Aloe Vera and Weight Loss

Trying to find the perfect natural weight loss supplement is like searching for the Holy Grail... There are literally thousands of products on the market, which claim to help you shed pounds quickly and easily and even though these supplements will assist to lose weight faster… that is providing you also change your life style, always remember that there is no miracle cure!

The only effective and safe way to lose weight is to change your life style by eating a healthy diet and exercise... All supplements can do, regardless of whether they are natural, organic or chemical, is give you an additional boost in combination with a healthy diet and exercising. 

There are various weight loss products on the market, including FDA approved pills like Yacon, Phen375, Capsiplex, Meratol, UniqueHoodia, Pure Acaiberry, Adiphene, and Teatoneplus, fat binders like Proactol, or weight loss patches, as well as various organic teas and extracts such as Koutea, green coffee, raspberry ketones with green coffee bean extract, and so on. 

The fact that the benefits of Aloe Vera have secondary effects on losing weight is no secret. There are numerous scientific claims on the efficacy of Aloe Vera, for example, Aloe Vera juice (also available as organic capsules, like Organic Aloe Vera) is said to ‘reduce and stabilize the body mass index by stimulating the metabolic rate in our liver cells’ and a daily dose is like ‘doing multiple workouts throughout the week’ according to the American Chronicle website. It speeds up the metabolism in two ways, first by containing a protein that requires a significant amount of energy to break down and secondly by detoxifying the body with its amino acids (methionine, serine, theronine and molybdenum).

According to scientific research it also helps to lower and regulate blood glucose levels and because Aloe Vera is rich in collagen, which is required to repair and build muscle tissue, it assists in converting fats into muscle when exercising and expends calories from fatty tissue and supplies the energy to the muscle tissue.

Aloe Vera also enhances blood circulation by maintaining a healthy function of arteries and veins by reducing and excreting fat deposits in the capillaries and therefore assists in regulating a person’s BMI to normal levels.

Given that Aloe Vera juice is also a mild laxative, it cleans the intestines and helps to keep bowel movements regular and smooth. Please note that unregulated or excessive consumption of Aloe Vera juice can lead to diarrhea. If in any doubt, please consult your physician.

SUMMARY:

Weight Loss – Vitamin B assists in regulating the metabolism and acts as an appetite suppressant as well as reducing fatty deposits. The amount of calories the body has to burn in order to digest the plant it is said that it’s equivalent of several weekly workouts.

Weight Control – Aloe Vera reduces blood sugar levels and helps sugar to enter cells slowly without being stored as fat. Because it also regulates the body’s blood sugar levels, it gives the impression that you feel ‘full’ for longer.

Energy & Detox – Aloe Vera’s detox properties clean the body and as toxins are eliminated from the body, you will feel more energetic. The proteins and collagens in Aloe Vera force the body to work harder in order to burn calories from fats and carbohydrates and help to develop muscle tissue, which is why Aloe Vera is the perfect pre-workout supplement to help to get you going!

Vitamins – Aloe Vera is a ‘powerhouse’ of vitamins. It includes vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, niacin and folic acid, which are vital for your well-being or you take some vitamin supplements. Most people on a diet do not receive the daily vitamins they require in order to maintain a fit and healthy body. 

Please note!

If you have any health problems or are unsure, please consult with your physician before taking Aloe Vera. Even though there are minimal contra indications it is always advisable if in doubt to ask for a medical opinion.

Begin your weight loss schedule with an Aloe Vera colon cleanse and detox program, for example Aloe D-Tox. By eliminating toxins your energy will rise and you will maximize the results of your weight loss plan. If you don’t like Aloe Vera juice, you can also take Aloe Vera capsules like

Stick to a low-fat, low-sugar and low-calorie diet to get rid off the extra pounds. If you have a lot of weight to lose, you can kick-start it with a proven medical diet used by hospitals and doctors like the easy cabbage soup diet before moving on to a normal diet. By choosing organic foods you will also limit the buildup of toxins in your body.

Chose a combination of cardio and weight training exercises to shed the pounds. Make sure you chose activities that are fun. Hire a personal trainer so you stick with it because if you have to pay a personal trainer you will not want to waste your money by ‘skipping’ workouts so there’s an extra reason and added incentive to keep going and see your body get sculpted and lose those pounds!

