The digestive process, from the time you eat a bite of food to the time undigested bits of that food pass out of your system, is approximately 24 to 72 hours, according to MayoClinic.com gastroenterologist, Dr. Michael F. Picco. It takes between six and eight hours for the first part of the digestive process, in which the undigested food passes from your stomach into the small intestine. Aloe vera may be beneficial for treating some mild digestive conditions, but it may trigger others. See your doctor if digestive problems persist, and use aloe vera as part of a doctor-recommended treatment plan.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent perennial plant in the lily family. Native to Africa, today, aloe vera grows worldwide, and its thick, fleshy leaves contain a clear gel that has a long history of use in herbal medicine. The juice from the leaves contains anthranoids, 2-alkylchromones and flavonoids, which may be responsible for the gel's effects on the digestive tract, according to the "PDR for Herbal Medicines."
Potential Benefits
Aloe vera, available as a food-grade gel or in freeze-dried capsule form, produces a laxative effect within nine hours of consumption, making it potentially beneficial for treating occasional constipation. The gel may also sooth peptic ulcers, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." Clinical studies verifying these benefits are lacking.
Drawbacks
Enzymes present in aloe vera gel begin to break down soon after harvest, which creates the need for quick stabilization in order to retain its health benefits. The Food and Drug Administration does not oversee the manufacture of aloe products, so you have no guarantee that the product you're using is safe, pure or effective.
Precautions
The inner lining of the aloe vera leaf contains latex, which can cause adverse effects. Due to the risk of latex contamination, do not take aloe vera internally if you're pregnant, breastfeeding or if you have heart or kidney disease, advises the "Gale Encyclopedia." Latex may trigger abortion. Side effects from the internal use of aloe include diarrhea, red urine and abdominal cramping, especially when taken in doses higher than recommended on the package. Aloe products may interfere with some medications, including insulin and drugs used to treat heart conditions. With long-term use, aloe vera may increase the risk of potassium deficiency. Use aloe vera internally only under a doctor's supervision.
References
- MayoClinic.com: How Long Does it Take to Digest Food -- From the Time you eat it to the Time You Excrete it in Urine or Stool?
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
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