DEAR DR. GOTT: After years of using Tums and then omeprazole for acid reflux, I purchased aloe vera juice from a health food store. I did my research and got most of my information from the WebMD site and made sure to get the juice that is filtered to remove the aloin (which apparently causes diarrhea and is not safe to take orally). I began drinking about two ounces morning and night. The stomach acid disappeared almost immediately. I have had no side effects and the juice was about $15 for a gallon.

DEAR READER: Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant (known as a succulent). The gel (found on the inside of the leaf) is most commonly used topically to treat burns and certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis. The outer (green) portion of the leaf can be used to make juice or aloe latex. Aloe latex was a component of many over-the-counter laxatives, but they were removed from the market in 2002 due to concerns.
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