Healthy digestion and regular bowel movements are directly linked to clear skin and overall health. I can personally attest that working on my gut health and changing to a plant-based diet did miracles for my skin.
"Drinking aloe vera juice has been shown to fight inflammation, soothe, and relax the GI tract," said Melissa Gundersen of the Gut Health Project. If you have leaky gut syndrome, aloe vera can also "heal the lining of a damaged intestinal tract, healing and/or preventing leaky gut syndrome," according to Gundersen.
Be aware that the yellow sap (aloin) just underneath the skin of aloe vera is a very powerful laxative. This sappy latex can be harsh on the kidneys, so it should only be taken sparingly. When you cut the bottom of the leaf off, you can let the yellow sap drain out first before you move onto getting the gel out.
Simply blend two cups of water with a two-inch fresh aloe leaf until thoroughly combined, then drink immediately on an empty stomach for best results.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lexi Lambros