Cannabis and relief for IBS

It’s no fun talking about bathroom habits or rather, problems. But it’s important to understand what we can do to improve our gastrointestinal health. Most importantly, we need to know how to naturally improve our gut health. Can cannabis be a miracle treatment for IBS?

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease. Rather, it’s a problematic set of symptoms that cause gut irritation. However, this irritation can get in the way of living our best lives. 

Up to 45 million people in the United States suffer from IBS, or more severe forms of this illness, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Irritable bowel syndrome causes symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, cramping, and bloating. These symptoms can be minor or almost unbearable depending on the severity of the condition.

Most people either have an overactive bowel or a slow bowel. The overactive bowel causes more instances of diarrhea, while the slower gut causes constipation. Both types can cause discomfort, cramping, and bloating. While there are treatments and medications that can reduce the severity of symptoms, there’s a need for a more natural solution. Studies show that cannabis may be a natural option.

Does cannabis Improve symptoms of IBS?

A study published in the Journal of Molecular Medicine in 2005 reported that the human body’s endocannabinoid system may be able to provide benefits for the gut. The endocannabinoid system maintains balance and homeostasis while controlling how cannabis works with the body. This is directly linked to how the endocannabinoid system relates to the body, as it extends from the brain, and throughout the organs, immune cells, tissues, and glands. Does this mean that cannabis can relieve IBS systems? Research in 2020 points to YES!

THC and CBD are the two main cannabinoids in cannabis. However, there are 100 other cannabinoids that may play a part in improving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. However, researchers noted that even though symptoms may be improved, cannabinoids did not reduce inflammation or bring IBS into remission. These cannabinoids simply serve as soothing relief for discomfort.

It was observed that cannabis users spent less time in the hospital getting treatment for IBS symptoms. Fewer endoscopic procedures were conducted on cannabis users as well. According to studies, cannabis has a significant impact on the quality of life of those with irritable bowel syndrome.

Origins of IBS

Considering that the exact causes of IBS are unknown, it’s more difficult to properly treat this problem. And truth be told, irritable bowel syndrome can come from various lifestyle choices, genetics and so forth. For instance, some people acquire IBS from a prolonged unhealthy diet, while others may experience IBS due to taking certain medications for prolonged periods of time.

So, along with the use of cannabis to treat IBS, it is important to aim toward reversing negative lifestyles to also treat this issue. Limiting caffeine can also help, as irritable bowel syndrome can sometimes be caused by drinking too much coffee or tea. Considering caffeine is a stimulant, the gastrointestinal system can become overwhelmed with the substance. This causes an overactive gut.

Cannabis, on the other hand, can soothe these symptoms, producing the opposite effect. Then, in turn, reduce visceral pain from intestinal spasms by blocking signals from the brain to the gut.

Experimenting with the idea

In 2011, a synthetic form of THC was used to test the effectiveness of cannabis on negative symptoms of IBS. It was found that the THC cannabinoid can regulate the severity and speed of colon contractions, reducing cramps and diarrhea.

As we digest food, much of what we ingest is lost, preventing the absorption of important vitamins and minerals. Another benefit of medical marijuana on the digestive system is its ability to increase the absorption of important nutrients through the gut.

IBS and Stress

There has long been a connection between IBS and stress and reducing stress may improve gut health exponentially. And, as you may already know, marijuana can be the hero that helps reduce this stress. Also, there is a 36% correlation between IBS and PTSD, and studies show that PTSD symptoms can be greatly improved with the use of cannabis.

What we know right now

Although we do not know everything about cannabis and its effects on IBS symptoms, we do have studies that show powerful indicators. And these studies show promising data about even more positive aspects of marijuana. In fact, cannabis may just be a solution to almost any type of illness or negative health condition. 

At least, from where I’m standing, the positives highly outweigh the negatives of cannabis. And that’s more than just my opinion.

Enjoying cannabis in the meantime

While you’re learning more about the connection between IBS and cannabis use, try a cannabis-infused product from LucidaClub. Maybe you need to wind down from a long day or work or simply enjoy a nice long euphoric trip. 

Either way, be sure to investigate the extensive line of cannabis products to find your personal favorite today.