CBD and Its Impact on IBS
First, What is IBS?
Whether you are continually mapping out your routes to include as many public bathrooms as possible, or go days between bowel movements, you could be suffering from IBS. The average person who exhibits the symptoms of IBS has associated abdominal pain related to bowel movements, and often cycles between constipation and diarrhea.
This difficult condition plagues as many as 20% of Americans, and doctors often can’t see a clear collation between causes and flare ups (which results in very limited treatment options).
So it’s exciting to see that CBD and THC products are shown to be a potential solution for those who suffer from IBS.
IBS and the Endocannabinoid System
The Endocannabinoid System is located in all the major tissues of the body with varying effects on the different systems. There are CB1 receptors located throughout the lining of the gut but also CB2 receptors located in the smooth muscle that control the peristalsis, the action of moving food forward as it digests through the intestine. It appears overall, in multiple studies that the activation of CB1 receptors could be useful in helping people with diarrhea-predominant IBS. While the inhibition of those receptors may be beneficial for patients who are constipated, studies have shown that the use of synthetic THC has been attributed to an improvement in the movement of food, pain sensory and the relaxation of gut motility after eating.
In one particular study published in a 2011 Journal of Gastroenterology, 75 patients who were being treated for IBS were treated with synthetic cannabis. They saw a reduction in fasting colonic muscle contractility, so a decreased level of tone when they weren’t eating compared to placebo. These effects were greatest in patients with diarrhea dominated or mixed IBS. In patients with irritable bowel syndrome, it appears that impacting the cannabinoid system with administration of CBD, THC or a mix may result in improvement in the diarrhea component of that disease.
Here are some of the theories to the causes of IBS:
- Sensitive Colons due to genetics, trauma, prior infection or chronic stress
- Reduced peristalsis or contractions of the gut in response to an inaccurate correlation between the brain and digestive system
- Hormonal Changes
- An imbalance of the gut bacteria (SIBO)
- Mental Disorders such as depression or anxiety which can affect the levels of serotonin in the body producing diarrhea or constipation
Because lifestyle plays a key role in overall health, making better choices regarding stress, nutrition and exercise can help relieve symptoms of IBS. Here are some ideas:
- Lower your stress levels by partaking in meditation, yoga, breathing exercises or general movement based exercise
- Increase your intake of fermented foods or take a full spectrum probiotic
- Keep a food diary to discover any food intolerances that maybe leading to the IBS symptoms
- Take a walk after eating to encourage digestion
And while traditional medicinal treatment, such as antispasmodics,anti-diarrheal agents and laxatives may fall short, you might consider CBD and THC products to be a potential solution.
Also, the gut-brain connection has been the topic of a lot of research as of late and it’s important to take into consideration your mental health and whether seeing a licensed therapist may help lessen your stress load, anxiety or depression which has been linked to wide range of digestive ailments. (And synchronistically, CBD and THC products are ALSO shown to be a potential solution for stress, anxiety and other disorders, such as PTSD.)
You might also consider therapies such as,
- Relaxation Therapy and Mindfulness Meditation
- Hypnosis
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Acupuncture
- Acupressure
- Yoga
- CBD Oil
There are a vast number of ways to combat IBS and IBD, but very few are effective treatments. CBD and THC products are a great solution for those who suffer from IBS and IBD.
For more information, you can go to:
https://cbdandcannabisinfo.com
More IBS and IBD information…
Graphic Sources: http://static1.squarespace.com/static/596cd60d9f74563f1f11f74e/5976018e440243f8d19f77fd/5afb37ae03ce6420c18ee80c/1526417743545/endo.jpg?format=1500w
