IBS and CBD Oil: What You Need to Know

Have you ever had strange stomach pain you cannot describe? However, when you go to the doctor, he wasn’t able to pinpoint the source of the pain. If this happens to you, then you probably suffer from Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS). In this article, we will discuss IBS and investigate whether IBS and CBD oil can be the right combination for your body.

All about Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is the condition where you’re having an upset stomach but are unable to find the source of the pain. When the doctor can no longer see the cause, they will call the symptom as IBS.

IBS sounds superficial and straightforward, but it’s more complicated than it looks. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, at least one out of eight Americans suffer from IBS. The same source also stated that women have a bigger chance to get IBS.

If you’re hoping for some signs of IBS, you’re out of luck. There’s no single distinguishable symptom that can make IBS recognizable easily. Since each person is different, the same goes for IBS’ signs. A person can have IBS symptoms that lumps him with people who have/had:

• Imbalance in the endocannabinoid system
• GI infection
• Food allergies
• Small intestine bacterial growth (SIBO)
• Painful bowel
• Digesting problem

As it can be seen, the symptoms of IBS are pretty broad, meaning that it can affect many functions of the body. No wonder there is no specific method to cure IBS. How can there be a particular method for a particular part of the body when it can affect different parts of the body at the same time?

Although there is no specific way to cure IBS, there are several ways you can lessen its impact. Here are some common causes of IBS and some potentially helpful tips .

1. Disproportion In The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is unique since it balances out (homeostasis mode) many of the body’s functions. ECS is connected to many body parts of the body, from the immune system to the digestive system. ECS contains endocannabinoids, the element that helps to maintain the balance of the body. There are external products such as cannabis that contain endocannabinoids (THC and CBD). The endocannabinoids can push the body to produce more endocannabinoids.

According to the study, the greatest evidence of Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED) is present for IBS  . Some symptoms of IBS, such as cramps, are caused by the lack of some endocannabinoids like palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). 

Tips: A healthy lifestyle is necessary to bring the balance back to ECS. The perfect combination is a healthy lifestyle and a little boost from CBD oil to help the body produce the endocannabinoids it needs.

2. Inflammation 

Although it might seem odd, a study actually suggests that the increase of inflammatory cytokines, killer T cells, and mucosal mast cells actually contribute to the symptoms of IBS. Scientists believe the inflammation is caused by different problems, such as stress, allergies, infections, and so on

Tips: The only way to combat the day to day stresses is by finding and eliminating the source. You can also consume greeneries, omega-3, and other supplements to combat the inflammation. If you prefer to bring your body to its proper homeostasis mode, you can opt for CBD oil.

3. Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis

The gut microbiome is a living microbiome that helps to keep our digestive system healthy. They aid our body at digesting foods, produce molecules needed for the body, keep our immune system healthy through its actions, and many other things. 

Unfortunately, the gut microbiome can also be the source of your IBS. Some people are dysbiosis, meaning that their gut microbiomes are different from the average person. Most people who are dysbiosis tend to get IBS than those who are not. Moreover, a study in 2017 states that Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) can also contribute to IBS. There are also some microbial signatures in the colon that are believed to be connected to IBS symptoms. 

Tips: Probiotics are an excellent option to control your gut microbiome. The challenge with probiotics is finding the right one that is suitable for your body. Once you’ve found the right probiotics, you should take it regularly (make sure to check with the doctor for the regular consumption).

Another option is the low FODMAP diet, eating habits designed explicitly for IBS patients. The menu mostly consists of vegetables, fruits, meats, and fish. However, you need to make up some of the vitamins or minerals you miss due to the low FODMAP diet through other means (such as supplements). 

According to research Cannabidiol may have a positive effect on intestinal inflammation through the control of neuroimmune axis. There is a high chance that the CBD helps to push the immune system, thanks to ECS that’s connected to it.

IBS and CBD: Getting the Right Product

If you’re planning to take CBD as one of your routines, you need to have thorough research regarding the CBD product and its consumption method. 

The first option is CBD oil. CBD oil is the easiest to swallow since you need to drop the oil on your tongue and let it stay there for 60 – 90 seconds. The tongue will absorb the oil, bringing the oil to the capillaries. Since it goes directly into the body, CBD oil works the fastest.

The second option is the Vegan CBD gummies. Gummies are perfect for those who do not like the raw taste and texture of CBD oil. However, gummies tend to work slower since it will go through the digestive system first.

The third option is CBD capsules. Capsules work similarly with gummies, with taste and appearance as the only difference. Whereas chewing is necessary for gummies, you only need to swallow the capsules with water or food.

After knowing your product and doing thorough research on its authenticity, don’t forget to contact your doctor and ask for advice regarding the CBD product. If it’s possible, have your doctor make the routine for the consumption to prevent unnecessary problems in the future.