CBD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Natural Help for Your Gut

Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), is a long-term functional gastrointestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain, cramps and irregular bowel movements. Symptoms also include diarrhoea (IBS-D), constipation (IBS-C) or alternating symptoms. IBS affects approximately 10-15% of the population in the Western world and can be associated with anxiety and depression, creating a vicious cycle of physical and psychological symptoms. In this article, we take a closer look at cannabidiol and its potential benefits for patients suffering from this disease.

What is CBD and how can it help with IBS?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). CBD is gaining popularity as an effective remedy for a variety of health problems. According to the National Centers for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is evidence that CBD may have a beneficial effect on inflammatory bowel disease. Although more research is needed, reviews in peer-reviewed journals suggest that CBD may be helpful in treating pain and inflammation, which are some of the main symptoms associated with IBS.

How does CBD work?

Currently, IBS patients are prescribed opioids, anticholinergics and antidepressants, but these drugs often have suboptimal results. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body modulates several functions including mood, anxiety, memory retrieval of traumatic events, and directly coordinates gastrointestinal motility, secretion, inflammation, and nociception. This provides a rationale for substances such as CBD interacting with the ECS as potential candidates for the treatment of IBS. CB1 receptor activation attenuates colonic and small intestinal muscle tone and inhibits gastrointestinal motility, while CB2 receptor activation reduces inflammation through a reduction in cytokine and chemokine production from activated immune cells. The ECS also plays an important role in gut-brain communication, which is key in the treatment of IBS.

Risks and side effects of CBD

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), CBD is generally well tolerated and does not cause any serious side effects in most people. However, common and short-term side effects of CBD substances include: dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, diarrhea, or changes in weight and appetite. It is especially important to consult a doctor if you are taking other prescription medications.

Dosage and safety

Due to a lack of long-term studies, there is no set dose of CBD for treating IBS, so it’s important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find what works for you. You can read about general CBD dosing here (LINK TO ARTICLE ON DOSING). Despite the growing interest in CBD research, this substance does not yet have official approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of IBS and therefore it is important to always consult a professional.

CBD has shown promising results in relieving IBS symptoms such as pain and inflammation. If you’re looking for a natural alternative to support your gut health, CBD may be a good option for you. Always check with your doctor or healthcare provider before taking CBD products. You can explore our quality selection of CBD products to help you relieve your IBS symptoms and improve your quality of life at our online store.

Sources:

1. Brugnatelli, V., Turco, F., Freo, U., & Zanette, G. (2020). Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Manipulating the Endocannabinoid System as First-Line Treatment. Frontiers in neuroscience, 14, 371. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00371