How Aloe Vera Supports Thyroid Health

I started studying Hashimoto’s in 2009, right after my own diagnosis. The protocols I’ve developed over the years and shared in my books, will help about 80 percent of people feel significantly better. However, I’m always on the lookout for new protocols and the latest research to help more people heal. I was really excited that a new study has shown that aloe vera can be beneficial for Hashimoto’s – it has been found to reduce thyroid antibodies, as well as improve TSH and free T4 levels. (1)

In the past, I had occasionally used aloe vera to support gut and skin health with great results, but didn’t realize just how impactful it could be for antibodies and thyroid markers, until a few functional nutritionists brought it to my attention when I was speaking at a functional medicine conference in Poland, back in 2016. I am grateful to be living in the modern world where I can connect with Hashimoto’s clinicians and researchers from around the world, sometimes in person, sometimes with a touch of a button! I’m excited to share the insights from a Hashimoto’s researcher (who also happens to be a patient) after her own breakthroughs with using aloe.

Aloe vera has numerous benefits, both when taken orally and applied topically, and has been an essential healing plant in many cultures, for thousands of years. Traditionally, the plant has been used as a great household remedy to treat wounds, soothe itching, and help reduce tissue scarring. (2,3)

It has also been used for a variety of conditions, including constipation, blood sugar issues, infections, and inflammation.

Since such conditions are often co-occurring in people with autoimmune thyroid disease, aloe vera can be used to help reverse them. (1)

I am so excited to share with you just how this plant can benefit those with Hashimoto’s!

In this article, you’ll learn about:

• How aloe vera can help the thyroid
• How aloe vera can support gut and immune health
• How aloe vera may be beneficial for stress levels
• Specific aloe vera supplement recommendations and important precautions

What is Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is one of the oldest mentioned plants known for its medicinal properties. Originating from the Arabian peninsula, this succulent (a member of the lily family) was first recorded to be used by the ancient Egyptians as a treatment for wounds and burns. Cleopatra was even known to use aloe during her skincare sessions, likely because aloe vera gel (the clear jelly-like substance found in aloe leaves) is almost 99 percent water and can be very hydrating to the skin. In fact, it can be used topically to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. (2)

Aloe vera is now cultivated in many countries throughout the world. Today, it is favored as a great houseplant. I often recommend that people keep multiple aloe vera plants in their homes or offices. Aloe is easy to care for and requires minimal sunlight.

Aside from being a practical plant, aloe vera has been touted as a nutritional powerhouse, as it is packed full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components. The leaf of aloe contains vitamins C, E, and A, as well as many essential B vitamins: B12, niacin, B6, folate, and biotin.

Aloe vera is unique in that it is rich in vitamin B12, which very few plants are. (2) (Typically, this energy-supporting B vitamin is only found in animal products such as fish, meat, eggs, and milk.)

Aloe vera also contains minerals and trace minerals that are vital for thyroid protection and a healthy conversion of T4 to T3 – these include chromium, zinc, selenium, copper, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and calcium. (2)

Another unique feature of aloe vera is that it contains many amino acids, which are essential for the body (meaning our body cannot produce them on its own). One amino acid in aloe vera that I find particularly interesting is tyrosine, which is the precursor amino acid for thyroxine, also known as… thyroid hormone. (2) 🙂

One reason why I love aloe vera so much is that its nutritional profile can help address some nutrient deficiencies associated with Hashimoto’s!

Aloe Vera for Thyroid Health

As I mentioned previously, aloe vera can benefit those with Hashimoto’s and thyroid conditions, in multiple ways.

I was really excited to learn about a study from Italy, which focused specifically on the benefits of aloe vera in Hashimoto’s. (1) Interestingly, one of the researchers who initiated the study saw that her own Hashimoto’s markers improved after she began drinking aloe vera on a daily basis, to soothe her digestion and to use as a laxative for constipation.

The researcher had routine lab work done to track her Hashimoto’s markers every few months.

