Benefits of Aloe

Aloe has a comprehensive profile of many naturally occurring nutrients including amino acids, enzymes and vitamin C, in addition to minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium, manganese, magnesium, silicon, iron, lithium and copper.  Taken internally aloe serves as an effective, gentle digestive aid that helps soothe the stomach.  It's also rich in glycosaminoglycans (GAG), that help produce the gel-like matrix essential to strong, healthy joints.

Aloe Vera Gel is for its ability to heal skin and mucus membranes.  Externally it speeds the healing and decreases the discomfort of burns (including radiation burns from cancer therapy), cuts, insect stings, bruises, acne, poison ivy, skin ulcers (including diabetic ulcers) and eczema.

This is because aloe vera gel protects the damaged tissue from infection and has anti-inflammatory properties.  Internally its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties act to heal the inner lining of the digestive tract, making it useful in the treatment of ulcers, hemorrhoids and colitis.  It is also a laxative that can be used for constipation and as a colon cleanser.

Colon Cleansing

The body has effective ways of dealing with toxins and waste products.  Sometimes these pathways are not working up to speed or become blocked.  The back up of waste material makes it harder for the rest of the body to function normally and ultimately leads to disease.

Bowel cleansing removes excess build-up on the colon walls and repairs the intestinal lining. If necessary, substances to kill infecting organisms can also be used. One simple way to cleanse the bowel is by drinking a glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon each morning. Many herbs are helpful to restore intestinal health. To heal the intestine, calendula, fennel, peppermint and slippery elm can be used. To eliminate parasites clove, garlic or wormwood are often used.

Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes as food sources of fiber.  Supplemental fiber can be taken in the form of inulin, apple pectin and oat bran.  Drink 1.5 to 2L of filtered water daily.  Fiber and water are important to regulate bowel movements.

Do not use the following foods because they irritate the intestine; unfermented dairy products, wheat, animal fat, caffeine, carbonated drinks, chocolate, candy, processed food, additives, preservatives, citrus fruits, spices and sugar-free foods.  If you are celiac maintain a gluten free diet.  Some gluten containing foods are: barley, oats, rye, wheat, spelt, kamut, hydrolysed vegetable protein, texturized vegetable protein, hydrolysed plant protein malt, modified food starch, some soy sauces, grain vinegars, binders, fillers, excipients, natural flavors, hot dogs, gravies, luncheon meat, beer, mustard, ketchup, non-dairy creamer, white vinegar, processed foods, bouillon cubes, chocolate, bottled salad dressing, curry powder and seasonings.   If you have diverticulitis avoid grains, seeds, nuts, dairy products, sugar products, spicy food, fats, and processed foods.

Food that support intestinal health are vegetarian protein, raw vegetables and fruits, whole grains, brown rice, potatoes, carrots, turnips, soy products and green drinks.  Consume fermented products like yogurt, kefir, quark, buttermilk and natural cheeses to replenish the friendly bacteria that assist with nutrient digestion.  Broil or bake fish and meats instead of frying.  Steam vegetables lightly.

To counteract stress do regular exercise and deep breathing exercises. Take time to enjoy your foods, chew well and eat in a comfortable environment. Use a hot pack over the abdomen to provide more blood to the digestive organs. If you have an inflammatory bowel condition only use heat therapy during the healing stage.