You can also achieve better results if you get together with like-minded people who understand what you are going through and who can offer support, encouragement and guidance. Join a program tailored to your needs, such as Weight Watchers, Slimming World or Fitium. Most groups are also online if you don't fancy or can't go to the meetings in person.

Aloe Vera and Gastritis

Gastritis is a combination of various conditions, including irritation, inflammation or infection of the inner stomach wall. 

It is a very common condition that affects people of all age groups.

The cause is generally due to various conditions like stress, bacteria, injury, regular use of particular pain medication, overeating on certain foods, drinking too much alcohol, and many more.  

The symptoms are upper abdominal pain but it can also occur without feeling pain and some people suffer from a burning sensation higher up in the chest. Some people notice that consuming certain foods or drinks worsens the pain and some people also feel cramping or vomiting and feeling less energetic. Gastritis can occur suddenly but it can also develop slowly over time and become chronic. It is linked to hyperacidity and can lead to acid reflux syndrome, stomach ulcers and even cancer.

Conventional treatment consists of acidity reducing drugs in combination with a change in diet to avoid certain foods that aggravate the condition like fatty and refined foods, spicy foods, alcohol, coffee and carbonated as well as citrus drinks. Where the cause is due to bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori) patients are also prescribed antibiotics.

There have been several studies on the efficacy of Aloe Vera for treating gastritis and stomach related problems. All of these studies suggested that Aloe Vera does have certain properties to alleviate the condition, however, not all studies have been conclusive.

Having been a long-term sufferer of Gastritis myself, I decided to do my own research by talking with fellow sufferers in person and via Internet, trying out various cures, studying various medical studies (I used to write for a medical publication) and so on.

One thing upfront, a change in diet IS necessary. It’s no good to take prescribed medicines and carry on eating or drinking the same foods. The symptoms might feel subdued or less obvious but you won’t get rid of the cause just by taking drugs if you continue eating and drinking as usual. Synthetic drugs are not a miracle cure and all pills have side effects.

If the main cause for gastritis is stress related you also have to find ways to reduce the stress somehow. I know it’s easier said than done but you’ll quickly figure out that if you don’t reduce the stress causing factors or at least accept them, you will feel a lot worse. Try and find something that works for you, whether its meditation, yoga and just accept what you can’t change… It’s tough I know but it’s not impossible!

Changing your eating habits is never an easy task but you will notice yourself that you instinctively start avoiding certain foods that you know will make you feel worse. That’s your body’s way of telling you what it needs and what you should avoid. Listen to your body, its not rocket science and the results are pretty much instant!

Most people I interviewed told me that they avoid processed, fatty, spicy foods and those with high sugar contents. Even for those who can’t cook or don’t enjoy cooking, swap that chocolate bar or the greasy hamburger for something natural. Instead of carbonated drinks or coffee drink herbal teas (for a lot of people hemp tea, chamomile tea and red tea works really well) water or certain smoothies that are gentle on the stomach. The great thing is that these days most super markets stock quite a large variety of natural and organic foods and most café’s and restaurants also cater to your needs if you ask them. 

Supplement your diet with natural cures, such as Aloe Vera juice or organic Aloe Vera capsules. One or 2 table spoons of natural organic Aloe Vera juice has helped countless people to cure their gastritis and in contrast to drugs that have a number of side effects, people found that it offers various other benefits, such as healthier skin, hair and nails, feeling more energetic and having a better metabolism. Admittedly the juice doesn’t taste very nice and the easiest way is to mix it into your food or a drink.  

Please note that Aloe Vera juice contains a small amount of Aloin and should not be used for people with liver problems. Higher doses of Aloin can also act as a gentle laxative and if you are in any doubt, consult with your doctor. None of the people I spoke to experienced any negative side effects apart from not liking the taste, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some people who might feel its not right for them.

There have been several controversial statements and studies in terms of Aloin and Aloe Vera. Take them with a pinch of salt unless you have studied the subject and you know exactly what parts of the plant have been used, in what context and so on…

Some studies only investigate isolated properties of the Aloe Vera plant but it is a well-known fact it is the overall combination of the plant’s ingredients, its synergy, that cause the plant’s beneficial effects. If a study only researches one or two properties without taking the others into account, of course the results can be totally different! If you look into various studies of the entire plant, there is overwhelming evidence that Aloe Vera has numerous proven benefits. I am not saying dismiss any study results but do your own research and compare that with thousands of testimonials of people who have used Aloe Vera for thousands of years!

