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Is Aloe Vera good for IBS?

The only way to know if Aloe vera is going to be beneficial for an individual with IBS is to keep a food diary. In fact, any treatment plan for IBS should involve a review of the diet in order to eliminate trigger foods. This is best facilitated by keeping a food diary for at least a couple of weeks in order to note down any effects associated with a particular food or drink.

Lifestyle adjustments should also be made with the aim of reducing stress, increasing the amount of exercise, if relevant, and normalising sleeping patterns. At the same time treatment options and the possibility of taking some form of medication should be looked at in order to alleviate the most dominant or troublesome symptoms.

For some people making the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes may even be enough to keep their IBS under control. However, the reality is that IBS is a long term condition in which the symptoms are likely to come and go. Many people resort to drugs and medication to obtain relief, particularly when the symptoms are severe. Many others choose to go for natural ways of coping and dealing with IBS on a day to day basis.

Why Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is renowned for being highly beneficial for the digestive tract and for alleviating any sort of gastric problems, including those associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

For example, Aloe Vera has anti inflammatory properties, it is also very soothing, so can help to reduce inflammation and discomfort in the gut and alleviate heartburn, indigestion, muscle spasms, abdominal bloating and pain.

However, it may not be suitable for all IBS sufferers. Aloe Vera has a laxative effect so is more likely to be of benefit to people who have constipation dominant IBS. At the moment there is no data to support the use of Aloe Vera for diarrhoea predominant IBS and indeed, as it can promote bowel movements it may make any diarrhoea much worse, however, this isn’t necessarily the case.

The most common way of taking aloe vera is in the form of extracts in liquid form, capsules or a gel.

One thing that is particularly important is an accurate diagnosis of IBS. Some people may be tempted to diagnose themselves with IBS just because they suffer from abdominal pain and altered bowel movements; however, this is unwise as IBS symptoms can be similar to other potentially more serious conditions. Symptoms must therefore be properly evaluated by a doctor before embarking on any sort of treatment plan.

If you are diagnosed with IBS and are considering Aloe Vera as a potential treatment then it is best to discuss this with your doctor first.