Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease of the gastrointestinal system that leads to symptoms such as pain in the abdomen, intestinal cramps, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. Natural remedies for the disorder are often used to help control symptoms. When taken internally, juice from the aloe vera plant is thought to help regulate some of the symptoms of the disorder.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, has no definitive cause. However, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse describes several possibilities. Individuals with IBS typically have strong intestinal spasms and pain, which relates to irregular bowel motility. Irregular fluid movement in the lining of the colon known as the epithelium may lead to too much fluid, resulting in diarrhea, or not enough fluid, leading to constipation. Additionally, affected individuals' response to stress, eating particular foods and a diminished immune system may play roles in the symptoms of IBS.
Aloe Vera
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the aloe vera plant has been used for many years to aid various medical conditions. The gel from the aloe vera plant may be used to treat minor burns and wounds as well as skin irritations. Aloe vera simulates a strong laxative when taken orally, so treatment for constipation is one of its uses. The plant itself contains glycoproteins and polysaccharides, which help eliminate pain and inflammation, speed healing and encourage skin repair. They may also enhance the function of the immune system.
Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice for IBS
Taking aloe vera juice for its laxative properties may help individuals suffering from constipation, such as those with IBS with predominant constipation. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that due to its side effects, gentler laxatives are often recommended instead. The minimization of inflammation attributed to aloe vera may also help with abdominal pain. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, aloe vera juice may be useful in enhancing the function of the immune system, but conclusive research evidence does not exist.
Potential Side Effects of Aloe Vera Juice
Although it appears to have numerous benefits, there are potentially harmful side effects of using aloe vera juice. The use of aloe vera juice may cause cramping in the intestines and diarrhea. Women who are pregnant should not take this product, because it could induce uterine cramping and miscarriage. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the use of aloe juice as a laxative may be dangerous, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration indicates that it is not safe for use as a laxative.
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