Prior to starting daily aloe vera, her TSH was 5.14 μIU/mL, her free T4 was 8.3 pmol/L, and her TPO antibodies were 1875 IU/mL. Three months after the start of her aloe vera regimen, her TSH dropped to 3.22 μIU/mL, her free T4 improved to 11.44 pmol/L, and her thyroid antibodies dropped to 778 IU/mL.

Another six months later, her labs continued to improve even further: her TSH was within optimal range at 1.83 μIU/mL, and her thyroid antibodies dropped again to 24 IU/mL, which is considered “negative” for Hashimoto’s, according to most labs! I love that Root Cause Rebels are everywhere, and that this particular rebel decided to help the Hashimoto’s community through published research based on her own experience — a woman after my own heart. 🙂

The study was designed using 50 mL of Aloe barbadensis miller juice (or ABMJ, which is the botanical name for the aloe vera plant) twice daily, for a period of nine months, in 30 women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and subclinical hypothyroidism. (An additional 15 women served as controls.)

After the nine-month trial, there was a significant decrease in serum TSH and TPO antibodies (a 54 percent reduction!), as well as an increase in serum-free T4, in those who took aloe vera daily. Interestingly, serum-free T3 declined by 16 percent after three months, with no further decline after another six months. (1)

I was intrigued that aloe vera was as effective as selenium, one of the well-known and often recommended nutrients for Hashimoto’s. (In case you’re new to my work, I often share studies on selenium, including one study that showed selenium (selenomethionine at 200 IU a day, for six months), reduced TPO antibodies by up to 54 percent. (4) Selenium is one of my key go-to initial recommendations for Hashimoto’s. You can read more about it in my selenium article. 🙂

With respect to selenium, I often see that in terms of symptoms, people will see a reduction in anxiety and hair loss. The aloe study referenced above didn’t focus on tracking Hashimoto’s symptoms to see which symptoms could be improved by aloe, but my clients who have used aloe have reported an improvement in gut-related symptoms including constipation and stomach discomfort, as well as improvements in skin.

I have also heard from a few people with bladder issues and UTIs that those do seem to improve with aloe as well. (If you happen to be a Hashimoto’s researcher and are reading this, please consider designing a study to track symptoms and lab markers.)

Nonetheless, based on the success of the small 30-person study, as well as the profound benefits aloe has on gut health (considering the gut and thyroid connection), I do believe aloe vera may be beneficial for those with Hashimoto’s, and I will be looking out for new research on this topic. (1)

The Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera can decrease thyroid antibody levels and positively affect our thyroid hormone levels. (1)

It may also be beneficial for other conditions which can co-occur with Hashimoto’s, including:

• Nutrient depletions (2)
• Food sensitivities (5)
• An impaired ability to handle stress (6,7)
• Blood sugar imbalances (8)
• An impaired ability to handle toxins (9)
• Gut issues such as IBD and acid reflux (10,11)
• Infections such as H. pylori (12)
• Bladder pain from recurrent UTIs, and/or interstitial cystitis (13)

I often say that Hashimoto’s is a combination of the above, and that’s not even an exhaustive list!

Let’s explore how aloe vera can help.

Bladder Pain

It is estimated that up to 6.5 percent of women in the US struggle with symptoms of interstitial cystitis (IC), or painful bladder syndrome, a sometimes debilitating condition in which the bladder lining is damaged.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are different conditions caused by bacteria, but can also cause bladder pain. An estimated 40 to 60 percent of women will experience a UTI in their lifetime, and many women experience recurring infections. (14)

Generally, research as to the effectiveness of both alternative and conventional therapies for IC is lacking, and medications that are prescribed for IC can have side effects. (13,15)

However, a small clinical trial done with aloe vera in 1995 showed promising results for IC symptom improvement, and another clinical trial is set to take place in fall 2022. Scientists aren’t completely sure why aloe vera may work, but they suspect that it may have to do with the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) molecules in aloe vera, which are the same types of molecules that make up the lining of the bladder. (13)

In addition, the antibacterial properties of aloe vera may be effective against the bacteria that can cause UTIs. (16)

From this research and from personal experiences of people reporting that aloe can help with bladder pain, I recommend that you give it a try if you have IC or a UTI.

