You will have seen aloe vera being advertised as an IBS remedy. It soothes the skin, so taking a supplement for your gut makes sense right? But does aloe vera juice help IBS or is this just another fad which is going to be a waste of your time and money?
In this article, I will look at the science behind the claims. This will help you to make an educated decision on how to manage your IBS going forward, without further false promise as I know it can be extremely frustrating trying to separate fact and fiction.
What Is Aloe Vera Juice?
Aloe vera juice is made from aloe vera plant. To make the juice, you would scoop out the gel from the plant leaf and blend with water. Some recipes suggest adding lemon for taste.
You can make your own aloe vera juice or purchase a premade version from health food stores.
Aloe Vera and IBS
A 2018 meta-analysis has suggested that aloe vera does help with IBS symptoms (1). The research identified 94 studies looking at aloe vera and IBS, but only 3 were considered good enough quality to draw conclusions from. In IBS, this can be a common issue as many supplements are not compared to placebo.
The conclusions from this meta-analysis are a little interesting as they were based on just 3 studies which did not have high enough quality data to draw any conclusions from;
Studies on Aloe Vera
- One study of 41 IBS sufferers aloe vera was shown to improve some symptoms in those with IBS – D (diarrhoea predominant). However, there was not enough of a difference to provide accurate results. Interestingly, aloe vera showed to have no improvements in those with IBS-C (constipation predominant). And, it was shown to potentially worsen abdominal distension (2).
- A randomised controlled trial showing a weak link between taking aloe vera tablets and IBS symptom improvement (3). Unfortunately, the study was too small to provide accurate results. The tablets also contained vitamin C, so it is impossible to single out aloe vera as the cause of symptom improvement.
- Another study of 47 IBS patients who were trialled on both a 60mls aloe vera drink twice a day and a placebo drink. The trial lasted 5 months for each test and showed no benefit in symptoms for those taking the aloe vera juice (4).
So it may well be that aloe vera supplements do help with IBS, but we need to do more research with bigger numbers of participants.
Take Home Message
When you are going through the unpredictable symptoms of IBS which are taking over your life, it is easy to get drawn into every supplement on the market. You recognise aloe vera as a natural supplement which has been linked to helping sooth your skin.
It makes sense that you would want to try this for your gut.
But, aloe vera juice or other aloe vera supplements have not been proven to live up to their many claims in IBS yet. Some research is looking promising, but we need further, larger scale studies.
Even at this point, you may decide ‘well I will just give it a go anyway.‘ But I would highly advise against this as you wouldn’t even know how much to take, what form to take, which strength or when you should take the supplement.
I know that IBS is extremely frustrating but please stick to the supplements that we know work like probiotics, peppermint oil capsules and fibre supplements.
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Kirsten Jackson is a UK registered Consultant Gastroenterology Dietitian and founder of The Food Treatment Clinic. She has undergone many qualifications to get where she is today, including a UK BSc Honours Degree in Dietetics and Post-Graduate Certificate in Advanced Dietetics. In addition to this, she has FODMAP Training from Kings College London University. Kirsten set up The Food Treatment Clinic in 2015 after first experiencing digestive problems herself. She felt that the NHS was unable to provide the support individuals needed and went on to specialise in this area before opening a bespoke IBS service. Kirsten also participates in charity work as an Expert Advisor for the IBS Network. In addition, she can be seen in publications such as Cosmopolitan and The Telegraph discussing IBS as an Official Media Spokesperson to the IBS Network.
Last updated on February 13th, 2021 at 07:21 am
Hi Kirsten
I have been diagnosed with a Hiatas Hernia,l’m a 62year old female,l’m struggling with pain still,am on 20mg of PPI.Have you got any Dietary Advise?
Many thanks Janette
Hi Janette, yes we would need to find out your acid reflux triggers. And if you are overweight – look at some weight loss to reduce pressure.
What does your program cost? I also have a hiatal hernia which means I can’t take mints. I tried CBD oil which cause d me to lose control of my bowels, fortunately at home. Tried IBguard but every time I passed gas (which unfortunately is frequent, I passed some stool. I have IBS C but oils seem to stimulate my colon. I was find with the CBD oil until started the 3 drops under tongue 3 times a day. That was to help with pain. I have spurs in hips plus gluteal tendinopathy plus spondylolisthesis with nerve impingement at S1. Arthritis at every facet of spine and cervical stenosis – Have 2 healed compression fractures in thoracic spine from osteoporosis, etc., I know the Ibuprofen isn’t good for my colon but if I don’t take it, I can’t function. I want to go to Ireland this May. Giving you all this info in cse it negates taking the program. Thank you.
Hi Maureen, Thank you for contacting me :)! The program is suitable for anyone with IBS so this isn’t an issue. The beauty is that you can tailor it to your own needs. It costs £30 / month.
Hi Kirsten
I am in my late seventies , & suffer from ibs , I have put weight on , but unable to eat healthy foods , salads fruit veg
anything that is good for makes me ill, The only thing that I can eat is carbs , white bread potatoes eggs cakes etc etc
You have mentioned that the cost of your plan is £30.00 a month , don’t mind paying , if it works , I’ve tried so many diets , pills priobtics nothing works , doctors say just try this , try that , in the meantime I’m getting really frustrated it does affect my life.
Jean
Hi Jean! I am so sorry to hear that you have been dealing with this, for this long!
I would love you have you in the Take Control Program 🙂
Probiotics, fiber, and peppermint oil don’t help. They increase my symptoms to unbearable levels
Hi Jill! Sorry to hear that! It is impossible to say why without a personalised assessment I am afraid but it is common to have issues with fibre due to the fermentation. This gives off gas.