Juice Fasting

Although aloe vera is native to Africa, it had spread to nearly every dry part of the Old World by the 1600s.  Not strictly an ornamental plant, aloe vera is treasured because the sap from the leaves has an intrinsic healing quality, making it excellent when treating burns or cuts.  When medical science was in its infancy, especially, the soothing benefits of aloe vera juice on wounds was greatly appreciated.  In all probability, most of the readers of this article have an aloe vera plant sitting on a windowsill in their home.

Besides being used on minor injuries, aloe vera is also an ingredient in various skin products, such as lotions and creams.  When applied to the skin, aloe vera forms a barrier that helps to keep moisture in and to keep out bacteria and pollutants.  Unlike many skin products that simply sit on the surface of the skin, aloe vera has the ability to actually penetrate the outer epidermis to deliver enzymes, vitamins, and amino acids to the growth layers of the skin so that regeneration of the skin cells can occur.

However, the benefits that aloe vera performs when taken internally that can really transform your life.  When our body performs its various functions, dangerous byproducts, free radicals, can be produced.  The older you become, the more likely it is that free radicals will form, and these ‘renegade’ atoms, which have an unstable outer ring, will attempt bond with any other atom or molecule they come upon, resulting in the theft of an electron.  This destabilizes another atom, which will then attempt to normalize itself by stealing from another atom, and so on and so forth.  It forms a chain reaction where the result will be damage to cell membranes and possibly to the DNA itself. However, the antioxidants in aloe vera juice can help to stop this destructive cycle and keep your cells and tissues healthier. Drinking aloe vera juice strengthen the body’s immune system.

It is now well known that aloe vera juice contains powerful substances that will kill bacteria and fungi, and these properties are very good at maintaining dental and oral health.  Even if you brush frequently, there is no denying that anyone’s mouth is a very dirty place.  Food can accumulate, even in minute quantities, and spoil, contributing to the proliferation of bacteria which then attack the teeth and gums.  Aloe vera juice can help to keep your mouth much cleaner, and using it as a mouthwash will freshen your breath as well.  It has been found to be useful for treating bleeding gums and sores and ulcers in the mouth.

Whether or not you are having any digestive problems, you may well want to drink aloe vera juice and add it to your health regimen.  Many times, the intestines, both large and small can become laden with undigested food, which then ferments in the body.  This is obviously not a very healthy condition, but it has been found that drinking aloe vera juice will help to dislodge these fragments of food and cleanse the surface of the colon.  It will also help to get rid of harmful bacteria that may have accumulated.  Aloe vera juice also helps to stimulate the production of normal digestive secretions so that your food will be more efficiently digested to begin with.

The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera juice can help in a number of situations.  Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can cause painful inflammation of the joints, sometimes to the extent that the ability to even walk is impeded.  A daily dose of aloe vera juice has been found to be helpful when dealing with this situation.  As arthritis progresses, cartilage is destroyed, making the condition even more painful.  Those who have taken aloe vera juice for arthritis have found that not only does the inflammation abate, but aloe vera also has the ability to stimulate the growth of new cells, so it is believed that damaged and destroyed cartilage can possibly be replaced.

Aloe vera juice is a powerful substance that is full of benefits best taken in smaller doses until your body becomes accustomed to it.  Consult with your doctor or nurse practitioner before beginning a regimen using aloe vera juice.

References

Aloe Vera – has the unique ability to stimulate cell renewal
Aloe vera – digestive, antifungal and antibacterial properties
Mother Nature and You – A Joint Effort