Gut Health and Digestion

Leaky Gut
Aloe vera has been known to balance the digestive system, as well as reduce inflammation within the colon and small intestine. This is an incredibly helpful mechanism, as intestinal permeability (also known as leaky gut) is one of the three factors that must be present for an autoimmune condition to occur. (10,17-19)

In my experience, most people with Hashimoto’s will present with gut issues – and many of us with autoimmune thyroiditis may be able to reverse symptoms and the condition itself, by healing intestinal inflammation and improving our gut health.

Constipation

Due to the plant’s high polyphenol content, aloe vera is effective at relieving occasional constipation, which is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. The anthraquinones present in aloe induce muscle contractions in the large intestine and have a laxative effect. Other plants also contain this organic compound, but aloe vera contains an especially large amount, with over 12 different anthraquinones. (2,20-22)

Aloin, a type of anthraquinone derived from the yellow-brown sap in the outer leaf (also referred to as aloe latex, or Cape aloes), increases muscular contractions and motility within the colon, resulting in softer stools. (20) When taking aloe latex as a standalone for constipation relief, it is important to know the side effects and how long one should take this as a supplement.

Anthraquinones found in aloe latex increase fluid and electrolyte secretion into the GI tract, resulting in a bowel movement within ten hours. (2) While I don’t recommend using it as a “laxative,” per se, some people do find that it helps with relieving constipation.

Aloe can also help support the gut by protecting the mucosal lining of the gut wall, which is often compromised in conditions like constipation. (21) Since I see constipation as a common symptom for those with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s, I recommend aloe vera to some individuals.

It is also important to find the root cause of less frequent bowel movements, and I encourage you to do so. I’ll be coming out with an article on constipation in the future, but in the meantime, you may wish to consider testing for gut infections like H. pylori, SIBO, and Candida overgrowth, which I see as frequent culprits behind constipation.

Enzymes

One way that aloe vera can help address gut health is by improving one’s digestion. Aloe vera is high in enzymes like alliinase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, and peroxidase. These enzymes can support digestion by breaking down carbohydrates and fats from foods. (2)

Since many people with Hashimoto’s are deficient in digestive enzymes and alkaline phosphatase (in my survey of over 2000 individuals with Hashimoto’s, about 73 percent of those who tried digestive enzymes reported that the enzymes made them feel better, while alkaline phosphatase deficiency is a common finding I see in people with hypothyroidism), I think a part of the reason aloe may be so helpful could be due to the presence of these enzymes.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Containing 75 active constituents, aloe vera is also abundant in saccharides (sugars). These sugars are an excellent source of fiber and prebiotics (a form of dietary fiber that acts as a fertilizer for probiotics – AKA good gut bacteria), which support the digestive tract in absorbing toxins and excess hormones. (23)

Interestingly, a study completed in 2012 showed the effects of aloe vera juice on the growth of the probiotic Lactobacilli. (24) The results showed an improvement in the growth of the different Lactobacilli species such as L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, and L. casei in the lab. This is helpful because increasing the amount of beneficial bacteria in one’s gut can put gut-related symptoms into remission! (25)

I particularly like anything that helps with the growth of L. casei, as this probiotic can help with breaking down casein, a common reactive protein present in dairy that many with Hashimoto’s and autoimmune conditions may find triggering.

