Natural Diuretics Series Part 1: Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a member of the succulent family celebrated by the ancient Egyptians for its healing properties. Some 2,000 years later, it is still widely used. Today it is often found in gel and juice form and is frequently added to lotions and creams. Aloe vera remains a staple of the natural health community for its seemingly endless uses. Known as an effective treatment for burns and scars, this plant is also used as a diuretic, to improve digestion, and for colon health, all of which contribute to weight loss. After all, one of the ways fat is removed from the body is through elimination. Frequent elimination therefore gets rid of even more fat throughout the course of a day!

More about Aloe Vera

Made up of 99 percent water, the other 1 percent of aloe vera is a combination of powerful ingredients that work well together, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fatty acids, amino acids, and more. Each of these ingredients on their own are essential to a healthy life, which is why this combination makes the plant such a healthy supplement to add to daily regimens. Aloe is one of the only vegetarian sources of B12, and contains powerful immune-boosting properties. The plant is frequently written about within the scientific community due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial benefits. It is also often used as a topical remedy for acne and other skin issues.

Aloe Vera as a Diuretic

The daily recommended dosage of aloe vera juice is 1 ounce, or 2 tablespoons.  Add it to your water or juice, though you can simply measure it with a spoon and take it “straight.” It’s a good idea to be near a bathroom, as you will have to urinate a whole heck of a lot. You will also most likely notice an increase in bowel movements, as aloe vera contains barbaloin, a solid fibrous compound that causes the bowel muscles to contract. Aloe also absorbs toxins as it makes its way through the intestinal track, which the body then eliminates through the colon. Like chia and seaweed, aloe vera is a gelatinous food ideal for contributing to colon health. Because aloe vera removes “unfriendly bacteria” in the gut, it is helpful for other colon-related issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Precautions

Aloe vera latex, or the sticky residue resulting from cut aloe vera leaves after the juice has evaporated, should not be taken in combination with over-the-counter diuretics. These include water pills and digoxin, a drug used in treatment of irregular heartbeat and congestive heart failure. Water pills and digoxin lower the amount of potassium in the body, so combining either of these with aloe vera could result in severely-lowered potassium levels.

How to Use Aloe Vera

Add aloe vera to your daily regimen and enjoy its many benefits in addition to weight loss. Use it for general detox, to help with digestion and elimination, or its many other benefits. Healthy elimination is essential not just for weight loss, but for overall health and wellness. Your skin will look great, too!

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