful with the amount of consumption of aloe Vera, then it can be dangerous for your liver.
Kidney Problems
Another side effect is kidney problems. Large consumption of Aloe Vera has been known to cause inflammation of the kidneys in people who eat large amounts of it over a long period of time.
People with existing conditions such as gout, arthritis, colitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, pancreatic cancer, or blood clotting disorders should also avoid taking high doses for extended periods because this could exacerbate their symptoms.
In addition, some animal studies show that oral intake of aloe latex increases oxidative stress in the kidneys and could lead to kidney failure. Hence, it is important to be cautious.
Weaken Your Muscles
Eating large amounts of aloe Vera may weaken your muscles and cause muscle wasting. It is thought to interfere with the absorption of proteins by cells in the small intestines, which means that people who eat a lot of it can become malnourished.
It also inhibits an enzyme which plays a role in producing energy for muscular contractions. This side effect isn’t life-threatening, but you should still be careful when eating aloe Vera if you are exercising because it could affect your workout routine.
Blood in Urine
The most commonly known side effect is blood in the urine. If you have kidney disease, eating aloe Vera may increase your risk of bleeding into the urine caused by high levels of oxalates that are found in Aloe.
Oxalate deposits can also form on kidneys and lead to chronic inflammation, so it’s important not to consume large amounts on a regular basis if you already suffer from pre-existing conditions such as gout or arthritis.
In addition, eating more than the recommended amount has been linked with increased calcium excretion through the urine, which could cause bone loss over time. This means that eating too much aloe Vera may weaken bones and leave them more prone to breaks. It was even reported that some people who ate large amounts of aloe Vera had blood in their urine, which is a sign that the plant is affecting your kidneys adversely.
Some Heart Issues
Some people may also experience heart-related problems such as low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat. This side effect isn’t life-threatening, but you should still be careful when eating aloe Vera if you are taking any medications that could cause your heart rate to drop or if you already suffer from pre-existing conditions such as anxiety, depression, or panic disorder because it can worsen these symptoms significantly.
Some Digestive Issues
If taken orally in high doses, Aloe Vera can interfere with the absorption of nutrients by cells in the small intestines and lead to digestive issues like diarrhea and abdominal pain. So if you are thinking of consuming aloe Vera, be aware that it may cause some digestive problems.
This side effect isn’t life-threatening, but if you experience any severe pain when eating aloe Vera, stop immediately and contact your doctor because it could indicate a more severe issue like inflammation in the intestines.
Reduced Potassium in the Body
Another potential side effect of eating aloe Vera is that it can reduce the level of potassium in the body. This is because Aloe Vera contains a compound called lectin, which inhibits the absorption of potassium and other minerals.
This means that if you eat too much aloe Vera, you may become deficient in these essential nutrients and experience symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, and irregular heartbeat. So again, it’s important to be aware of these potential side effects before consuming aloe Vera so you can make an informed decision.
Damage Your Skin
If you are thinking of using aloe Vera topically, be aware that it can damage your skin. Aloe Vera contains a compound called anthraquinones, which is a laxative agent. This means that if you apply aloe Vera to your skin, it may cause diarrhea and abdominal pain.
It can also be irritating to the skin and lead to more severe conditions like dermatitis or even cancer. So if you are considering using aloe Vera on your skin, please talk to a healthcare professional first to see if it’s right for you.
Dehydration
Another potential side effect of consuming aloe Vera is dehydration. Aloe Vera contains a compound called saponins, which can cause the body to lose water.
This means that if you consume aloe Vera regularly, you may become dehydrated and experience symptoms like thirst, dry mouth, and dizziness. So again, be aware of these potential side effects before consuming aloe Vera so you can make an informed decision.
Issues for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women should be particularly careful when eating aloe Vera because it can cause a lot of issues. The plant contains compounds that may stimulate the uterus and lead to miscarriage or premature birth.
It can also lower estrogen levels, which means pregnant women who eat Aloe Vera regularly may have difficulty conceiving later on in life. This side effect isn’t life threatening but still, why take any risk? So if you are thinking of consuming aloe Vera during pregnancy, please talk to your doctor first to see what options there are for you.
Unhealthy Weight Loss
Another potential side effect of aloe Vera is that it can cause unhealthy weight loss. When taken orally in high doses, Aloe Vera has the ability to suppress appetite and reduce the amount you eat by a reasonable percentage.
This means if you are eating aloe Vera regularly, your calorie intake will be reduced significantly. However, this doesn’t mean that taking aloe Vera supplements will result in healthy weight loss.
Since it also reduces your desire for food, you may not get enough nutrients from all the foods you eat, which could lead to malnutrition or nutrient deficiency over time. So again, this isn’t a life threatening side effect but still, take note before consuming any form of a supplement containing aloe Vera.
Burning Sensation on Your Skin
If you are thinking of using aloe Vera topically, be aware that it can cause a burning sensation on your skin. This is because Aloe Vera contains compounds called anthraquinones which is the same compound found in stimulant laxatives like Senna and cascara. This means if you use aloe Vera topically, it may lead to severe irritation and pain.
In addition, its ability to stimulate bowel movements makes it irritable for the sensitive tissues lining the rectum and anus. So again, this isn’t life-threatening but still, take note before consuming any form of a supplement containing aloe Vera.
Abdominal Pain
Another potential side effect of eating Aloe Vera abdominal pain. Aloe Vera contains a compound called anthraquinones, which is a laxative agent. This means if you eat aloe Vera regularly, it may cause diarrhea and abdominal pain.
So again, this isn’t life-threatening but still, take note before consuming any form of a supplement containing aloe Vera.
Should I Use Aloe Vera or Not?
Aloe Vera, for the most part, is a very effective herb. However, not everyone suffers from the side effects. In fact, in most cases, it is very healthy to consume aloe Vera.
However, your level of consumption can affect the outcome. For example, if you consume large quantities of aloe Vera, then it can cause any of the above mentioned side effects. So only consume the recommended or required amount of aloe Vera.
Side Effects after Consuming Aloe Vera
So if you are thinking of consuming aloe Vera, be aware of these toxicity and adverse clinical effects so you can make an informed decision. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement or medication, including aloe Vera.
And remember that not everyone will experience these side effects – some people may actually benefit from eating the plant regularly. But it’s always best to be safe than sorry, so please talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.