No one likes having an upset stomach. Thankfully, for most people, it doesn’t happen that often. But what would life be like, if nausea and other symptoms of gastrointestinal upset happened every day? That is what it can feel like for someone who has Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a long-term condition that affects the intestines. Consequently, it causes various digestive symptoms, such as abdominal cramping, bloating, gas, mucus in the stool, and a feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation. Mental health issues and stressful life events may increase a person’s risk of developing IBS. Some studies also suggest that the condition may be hereditary. Conversely, Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which starts at the mouth and goes beyond the intestines and stomach.
Crohn’s disease is a type of IBD that can impact the gastrointestinal tract, especially the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. Why does the location of gastrointestinal upset matter, specific to three different diagnoses? Because the severity of symptoms can differ for patients. But the treatments for all types of IBD are relatively the same. And conventional treatments work for many (but not all) patients who have a GI disorder.
5 Ways CBD Can Help Manage Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease and IBS
Recently, there has been increasing interest in managing these inflammatory diseases with CBD, an active substance in both cannabis plants and agricultural hemp. Unlike other active compounds of the plant, such as THC, CBD has no psychoactive qualities and therefore does not cause feelings of being “high.” However, CBD may contain therapeutic benefits. And it has been used to relieve symptoms including anxiety, chronic pain, and side effects of cancer. Recently, people with IBD reported improvements in symptoms of their condition and quality of life after using CBD.
Here are the top 5 ways CBD can help patients manage symptoms of Crohn’s Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
1. Reduces Inflammation
Crohn’s Disease causes patchy areas of inflamed tissue in the small intestine wall and can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Cannabidiol is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, as confirmed by a study by the Rockefeller Institute of Medical Research. Reducing inflammation can help patients better manage their condition’s symptoms by providing relief.
2. Helps with Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the primary mental health conditions that can trigger or worsen Irritable Bowel Syndrome. CBD has developed quite a reputation for helping reduce anxiety symptoms. In a Forbes Health survey, 51% of American adults use CBD to manage anxiety symptoms. Another study was done in 2019 that tested CBD in lower doses compared to other clinical trials. Some study participants consumed only 25 mg daily, while others consumed 50 mg to 75 mg each day. Experts believed that a higher dosage might be too costly for participants to sustain daily and that a lower dosage would still prove effective. Within the first month, the majority of patients experienced reduced anxiety levels. Additionally, the quality of sleep also improved. Only 3 participants reported experiencing side effects.
3. Can Help With Depression
Depression is a mental health issue that impacts around 17.3 million adults annually and can trigger IBS and Crohn’s Disease. Studies show the potential antidepressant effects of CBD, which essentially work by interacting with the serotonin receptors in the brain. Clinical studies on animals suggest that the substance may impact these receptors, thereby releasing antidepressant effects. CBD does not directly increase serotonin levels in the body but rather affects the brain’s response to the already present serotonin.
4. May Assist by Relaxing the Stomach and Intestinal Lining
Cannabidiol can help reduce pain induced by a tense stomach and intestinal lining muscles. Since CBD also helps with inflammation, this can encourage the healthier digestion of food, waste, and other nutrients across the body. The microbiome plays a fundamental role in maintaining your overall health, and CBD is known to help balance the body’s microbiome to keep the gut in an optimal position. The substance could also help correct the intestines’ pH levels, thus controlling bacterial growth. This then minimizes inflammation and promotes healthier digestion in the body. It also helps control appetite and reduces nausea.
5. Can Help Relieve Gut Pain
Gut pain is a common symptom of both Crohn’s Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which can be pretty uncomfortable. Studies show that CBD can help relieve gut pain due to its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system, thereby manipulating pain perception. CBD also helped reduce inflammation and pain in rats with arthritis.
Ways to Consume CBD for Crohn’s Disease and IBS
CBD products come in various forms, and depending on your preference, you can choose from a range of products. Oils & tinctures come in dropper bottles and are to be taken by mouth. The Calm Tincture Full Spectrum, 1800 mg CBD, is a helpful product for enhancing mood and relieving stress, which can improve symptoms of IBS. But if taking a tincture is not your favorite way to consume clinical-grade CBD for IBS or Crohn’s Disease, you can also try:
- Gummies, which are sweet, chewable, and usually fruit-flavored edibles. This option is ideal if you do not want to take capsules or tablets.
- Capsules & tablets, which are paired with water like a pill.
- Vape cartridges are devices that warm the CBD oil without burning it, producing orally inhaled vapors.
- CBD-infused drinks which are consumed like regular beverages.
If you have a GI disorder like Crohn’s Disease or IBS, a sweetened edible may irritate your digestive tract. Many people who have IBS choose the easy-swallow concentrated CBD capsules. They are convenient to travel with and store. You can also plan a daily dose of full-spectrum or concentrated CBD in a weekly supplement planner so that you don’t miss a day. Try taking our CBD capsules once per day for a month, and record the results. It can help you determine whether cannabidiol might be an all-natural way to help manage your symptoms of digestive upset.
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At DocCBD, we carry a selection of CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC, making them legal and safe for consumption. These include gummies, creams, capsules, and tinctures with varying concentrations. Check our Certificate of Analysis (COA) for peace of mind, and see how a third-party laboratory rated our physicians-grade CBD supplements. Subscribe, save up to 25% off our regular-priced products, and get free shipping. Learn more about our convenient auto-ship service.
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