Acid Reflux

Aloe vera also can help with acid reflux, which is a common symptom of Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism, as it contains natural alkaline properties which can help balance the pH in the colon. (11) (Many people with Hashimoto’s have low levels of stomach acid which can cause symptoms of acid reflux — you can read more about that at the linked article.) Furthermore, aloe may be helpful for healing ulcers, which often co-occur with acid reflux symptoms. (26,27)

One small study suggests that aloe vera is well-tolerated and possibly as effective in reducing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease as common reflux medications (such as omeprazole or ranitidine). (28)

In my experience, aloe vera is safe to try for acid reflux symptoms, and is often effective.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Lastly, aloe vera has been shown to improve inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Aloe vera has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage, as well as help balance the immune system, in those with IBD and UC. In a 2020 study, researchers induced UC in rats to investigate the benefits of aloe vera as a treatment option. They found that aloe vera significantly reduced pathological processes seen in UC, such as bleeding of intestinal mucus, thickening of intestinal mucus, ulcers, and tissue damage in the intestines. (17,29)

Liver Health – Impaired Ability to Handle Toxins

Aloe vera has been shown to protect the liver from oxidative stress-induced damage (that is, damage caused by an imbalance between the production of harmful free radicals, and the body’s ability to counteract them with antioxidants) in animal studies. This may be due to the plant’s high amino acid content. A 2013 animal study that used aloe vera gel daily, for a period of 21 days, found that aloe vera gel helped with normalizing elevated liver enzymes (a marker of liver disease), with markers returning to the normal or near-normal range for most. (30)

I suggest that you read this article which discusses liver health in detail, to learn more about the importance of liver support for Hashimoto’s. Specifically, when your liver is impaired, this can lead to poor detoxification and impair the conversion of T4 thyroid hormone to T3 hormone, which further exacerbates thyroid symptoms.

Stress and Adrenal Support

I see aloe vera as an adaptogen, as it possesses adaptogenic qualities, meaning it can increase the body’s resilience to different types of stress. Ongoing stress — or even an acutely stressful situation — can open the door to autoimmune disorders. (31,32) Many of my clients have noticed that their thyroid symptoms began after experiencing a particularly stressful period in their life.

An existing or recent diagnosis of Hashimoto’s can be stressful (I know it was for me!). This kind of emotional stress often leads to a decrease in sleep quality and blood sugar imbalances – both of which are additional factors that can wreak havoc on our adrenals. Our adrenals are meant to help us respond to stress, yet often take the biggest hit when we are overwhelmed. (33-35) To fully heal, we must turn down our stress response (also known as our fight-or-flight response).

Aloe can help by supporting both our emotional state and physical stressors. In one study that examined the effect of aloe vera on depression in people with prediabetes, they found that 500 mg capsules of aloe vera taken for eight weeks significantly reduced depression symptoms. (6) Another study observed the effect of aloe vera on stress-induced immunosuppression in mice. It found that oral administration of modified aloe polysaccharides can support the immune system in the face of stressors and help prevent it from being weakened. (7)

For this reason, aloe, which can improve our resilience to stressful situations, is great to add when one’s adrenals are feeling overwhelmed – and addressing adrenal issues can, in turn, help reverse many symptoms of Hashimoto’s! (Read more about adaptogens and adrenal health.)

Blood Sugar Balance

Aloe vera has been used as a remedy for elevated blood sugar levels. In one study, aloe vera was found to improve insulin sensitivity and fasting blood sugar levels in adults, when taken twice daily for 14 days. Not only did fasting blood sugar levels drop, but triglyceride levels (levels of fat in the blood, which are associated with type 2 diabetes) did as well. (8)

This study suggests that aloe vera may help lower blood sugar levels, which are often found to be elevated in those with Hashimoto’s. (36)

Infections

Studies have found that aloe vera is antibacterial and can prevent fungus and bacteria from multiplying within the colon. (37)

Many antiseptic agents, such as salicylic acid, sulfur, and phenols, are found in aloe vera.

