Having stomach issues is never pleasant, and the most unpleasant condition of them all is IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This is something that affects around 45% of adults in the world at some time during their lives. This is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be painful, bothersome, and can lead to developing severe conditions.
IBS encompasses a series of symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, cramping, and bloating. This condition affects the quality of life of people suffering from it, as it can prevent them from doing a lot of things and can lead to anxiety, depressive feelings, and even constant fatigue. Not to mention the embarrassment that people experience due to IBS.
The causes are not yet completely understood, but there are speculations like a problem with the gut-brain axis, food sensitivity, bacterial overgrowth, pain sensitivity, and infections. Some scientists link IBS with an imbalance in the endocannabinoid system.
Medicine offers some ways of treating the symptoms of IBS which include diet changes, probiotics, medication, and accepting the condition. Many people suffering from IBS have tried alternative medication, and many have found success with CBD.
CBD and IBS
Since CBD has very beneficial effects on the endocannabinoid system, it could help restore the normal functioning of the gut. CBD can aid in treating the most common symptoms of IBS and help people regain healthy, normally-functioning stomachs.
A holistic approach can be very beneficial for people suffering from IBS. People suffering from IBS should take a wholesome approach and make significant changes to their lifestyle, improve their diet, include more fiber it the food, take CBD, and exercise.
· CBD helps with pain
Pain in the stomach is a common symptom of IBS. CBD stimulates the CB receptors in the body, and a majority of the CB2 receptors are found in the stomach, CBD helps stave off the pain caused by IBS.
· CBD helps with inflammation
CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory effect. One of the symptoms of IBS is inflammation of the gut, taking CBD is an effective way to reduce inflammation and improve the health of the gut.
· CBD and cramps
Cramps in the stomach is a common occurrence with IBS, and in some cases, these are so severe as to lead to people having to rest until all the symptoms pass. People have used antispasmodic medication to help with cramps, but CBD can also help with this. It helps the relaxation of muscles and reduces cramping, helping people have normal lives.
· CBD for Anxiety
Suffering from IBS is serious and most unpleasant. People with IBS are often put in unexpected situations and can experience serious anxious and stressful episodes, or even lead to a depressed mood. But CBD is helpful with such symptoms, as it binds with the CB receptors, stimulating the hormonal balance and uplifting the mood. A person becomes more relaxed and in a better mood after taking CBD, and the severity of their IBS symptoms would be reduced.
· CBD and intestinal motility
Constipation and diarrhea are serious symptoms of IBS. This is when the food either passes too slow or too fast through the intestine, making things uncomfortable. CBD helps with this also, as it helps the endocannabinoid system in stimulating the receptors which control the bowels. Having normal bowel movements is important for overall health, but it also affects the quality of life and the ability to do a lot of activities.
CBD Products for IBS
Many people with IBS have stated that they found relief in taking full-spectrum CBD hemp oil tincture. This product has a good amount of CBD along with all the other active components from the hemp plant which act together for a synergistic effect called the entourage effect.
Other delivery methods include vaping CBD, taking CBD edibles, and CBD capsules. All have their merits, but the exact method depends on what the person is comfortable using.
The dosing is another issue with taking CBD. Experts advise to take it slow and start low, and then slowly increase the dosage until you find the best dose that works for you.
CBD does not cause any adverse effects and it does not cause addiction, so it can be taken with other medication and can be added to foods or drinks. Still, if you have doubts, you can talk to your physician and ask for advice on taking up CBD with your IBS medication.
Final Thoughts
While IBS is unpleasant and can be painful, this is not a life-threatening condition. There are some medications to help with the symptoms, and the best advice doctors give is to change the diet and take up an exercise regimen.
Research has linked the endocannabinoid system with IBS, so taking a CBD supplement can significantly improve this condition. CBD can aid with abdominal pain, cramping, immune response, inflammation reduction, and anxiety and stress due to IBS.
For best results, it is recommended to take a full-spectrum CBD hemp extract as this way, you are getting the entourage effect from all the active ingredients from the hemp plant. Just be sure to pick a quality manufacturer and find the delivery method and CBD dose that works best for you.
