Is your digestion feeling a bit sluggish lately? Adding some aloe to your diet is wonderful way to soothe and heal your gut.
Studies have shown aloe to be effective as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal agent. The gel from the pulp of Aloe vera leaves has been applied to the skin for thousands of years to treat wounds, infections, and minor burns. This gel is also soothing to the digestive system and has been used to treat colitis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Think of the lining of your gut as an infolding of your skin. In the same way that aloe cools and soothes your sunburn in the summertime, it also cools and soothes internal irritation along your gastrointestinal mucosa.
The soothing effects of aloe along with its rich content of vitamins, enzymes and nutrients help remove toxins and food build-up in the intestines. Food residue can clog the digestive system and be harmful to the body – manifesting as symptoms of fatigue, headache, gas/bloating, or diarrhea/constipation. These food wastes in the digestive tract can also prevent the absorption of the nutrients the body needs. Ingesting aloe helps to cleanse the body of toxins and facilitate the absorption of nutrients from the intestines. In this way, aloe helps restore the digestive system to its optimal state.
Aloe also acts as an an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent. This is due to enzymes found in the gel that help improve the body’s circulatory system via blood vessel dilation and help stimulate the production of blood cells that fight infection in the body.
Ingesting aloe in a liquid, gel, or capsule form will ease inflammation in the intestines and act as a stool softener for constipation. I have noticed immense improvements in my own digestion since I began consuming aloe in my water everyday. Juice or gel is best absorbed and is faster-acting than a capsule – Lily of the Desert is a great brand to look for. Be aware that the gel is thick and lumpy, so if you are sensitive to consistency it may be better to choose the liquid form. You can purchase aloe in the form of your choosing at any health food store. Then, simply add some to your water every morning and sip on it throughout the day to effortlessly soothe and detoxify your system!