For those who now yell ‘But it’s not FDA approved!’ Please!!!

I’m not even going there, here is a link that explains just a few reasons Why is Aloe Vera not FDA approved?

To clarify matters, Aloin only occurs in the outer green part of the plant and because most juices are not extracted by hand the Aloin content might be slightly higher but still minimal. If you find a source that harvests and produces the juice by hand, the content of Aloin is so low that it can hardly justify as a health risk.

In contrast to Aloe Vera juice, Aloe Vera gel is made only from the inner part of the plant and does generally not contain any Aloin. It can also be used instead of Aloe Vera juice for those who prefer it.

Taking Aloe Vera in capsule form is another alternative. There are various capsules on the market, however, I only trust in companies that retail strictly organic Aloe Vera, such as Aloe Vera and Aloeride. 

If you want to be absolutely certain about what you put into your body, get some Aloe Vera plants and make your own juice or gel…

As with all natural products, be sensible and don’t overdose, just because its good for you doesn’t mean the more you take the better it is for you… Always do your research and preferably buy organic Aloe Vera juice, such as Aloe Vera D-Gest or Aloe Vera D-Tox, and if you can from sources that harvests and extracts by hand. The price is slightly higher but the quality is definitely better.

DIY Aloe Vera Face Masks and Skin Treatments

We have compiled some of the, quickest, most popular and easy-to-make Face Masks and Skin Treatments for you: 

Aloe Vera Facial Scrub

Aloe Vera Mask to Relieve Sensitive, sun-damaged and dehydrated skin

Aloe Vera Mask for Radiant Skin

Aloe Vera Treatment for Age spots, Blemishes, Skin Whitening & Pigmentation marks 

Aloe Vera Skin Detox Mask

Aloe Vera Facial Scrub - The perfect cleanser for morning and night

You will need:

• 3 tbsp of Aloe Vera Gel
• 2 inches of cucumber
• 2 - 3 tbsp of almonds 
• 1 tbsp of oatmeal

To make your face mask:

Blend almonds in a blender until they turn into a thick paste,

add the cucumber, Aloe Vera gel and oatmeal and blend again until mixture is smooth but not too smooth

Apply to face, neck and chest and gently massage into the skin or use a facial scrubber to apply the mixture

If you want to use this as a scrub, rinse off and then pat dry 

For use as a facemask leave on for about 15 minutes before you rinse off and pat your skin dry

Note! 

Although it is better to make the scrub/mask fresh each time you want to use it, you can also make a larger batch and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days!

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Aloe Vera Mask to Relieve Sensitive and/or sun-damaged and dehydrated skin

You will need:

§       2 tbsp of Aloe Vera gel

§       2 inches of cucumber (with or without skin)

§       2 tbsp of natural full fat bio yoghurt

§       A few drops of Rose or Witch hazel Water

To make your face mask:

Blend all ingredients together into a paste and apply to your face. If the mixture is too runny you can add some wheat germ. Apply to face, neck, chest or affected areas and leave on for about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off with water and tap dry the area

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Aloe Vera Radiant Skin Mask:

You will need:

§       1 - 2 tbsp of Aloe Vera Gel

§       1 tsp Honey

§       Pinch of Turmeric

§       1 tsp Milk 

§       A few drops of Rose Water

To make your face mask:

Mix 1 tsp of honey and 1 tsp of milk with a few drops of rose water and a pinch of turmeric to form a paste

Add the Aloe Vera gel to the paste and mix well (If you have a strip or cubes of Aloe Vera you have to blend it first)

Apply evenly to face and neck for approx. 15 to 20 mins before rinsing it off with water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel

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Aloe Vera Treatment for Age spots, Blemishes, Skin Whitening & Pigmentation marks 

You will need:

§       Juice of 1 Lemon 

§       2 - 3 tbsp of Aloe Vera gel

§       A few drops of Rose water 

To make your face mask:

Mix all ingredients together and apply with a cotton ball or clean make up brush to areas you wish to whiten and gently massage into the skin

Leave on for 20 to 30 mins before rinsing the mixture off with cold water

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Aloe Vera Skin Detox Mask

You will need:

§       2 tbsp of Aloe Vera gel

§       1 Mango

§       1 banana

§       Juice of 1 Lime 

§       Wheat germ (optional)

To make your face mask:

Blend all ingredients together into a paste and apply to your face. If the mixture is too runny you can add some wheat germ

Leave on for about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off with water