Aloe vera is a practically miraculous plant, from FastlyHealwe have already explained to you what are the 12 benefits of aloe vera or its medicinal uses , we are familiar with the results it gives us in conditions and pathologies as different as a burn, constipation or acne.
However, as with many medicines, just because it is good under certain conditions and helps us improve our health does not mean that it is beneficial in all circumstances.
Next, in the following FastlyHealarticle we will explain the contraindications and side effects of aloe vera , so that you can use it safely.
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Oral application or topical application?
To take into account the contraindications and side effects of aloe vera, you have to distinguish if you are going to use it topically or if you are going to ingest it orally. Here are some of the differences:
- Generally, the topical use of aloe vera does not generate contraindications or side effects. However, depending on the condition of each person there may be some problems. Later we will explain them to you.
- On the contrary, most of the contraindications and side effects of aloe vera occur when it is taken orally .
These are just some of the most important aloe vera contraindications, so it will be important that you always consult with your doctor before starting a treatment with this product orally.
Aloe vera is laxative
Aloe vera contains aloin, a powerful laxative that can lead to unpleasant side effects such as muscle cramps and diarrhea . Obviously, the higher the doses of aloe vera, the more likely you are to suffer from diarrhea due to its laxative power.
High doses of aloe vera have also been linked to kidney failure , so a diuretic effect must be added to the laxative effect . If we add excess stool and constant fluid loss, taking high doses of aloe vera could lead to mineral loss and even dehydration .
As a laxative, aloe vera can be used as a home remedy for constipation. However, whenever you decide to start a treatment of this type, it is essential that you choose an aloe vera preparation without aloin and that you carry it out under medical supervision.
May cause allergy
Topical application of aloe vera can cause itching, irritation and burning of the skin . It can be especially serious in those cases in which the person is allergic to aloe vera. Generally, people who are allergic to garlic, tulips, or onions are more likely to be allergic to aloe vera. For this reason, if you are allergic to any of these products, look carefully before applying aloe vera.
It is also not recommended to use aloe for the treatment of burns, wounds and deep cuts , at least if it is not under medical supervision.
Loss of potassium, a side effect
If we use aloe vera orally for a long time, in the long run, we could have a loss of electrolytes , mainly potassium. Beyond that there may be other complications, which we can minimize by checking how our body tolerates aloe before starting any treatment.
What you should do is take it for a short period, 1 week for example, and watch to see if you experience any kind of side effects.
Drug interaction
One of the most important contraindications is the interference that may exist with different medications. If you take any medication regularly, you should consult with your doctor before starting any treatment with aloe vera. He will be able to evaluate your case and decide which is the best option.
In this sense, the interaction between aloe vera and anticoagulants , such as Sintrom, is especially dangerous . The reason is that aloe vera also thins the blood, doing the same effect as the anticoagulant, and can cause bleeding and bleeding.
For the same reason, you should not take aloe vera if you already take some type of natural remedy as an anticoagulant or if you have recently undergone surgery .
Problematic for diabetics
If you suffer from diabetes, you should pay special attention to a side effect of aloe vera, and that is that this plant has the ability to reduce glucose levels in the blood. Therefore, its intake can lead to hypoglycemia that worsen the symptoms of your disease.
In turn, studies that have been done in recent years have shown that aloe vera can have an irritant effect on the intestine , so its intake would be contraindicated for people with irritable bowel disease, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Contraindications and side effects of aloe vera , we recommend that you enter our Food category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.