When you think about aloe vera, it is normal to see the plant as medicinal. You already know that it can help you with burns, atopic skin, for wrinkles... But, do you know that there are also contraindications to aloe vera?
We are not just talking about people who should not use it, but also about problems that aloe vera can cause. on the body and negatively affect, despite the benefits found in the leaves and aloe vera flower. Do you want to know more about it?
What is aloe vera
As you know, aloe vera is considered a medicinal plant that has multiple expected benefits from aloe vera for the skin, but also for the entire body. It is characterized by having fleshy leaves where, inside, is the "magic", a transparent pulp that can help with multiple skin or even internal problems because it is rich in vitamins, amino acids, essential fatty acids, enzymes or minerals. In fact, it can be found in gel, liquid, creams... But it is always better care for aloe vera and use its stalks whenever you need it so that it keeps its properties intact.
How long does aloe vera retain its properties?
One of the important factors when it comes to whether aloe vera works is how long you have it. You see, when you cut a stalk to use it in a treatment, it is not completely spent. You may have it to use for several days. But with the passage of time, the properties are lost.
According to experts, After 20 days, that aloe vera stalk is no longer useful because its properties are no longer present. In addition, you should store it in the refrigerator, which is where it will be best preserved for as long as you use it.
Contraindications of aloe vera
Focusing now on the contraindications (since the benefits are widely known), aloe vera is not as good as it may seem at first. Not all people find it useful or have positive reactions.
For example, in the case of aloe vera drinks, which are beneficial, for example, to cleanse the body and are even recommended for losing weight, not all people feel good about them. There are some that may have diarrhea, colic, stomach problems, general malaise, etc. In fact, continued use of this product can lead to cause you to lose potassium, depend on laxatives or become dehydrated.
Another problem with aloe vera is its application, whether internal or external. At first you have to regulate the dose to test if that person can notice improvement or reaction to the aloe. When a person does not tolerate aloe vera, they have reactions: vomiting, inflammation, swelling, dizziness, rashes, diarrhea...
This would be at a general level, for people who would not tolerate aloe vera. However, There are contraindications to aloe vera in several groups to take into account. These are:
Pregnant women
Here we must include not only pregnant women, but also those who are breastfeeding and even those with problems with heavy periods. And aloe is not beneficial for them at all.
El Aloe latex can pass into breast milk, and thereby cause very serious complications. In the case of pregnant women, aloe vera can act as an abortifacient because it generates contractions in the uterus.
Furthermore, we do not recommend it for very heavy periods of blood because the aloe itself encourages this and you could have even greater bleeding or loss of minerals and other serious problems.
People with treatments for intestinal transit
Those people who have medications to facilitate intestinal transit should also be careful with the contraindications of aloe vera. And one of the benefits of the plant is its property as a laxative thanks to aloin. And when combined with medications it can affect them or even cause severe diarrhea that leads to loss of minerals (potassium) or dehydration.
Diabetics
In the case of diabetics, it is aloe vera, one of the components of aloe vera, that will cause problems. And when you take aloe vera blood glucose decreases and episodes of hypoglycemia may occur (severe drops in blood sugar).
If blood sugar medications are also taken, they may be interfered with by aloe (including glycemic results).
People on anticoagulant treatments
Another group that should be careful with the contraindications of aloe vera are those who consume anticoagulant medications. In fact, the use of aloe vera is not recommended in these people because the plant itself helps coagulation (thanks to aloe vera). What does that mean? Well then It can interfere with medical treatment to the point of bleeding.
Children under 12 years: Do not use. Children XNUMX yeras to XNUMX years: XNUMX packet every XNUMX hours.
Children under 12 years old are still developing and that means that aloe vera can act as a toxic for them. In fact, consuming aloe vera orally or by application could trigger diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, general malaise..., something like poisoning.
Hence, it is not recommended at all to give it to the little ones.
Autoimmune people
Another group that should stay away from aloe vera is this one. And it is that Aloe itself enhances the development of the immune system and in the case of these people that would only be harmful to them.
Older people with intestinal problems
Finally, we have the case of older people who may have intestinal problems, such as obstructions or inflammatory bowel disease (for example, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis...). In these cases, it is not recommended to consume aloe vera in any way, because it will negatively affect this problem they have.
In fact, if you consume it, You risk feeling cramps during the day, digestion problems, diarrhea, general discomfort, burning sensation, etc. And if it continues over time (because it is not attributed to this product), you could end up with serious programs in the intestine.
Regarding its external application, the body reacts less, but it is not advisable to use it for a long time; In fact, if a substitute can be used, so much the better.
People with liver or gallbladder problems
If you have problems with your liver, for example due to its degeneration, or with your gallbladder (including the fact that it has been removed), aloe vera is not the best for you, at least when taken orally.
In fact, you should consult a doctor Although due to the reactions it causes (colic, diarrhea, dizziness...) it is best not to use it and look for alternatives.
Did you know the contraindications of aloe vera? Have you ever used it and ended up feeling worse? Then it may not be the right treatment for you.