CBD tinctures have been shown to be a very effective treatment for the symptoms of IBS and helps to provide relief for those who incorporate CBD into their health regimen. While it cannot cure IBS, it can work in the body to reduce the symptoms and unpleasant issues arising from it. It is estimated that between 5-20% of the worldwide population suffers from IBS and there is no known cure. Doctors usually recommend a change in diet and lifestyle and incorporating more exercise into the daily routine. While CBD is not a cure for IBS it has most definitely helped many people to live a normal life.
IBS is a syndrome that affects many people with a range of symptoms including:
- cramping
- abdominal pain
- bloating and gas
- constipation
- diarrhea
- bloody stools
- depression
CBD for IBS – How it can help with symptoms
One of the most predominant indicators that someone is suffering from IBS is abdominal pain or discomfort. This can occur in a change in bowel habits or disordered defecation. The pain and discomfort associated with IBS is often hard to pinpoint. It may originate in the stomach or bowels but it may be migratory to other areas of the abdomen. It often occurs after a meal or at times of increases stress.
In addition to pain and discomfort, symptoms may include diarrhea, constipation, and bloating especially after meals. Some people describe frequent episodes, whereas others describe long symptom-free periods. People with IBS often report other symptoms including chest pain, heartburn, nausea or dyspepsia, difficulty swallowing, or a sensation of a lump in the throat. Many people have symptoms of IBS come and go throughout their adult lives. The majority of people reporting the symptoms of IBS are between 20-50 years of age, but sometimes it can occur in early adolescence.
What causes IBS?
Little is known about the true cause of IBS. Doctors believe that it is a reaction of the body in response to a gastrointestinal issue. IBS does not present with any visible inflammation. Though it may not be visible during routine diagnostic testing, it may still be involved. Evidence of low-grade chronic inflammation on a cellular level is present in people who suffer from IBS. This inflammation affects the large intestine, sending it in to spasms. CBD has been shown to be anti-convulsive and anti-spasmodic.
It was initially thought that people who suffered from IBS had a weak and sensitive digestive tract but it is now more widely believed that IBS may result after an infection. This may in turn create damage to the gut lining and poor gut health.
Gut health is another integral key factor that many doctors recommend addressing when it comes to treating IBS. When the delicate balance between microbes and bacteria within the gut become unbalanced it results in poor digestion which in turn can lead to a plethora of other problems. The large intestine is responsible for salt and water absorption. It is approximately 5–6 feet long and about 2½ inches wide. Glands secrete large quantities of alkaline mucus into the large intestine. This mucus lining lubricates intestinal contents and neutralizes acids formed by bacteria. These bacteria are essential as they act to decompose undigested food residue, unabsorbed carbohydrates, amino acids, cell debris, and dead bacteria through putrefaction. Maintenance of potassium balance is the job of the colon. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems innervate the gastrointestinal tract. When the bacteria and microbes are out of balance it effects much more than just digestion.
Clinical studies on CBD helping with IBS symptoms
CBD has been studied in clinical trials as an anti-inflammatory in a clinical trial published in Dec 2019. This could be why so many people are seeing positive results when treating arthritis and pain with CBD. It is believed that IBS sufferers can benefit from CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties thus lessening the spasms and reaction of the large intestine. CBD works to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This means it works to stop the inflammation before it even begins.
Studies have shown that around 60% of people suffering from IBS also suffer from some form of anxiety or depression. Many report bouts of sleeplessness and report being under high amounts of stress. CBD oil can really assist as it has been shown to help those suffering from anxiety and depression. This in turn can lead to a better nights’ sleep.
CBD works by bringing the systems of the body back into homeostasis. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is responsible for regulating many systems within the body. Gut health relies on constant communication with your central nervous system to regulate neurotransmitter production and build a protective intestinal barrier.
We all have a CBD1 and CBD2 receptor. Ideally your body would create enough endocannabinoids to supply these receptors and to keep the bodies essential systems in good health and working order. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. As we get older our supply of endocannabinoids diminishes. Factors such as stress, illness and injury may severely inhibit the production of these essential endocannabinoids.
The proper dosage of CBD for IBS relief
The exact dosage of CBD will vary based on a person’s age, sex, weight, and tolerance. We usually advise people to start out with around 20mg taken orally twice daily. They can then adjust the dosage up from here over a period of 4-6 weeks. We would like to see our customers aiming to consume 100-150mg daily if it is administered orally as there is only a 20% absorption rate.
We always advise our customers to listen to their body. Once they are seeing their sleep patterns normalize and their anxiety level drop, we ask them to allow a few weeks for the ECS to normalize.
As with anything, CBD alone will not be a cure-all. We always advise our customers suffering from IBS to take a new approach to diet. Pro and Pre-biotics are also essential for maintaining and repairing gut health.
Reducing caffeine intake is also indicated to be a positive change for IBS sufferers. Highly caffeinated drinks such as coffee are highly acidic and can cause further damage to the already irritated stomach lining. We sell a complete range of CBD tea containing CBD & CBG Flower to soothe and heal irritated tummies.
Other natural ways to help as well
Dairy consumption is thought to be a potential irritant for those suffering from IBS. Opting for non-dairy based options can be highly beneficial. Dairy can be present in many foods so adhering to reading labels and making positive changes can really help IBS sufferers.
Lastly, aloe juice is an amazing internal healer. One glass of aloe juice on an empty stomach in the morning for 6 weeks has been shown to be very beneficial for IBS and leaky gut sufferers. Consumed with CBD it can work to begin to heal and restore the delicate gut balance.
While more research needs to be conducted on the many applications of CBD we do know that it has helped our customers to maintain health and vitality. OC Wellness Solutions are proud to make all of our products inhouse using high-quality isolate and distillate and organic ingredients.
