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By Bob Lefavi, PhD, CSCS, CHES
Chairman, Changes Science Advisory Board
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Research continues to show the many benefits of Aloe, a traditional home remedy. Indeed, Aloe vera has been found to benefit a variety of biological ailments and systems. While we once thought that Aloe was only useful in wound healing, now research is pointing in another direction as well gastrointestinal health!
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By looking at its effects on the body, we may have clues to how it assists in the promotion of health inside the body. Aloe vera has been shown to aid the process of wound healing, including the healing of burn wounds. It has also displayed anti-inflammatory effects on damaged skin, and many recent studies done on the topical application of Aloe have shown that it is effective at enhancing vascularization (development of blood vessels), reducing swelling and inflammation, and promoting skin growth in wounds. Not only that, but Aloe may also have immunoprotective, immunostimulant, anti-fungal, and antiviral activities, some of which is evident in the work showing its benefits in the treatment of Psoriasis. Perhaps the same mechanism by which Aloe promotes tissue restoration on the body is the key to its usefulness in the body. Aloe vera improves the healing of wounds by influencing the production of collagen, an important connection tissue, following injury. What' s interesting is that some studies have found that both oral and topical treatment with Aloe vera increased the collagen content, integrity of the collagen, and the turnover of the connective tissue. This lays the foundation for its use in the gastrointestinal system.
In its oral form, as Aloe juice, Aloe seems to be effective at reducing symptoms in many different types of gastrointestinal problems. In one recent study by Bland, published in Preventive Medicine, the author describes the effects of Aloe vera juice supplementation on gastric pH and protein digestion/absorption among other variables.
Bland found that a majority of the subjects noted improved bowel regularity and gastrointestinal comfort following meals. Others even reported some additional energy and sense of well-being. Importantly, Bland found that Aloe juice supplementation increased gastric pH, which can be an aid in digestion. Moreover, he found that protein digestion was enhanced and that there was even evidence that there were bacteriostatic properties (bacteria-killing) of Aloe helping in balancing digestive processes.
Finally, Aloe has been shown to be helpful in constipation. As a laxative, Aloe has been shown to be effective in patients with chronic constipation in a double-blind study.
So, it' s clear that Changes Premium Aloe has healthful applications that go far beyond the traditional uses of topically used Aloe in minor wound treatment and sunburn care. And when you consider the two delicious flavors of Changes Premium Aloe Juice - Strawberry Kiwi and Natural Aloe Flavor you' ve got every reason to make Changes Premium Aloe Vera Juice part of your supplementation regimen.
Nutritional questions regarding Changes products can be submitted to [email protected]