(2) These antiseptic agents target bacteria, mold, viruses, and fungi – all of which can be root causes of autoimmunity. Aloe vera’s strong anti-viral properties have made it a particularly great option for various herpes viruses, including the Epstein-Barr virus, which are often triggers of Hashimoto’s. (38-41)

Additionally, aloe vera contains numerous enzymes. (2) These enzymes can help break up biofilms, which are densely packed colonies of pathogens that make their eradication difficult, even when using antimicrobial medications or herbs. The polysaccharide content from aloe vera has been shown to break up these biofilms as well as inhibit the binding of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (often found in those with Hashimoto’s) to gastric cells. (42,43)

While I feel there needs to be more research done on this plant and its biofilm-busting power, we do know that several pathogens can trigger Hashimoto’s symptoms, and often a biofilm agent is necessary, so aloe vera may help in this regard. You can read more about treating underlying infections to reverse Hashimoto’s here. When working with clients, I often see patients’ thyroid antibodies reduce when we treat underlying infections and pathogens.

Immune Health

The active compounds found in aloe vera have been found to have immune-modulating benefits.

An animal study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics evaluated extracted glycoproteins from aloe and found that they blocked antigen-antibody reactions (including the inhibition of histamine and leukotriene from mast cells), which are reactions that are produced when the immune system encounters foreign substances in the body. (44)

Aloe’s naturally-occurring anthraquinone compounds (specifically, aloe-emodin) have also been shown to help inhibit the production of several proinflammatory cytokines (involved in inflammatory reactions) by white blood cells, when encountering pathogenic materials. (45)

Polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates made of simple sugars), which make up 55 percent of the aloe vera plant, are also very beneficial to immune health. (46) The polysaccharides acemannan and glucomannan, which are considered to be the two main active components of the plant, have strong antiviral and antibacterial components, as they stimulate white blood cells (which target infections). (2)

Thus, the use of aloe vera can stimulate the immune system and be supportive to many people who have an underlying virus that is suppressing their immune system (and is at the root of their Hashimoto’s condition).

Oxidative Stress

One interesting study to note was published in the International Journal of Immunopharmacology in 1990. The study found that constituents found in aloe gel extracts can inhibit the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). (37)

ROS can have multiple effects within the body, including opening the gate for autoimmunity, and causing oxidative damage to our mitochondria and DNA. Oxidative stress results when there is an imbalance between ROS and antioxidants, as antioxidants counteract the harmful effects of ROS. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, there is often an increased production of free radicals (toxic byproducts of oxygen metabolism), which may include ROS. Antioxidant capacity is also significantly lowered when the body is in a state of autoimmunity. (47-49)

From this research, I conclude that aloe vera may help reduce oxidative stress, which in turn could improve one’s autoimmune condition.

Read more about the importance of antioxidants in Hashimoto’s here.

Supplementing with Aloe

There are various ways one can supplement with aloe, including juice, gel, powder, or capsule form.

In the Italian study mentioned at the beginning of this article, participants drank Aloe Vera2 by ZUCCARI, at a dose of 50 mL, two times daily. (1) According to the research article, confirmed by my review of the product, “The juice also contains citric acid as an acidifier and sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate as typical preservatives with biocidal properties. Noteworthy, Aloe Vera2 is free of aloin, a substance primarily contained in the outer cuticles of the leaves that is irritating to the intestinal mucosa. Once opened, the one-liter bottle has to be stored in the refrigerator, as recommended by the producer.”

It should be noted that some juices will contain aloin and anthraquinone compounds that may increase bowel motility and can cause a laxative effect, which can be a concern for some individuals, especially those who already tend to have loose bowels (of note, the Mayo Clinic doesn’t recommend using aloe as a laxative).

When my husband was having intense digestive issues in 2018 (a story for another day), I wanted to have access to an aloe formulation that didn’t cause more diarrhea and that could also be taken in powder or capsule form, as he didn’t like the taste of the liquids we had tried. This is how I decided to create the Rootcology Aloe capsules.

To make these capsules, aloe vera gel is rinsed to remove remnants of aloin (the laxative ingredient in the latex). I recommend one capsule per day of Aloe by Rootcology, which is highly concentrated. In fact, it takes 200 pounds of aloe vera gel to make one pound of this nourishing aloe extract! It is also prepared using a low-heat dehydration method with no filtering, which ensures that the plant’s beneficial components (long polysaccharide chains) and its natural makeup, remain intact as much as possible.

