CBD & IBS
The medicinal properties of cannabis have been used for centuries in many parts of the world. Cannabidiol – also known as CBD – is a booming area of research right now. Laws against cannabis have made it difficult for researchers to fully study the medicinal properties of this plant. Despite this, there is a large—and rapidly growing—body of data pointing to the overall health benefits. So far, this includes things like epilepsy, certain kinds of cancer, chronic pain, and a number of other conditions. But what about digestive disorders? More specifically, can you treat irritable bowel syndrome with cannabis? Here’s what the research shows.
What is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder affecting the intestine. IBS involves problems with motility (movement of digested food through the intestines) and sensitivity (how the brain interprets signals from the intestinal nerves), leading to abdominal pain, changes in bowel patterns, and other symptoms. Although often disruptive, debilitating, and embarrassing, it may be some comfort to know that IBS is not life-threatening, nor does it lead to cancer or other more serious illnesses.
IBS often remains underdiagnosed. Although stress and diet can aggravate IBS, factors such as age, cigarette smoking, and family history appear to pose a greater risk when it comes to developing the disease. However, the exact cause of IBS still remains unknown.
Although symptoms can vary in severity and frequency they often include:
Diarrhea
Fever
Fatigue
Cramping and abdominal pain
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
According to The Mayo Clinic, “the precise cause of IBS isn’t known.” So far, researchers have identified a number of possible causes for the disorder. Fortunately, many of them may be positively influenced by medical cannabis
How can CBD help IBS?
As far as researchers can tell, CBD does not flat-out cure IBS. Rather, it can help alleviate some of the most common causes of IBS. Additionally, medical cannabis may help improve people’s overall sense of well-being, which can help improve the mental health of people suffering from severe IBS.
Researchers have pinpointed the following as some of the most common factors leading to IBS:
Uncontrollable or intense muscle contractions in the intestine.
Nervous system abnormalities.
Intestinal inflammation.
Severe infection in the digestive system.
Changes in gut flora.
For IBS patients whose condition is triggered by nervous system abnormalities, digestive system malfunctions, or inflammation, cannabis could be an effective way to treat some of the underlying causes of the condition.
CBD & IBS-Take Away
There is growing evidence linking IBS symptoms like abdominal pain to the cannabinoid system, suggesting cannabinoids could help reduce this pain. According to current research, cannabis can effectively treat a number of the underlying causes of IBS. This includes regulating the digestive system and decreasing intestinal inflammation. Similarly, cannabis can make up for endocannabinoid deficiencies that can trigger IBS. Finally, medical cannabis can help IBS patients cope with the pain, frustration, and depression that often accompanies the disorder.
There are many great products on the market for you to choose from. Before purchasing any CBD product, it is important you know what to look for. The quality of a CBD oil product will make or break your experience using CBD to address IBS symptoms. Remember, before you begin using CBD oil for IBS, be sure to talk to your doctor. Together you can determine if CBD is a safe and effective option for you.
Sources:
Irritable bowel syndrome - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic