Do you ever get that feeling that something just isn’t right? Well, if you have that uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach when it comes to aloe laxatives, you may want to listen to it. Suspicions over the safety of aloe laxatives have arisen in the research world. An aloe leaf does not only contain aloe gel (that clear, gel-like substance) but also aloe latex: a yellow discharge found right under the leaf skin’s surface. Aloe latex is known for alleviating constipation, as it helps cleanse your digestive tract. Many companies have taken advantage of aloe latex’s ability to get those bowel movements going, making orally-taken products containing this all-natural laxative. But here are three things that may peak your interest, as they hint at the danger of aloe laxatives:
The First Peculiarity: Aloe Laxatives Taken Off the Market
Have you not been able to find that miracle laxative you were been using in your supermarket anymore? Well, I might have an explanation (and a darn good one at that!) why. In 2002, the FDA mandated that all over-the-counter laxative products that used aloe as their active ingredient be removed from store shelves. Because many companies that manufactured aloe-based laxatives could not provide the necessary safety data for their products, they were pulled off the market.
The Second Reason to be Alarmed: Carcinogenic Potential of Aloe Latex in Rats
If the first reason has not caught your attention, this second one sure will. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) conducted a two-year study that found carcinogenic effects of aloe. After rats consumed a whole-leaf aloe vera extract, many developed tumors in the large intestine. Although more research needs to be done to confirm this risk extends to humans, the study has made oral administration of aloe highly controversial in the health world.
The Third Eye-Opener: The More Aloe Laxative You Take, the More Your Need
Imagine if you built up a tolerance to aloe latex just like you can build up an alcohol or drug tolerance. The sad part is you do not have to imagine it. Individuals who take aloe laxative have to continue increasing their dosage to get the same result. Up, up, and away! Don’t see the problem yet? Let me put it to you this way: consuming high dosages of aloe latex is dangerous. From cancer to kidney damage, large amounts of aloe latex in your body is a top concern for the FDA–and a big reason they banned such over-the-counter products.
Next time you feel like you can’t go, think twice before going straight to you stash of aloe latex.
Lance Nordyke says
Please help with some insight. I drank three 16oz bottles of aloe juice from South Korea that had latex over three days thinking it was like fruit juice trying something new from trader joes where it’s sold on the juice isle. Problem: it trashed my GI tract 6 weeks ago, causing heart arrhythmia, delayed bowel movements, weakness, weight loss. 6 weeks into this I’ve seem two doctors who don’t know how to treat me. Labs look ok, bladder feels funny, stomach tenderness has subsided, however my kidneys seem affected. Urinalysis looks ok but am doing a 24 hr urinalysis to check for protien due to foamy urine in the morning.
Question: due to this one time high how does it affect my kidneys? My kidneys are functioning and I have no other major signs of kidney problems but I don’t want it to slip up on me. I think I’ll know more after the 24 hr urinalysis that will be complete tomorrow but any cases known like mine would be helpful. Also how long until my GI tract returns to normal? Any feedback would be appreciated! I’m
Getting better each day other than the slower digestion, bowel movements and semi-foamy urine. ???
Danielle Brown says
Hi Lance. Take a look at the article “The Kidney Conundrum: Aloe Latex Can Wreak Havoc on Renal Health” for some more information about aloe and kidney health. Also see the article entitled “Aloe Juicing? What You Should Know” for advice on proper aloe juice dosage. Best of luck, and feel better!
Tasawar says
Sir, I am chronic patient of IBS since last 20-years. Kindly guide me how aloe vera plant can be helpful
for the treatment of my disease.
Awaiting for ur kindly reply.
Regards,
Tasawar.