Taking CBD For IBS: Does It Really Work?

CBD Oil For IBS

IBS (or irritable bowel syndrome) is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. It causes major discomfort in everyday life and there is no cure to this condition, however there is medication that helps to ease the symptoms. More and more people are turning to CBD – an extract from the cannabis plant – as it has shown to be helpful in treating the symptoms of IBS. But does CBD really work in treating IBS symptoms?

What is CBD? Does it affect your bowels?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive derivative of marijuana or hemp. It is thought to ease everything from anxiety to chronic pain, but if you’ve wondered if it could help treat your IBS or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the short answer to this question is no. However, it can help massively when managing the symptoms.

Cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body. CB1 is found primarily in the brain and CB2 in the immune cells, with the majority found in the digestive system. CB1 receptors are primarily associated with memory processing, appetite, pain sensation, mood, and sleep, while CB2 receptors are involved with inflammation and pain. By targeting these receptors, we may be able to treat different diseases and conditions. However, further research is still needed.

Does CBD help with IBS? How?

People with IBS experience disruptive digestive system symptoms, which often worsen with anxiety or during periods of stress. IBS is believed to be associated with an endocannabinoid deficiency, changes in serotonin levels, and a person’s mental-emotional state. Researchers are studying CBD for IBS due to its stimulation of the endocannabinoid system and serotonin receptors. Although research is just beginning and there have not been human clinical studies yet, the outlook for using CBD for IBS is promising While there’s no research to confirm whether CBD is an effective treatment for stomach issues, it is considered to be safe by the World Health Organization, meaning there’s no physical harm in trying it.

Many people with IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders such as IBD have reported that using medical marijuana and CBD products have drastically improved their symptoms. Stories like these have helped to encourage deeper research into the topic of using CBD for IBS. To date, there have not been any clinical studies on the use of CBD for IBS directly. However, researchers have been looking at how CBD may help with the underlying factors of IBS.

Can CBD help with other digestive issues?

The cannabis plant has been utilized for thousands of years to treat many gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, intestinal pain, and inflammation in the bowels. CBD helps to relieve nausea. Nausea is a common symptom of IBS, making it difficult for patients to eat regularly. This can cause IBS symptoms to flare up when the patient finally eats after long periods of time. Since CBD helps to relieve nausea, patients should be able to eat more regularly.

CBD may help to relax the tissue in the GI tract, which may lead to less spasmodic episodes.

CBD can help reduce pain and inflammation in the patient’s digestive system, helping to reduce the symptoms of IBS and the associated discomfort.

Studies about CBD and IBS

This study was published in 2016 and it has showed that the cannabis sativa plant and its derivatives, cannabinoids, have grown increasingly popular as a potential therapy for IBD. Studies have shown that modulation of the endocannabinoid system, which regulates various functions in the body and has been shown to play a key role in the pathogenesis of IBD, has a therapeutic effect in mouse colitis.

Another study on this topic that was published in 2014 has stated that the evidence is gathering that manipulating the endocannabinoid system can have beneficial effects in IBD, but further research is required to declare cannabinoids a medicine. However, the researchers say that the further research is required in order to declare cannabinoids a medicine.

There are many testimonies from people that say that CBD helped them with treating some symptoms of IBS, however more research is needed to prove CBD will reliably treat IBS.

What is the best way to take CBD oil for IBS?

If you are new to CBD, it’s always recommended that you start on a low dose and only build up to a stronger dose if necessary. Generally, the serving standard is 25mg of CBD taken twice daily. If you don’t experience the desired results, then you can increase the serving size by 25mg every three to four weeks until you find relief.

While there is still quite limited research on CBD for IBS available, using products containing cannabidiol (CBD) or synthetic cannabinoids may help the endocannabinoid system maintain better balance of your body.

It’s comforting to know that CBD has a solid safety profile and has been tested in studies at doses as high as 1,500 mg per day without side effects. Moreover, there are many testimonies online that say CBD relieves some symptoms of IBS if taken consistently.

How much CBD oil should I take for IBS?

It’s important to understand that there is no standard dose for CBD oil because every person is different and the reaction to CBD can be different. The required CBD oil dosage depends on a variety of factors that include body weight, metabolism, type of CBD product used, and more. Therefore, there is much variation in the amount of CBD needed to find relief.

When using CBD for IBS, most patients find that consuming CBD oil at a regular time every morning produces the best overall effects. If you use CBD drops, for the better result keep the drops placed under the tongue for at least a minute before swallowing. By doing this you ensure the CBD enters the bloodstream quicker so it can begin to take effect more sooner. If you want to add CBD to your regular diet and take it as a supplement, please consult with your doctor before taking CBD. It will help you to ensure that CBD will not worsen your health condition and will not influence other treatments you are taking.

It is good to know that when you are swallowing CBD oil, it slowly reaches your bloodstream through the digestive tract, but when you smoke CBD products and use vape it provides a more rapid route into your bloodstream. That’s why the best CBD dosage for your IBS symptoms will depend on the products you choose. Another option to consider is a rectal suppository.

Also, when you take CBD consistency definitely matters. If you take CBD every day, it is a higher chance that you will see results much faster. There are some testimonies online from people that say that they are taking CBD every day and after some time they have no longer symptoms of IBS. But keep in mind that your body can react to CBD differently and there is a chance that you will not achieve the same result as others.

The best CBD oils for IBS

Joy Organics THC-free. CBD is made from hemp oil and is extracted with organic extra-virgin olive oil, providing a base for a smooth intake.

Elixinol
Well-established company that uses CO2 extraction process, which is clean, solvent-free method. They perform extensive lab testing for microbiological contamination, pesticides, heavy metals, etc.

Endoca
Tested in lab. Certified organic cannabis plants. Use CO2 extraction process. Wide variety of CBD products.

Vape Bright High-quality organic CBD vape with terpenes. Extra strength formula. No chemical fillers.

Select CBD Select CBD is extracted from industrial hemp, with products designed to benefit people, it comes in Select CBD Drops, which is a tincture form, or in disposable vape.

CBD oil for IBS: final verdict

In my humble opinion, CBD has great anti inflammation properties and based on testimonies I found online, with consistent consumption of CBD, you can get a relief from some symptoms of IBS. This is why many patients are turning to CBD for IBS. Studies are showing that CBD may offer a solution to people seeking a natural and simple way to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome. You should remember that CBD is not a cure and you need to talk to your doctor before you starting taking CBD in order to avoid any worsening of your health condition.

Now it’s your turn

If you feel like you have a relevant story to tell about your experience using CBD for IBS, please feel free to share! Reviews and testimonies from different people are always something that people are looking for when they want to try something. The same is with CBD: people want to see real stories, real experiences to be sure in decision they make. So, if you think you have any relevant experience or story about using CBD and treatment of epilepsy, please feel free to share it in our comment section. It will be greatly appreciated, as on website we want to create a great platform for free exchanging of knowledge and experiences.

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Top image: Scientific Animations