Here is what Roxanna S. had to say:

“I have Hashimoto’s and I don’t digest things well. I’m trying aloe to help with my digestion and I feel like it is working well. I pair it up with bitters and digestive enzymes when necessary. I am not noticing the gas and bloating anymore.”

Precautions

It’s important to note that some individuals may be sensitive to anthraquinone compounds, which are present in aloe latex (taken from the outer skin of the plant) and aloe whole leaf extracts. (Rootcology’s Aloe is tested for anthraquinone, and the content is below a detection limit of 0.1 ppm.)

Due to its laxative effect, aloe latex may also cause a loss of minerals, such as potassium and sodium.

Furthermore, it is important to note that one study reported the component aloin (found in aloe vera latex) to have carcinogenic activity. In this study, aloe vera (whole-leaf extract) caused intestinal irritation and acted as a carcinogen within the large intestine of rats. (51) However, the concentration, as well as the strength, was over ten times the amount that someone would take in a daily dose, equaling a very high dose of 14.4 grams. Additionally, this study used whole-leaf extract (which contains the aloe latex from the outer rim, as well as the gel from the inside of the plant), which is different from the aloe vera that I recommend.

Aloe vera may also interact with certain medications. Do not take aloe if you are taking any of the following medications: anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs, antidiabetic medications, blood thinners, corticosteroids (including prednisone and prednisolone), cardiac glycoside drugs (including digoxin and digitoxin), diuretic medications, sevoflurane, or stimulant laxatives.

There may be other medications that may interact with aloe, so please consult with your practitioner to review your current list of medications before starting supplementation.

Aloe vera should not be used by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, diabetic, or have a bowel obstruction. Please check with your healthcare provider before using aloe vera if you have intestinal issues such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

As always, it is important to consult with a practitioner before starting this supplement, to ensure that it is right for you.

Monitoring Your Thyroid Hormones When Taking Aloe

Thyroid medications are goldilocks hormones, which means they need to be used in just the right dose, and there are risk factors of being overmedicated.

Whenever you start a lifestyle or complementary intervention to address Hashimoto’s, I encourage you to work with your doctor to monitor your thyroid symptoms, thyroid hormones, and thyroid antibodies. This is a great idea for any lifestyle intervention, but a must for lifestyle changes that could impact your TSH, like aloe vera, especially if you are already taking thyroid medications.

Studies have shown that aloe vera supplementation can lower TSH by as much as 61 percent. (1) This could potentially reduce your requirement (or need) for thyroid meds. So as you move forward with supplementation, please look out for the following symptoms of being overmedicated: rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, irritability or mood swings, muscle weakness or tremors, diarrhea, heat intolerance, menstrual irregularities, hair loss, weight loss, insomnia, chest pain, and/or excessive sweating.

I recommend testing thyroid hormone levels every six to 12 weeks while using complementary therapies, including root cause medicine, diet, or supplements, to ensure your thyroid medication dosage is optimized – or sooner, if you are showing any of the above symptoms.

The Takeaway

In summary, aloe vera provides several essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. For some, the use of aloe vera may be beneficial for digestive symptoms such as reflux, a lack of digestive enzymes, and constipation.

It can also support liver and adrenal health, protect the body from infections, boost immune health, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce oxidative stress.

If you have Hashimoto’s, aloe vera may be beneficial in eliminating symptoms, and supplementing with Rootcology’s Aloe and/or organic aloe vera juice could be a very helpful addition to your daily routine.

I hope this helps you on your health journey. Let me know if aloe vera has worked for you!

In the meantime, I invite you to check out my books Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause and Hashimoto’s Protocol for more information on how to address symptoms of Hashimoto’s and reverse the condition.

P.S. Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter to get a free book chapter, recipes, my Thyroid Diet Quick Start Guide, notifications about upcoming events, and my latest research.

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References

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Note: Originally published in June 2019, this article has been revised and updated for accuracy and thoroughness.