Remedy for irritable bowel syndrome: Does CBD help with irritable bowel syndrome?

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In case you're wondering if CBD oil can help with irritable bowel syndrome, here's a little disclaimer:

CBD oil, unlike medical CBD used in studies, is regulated as a cosmetic in Germany. Since it cannot be sold as a dietary supplement due legal regulations, it should not be swallowed. In other countries such as the UK, however, CBD is already approved as a dietary supplement and can be consumed. To avoid confusion, we explicitly state that our statements refer to CBD in general and not to specific oils or products.

On the legal position of CBD in the Therapeutic Products Advertising Act:

There are numerous studies that provide evidence that CBD has various therapeutic properties and can provide support for many ailments. Since cannabidiol is currently covered by the Therapeutic Products Advertising Act, we are not allowed to make any therapeutic claims at this point. We would also like to point out that our products are not considered as medical preparations.

Problems with digestion can occur from time to time. But if gastrointestinal complaints occur regularly, irritable bowel syndrome could be responsible. Irritable bowel syndrome (colon irritabile) is a disease of the digestive tract. Affected individuals suffer from recurring abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea. Many affected suffer from a limited quality of life, because an effective therapy does not exist. Can the cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) from the hemp plant be a natural help here? The answer to this question and other important information about intestinal diseases is given in the following article.

Irritable bowel symptoms: How do I recognize irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome: Possible causes
Irritable bowel syndrome: Home remedies and herbal remedies
How does CBD work in the gastrointestinal tract?
CBD for irritable bowel syndrome: Can CBD calm irritable bowel syndrome?
Connection of CBD, irritable bowel and psyche

It is estimated that approximately 10 to 20 out of 100 people suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Women are affected more often than men. The problem is that irritable bowel disease is chronic in most cases.

Irritable bowel symptoms: How do I recognize irritable bowel syndrome?

Under irritable bowel syndrome, medical professionals:inside summarize various recurring gastrointestinal complaints, such as:

  • frequent abdominal pain
  • general malaise
  • constipation (constipation) or diarrhea (diarrhea)
  • flatulence and bloating also in combination with nausea
  • Soft bowel movements at onset of pain, also frequent trips to the toilet during the day
  • Visible flatulence
  • Mucus in the stool and incomplete defecation.

Similar symptoms also occur in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Therefore, it is important to exclude these by means of colonoscopy.

Irritable bowel syndrome: Possible causes

The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are unclear. In some cases, changes are found in the intestines. It is assumed that the natural movement of the intestine may be disturbed or that the intestinal mucosa has an unnaturally high permeability. In affected individuals, increased immune activity can also frequently be detected in tissue samples of the intestinal mucosa.

Another possible trigger is previous diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as a gastrointestinal infection with certain bacteria. Likewise, a disturbed intestinal flora can promote irritable bowel syndrome.

In addition, the psyche also has a major influence on intestinal health. Stress, anxiety or worry influence an irritable bowel. Diet and lifestyle also play a role and seem to be partly responsible for an irritable bowel. So far, however, science has not been able to prove this.

Irritable bowel syndrome: home remedies and herbal remedies

For the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), there is so far no universally valid therapeutic approach. Therefore, the treatment usually provides only to alleviate the current symptoms. However, since medications can also trigger digestive disorders, many affected people look for natural help.

Particularly good experience has been made with psyllium husks, as regular intake can have positive effects on digestion and bowel movements. Good everyday helpers are also peppermint, fennel, anise and lemon balm tea. If acute pain occurs, a hot water bottle on the stomach can also help.

Another helper from nature can also be the cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp.

How does CBD work in the gastrointestinal tract?

Various studies have already reported the positive effect of cannabinoids on the intestines, which indicates a great potential for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.

Cannabinoids are the most important ingredients from the hemp plant. The main focus of science is on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike THC, however, CBD does not cause any intoxicating effect.

The effects of cannabinoids are based on the so-called endocannabinoid system, a kind of regulatory system that is part of the nervous system. In the intestine, not only the associated cannabinoid receptors can be detected, but also the body's own cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) 2-AG and anandamide. Researchers assume that the endocannabinoid system is involved in the control of various processes in the stomach and intestines, such as intestinal movements or the maintenance of the intestinal surface. If the endocannabinoid system in the intestine were to become unbalanced, this could promote digestive problems and diseases.

Therefore, scientists assume that cannabinoids could be used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. In the case of irritable bowel syndrome, it is conceivable that CBD could have a positive influence on the disturbed intestinal activity.

CBD for irritable bowel syndrome: Can CBD calm irritable bowel syndrome?

Various studies have shown that cannabidiol (CBD) can relieve inflammation in the intestines. However, few studies exist on the topic of CBD for irritable bowel syndrome. One study states that cannabidiol (CBD) is an interesting compound and its effect was investigated in 32 female patients with irritable bowel syndrome. One group received a chewing gum formulation containing 50mg of CBD (a maximum of six pieces per day), while the other group received a placebo (dummy drug). Various questionnaires were used to assess various symptoms such as pain and perceived well-being.

Although the results were inconclusive, the researchers believe it is justified to conduct further studies that are more personalized and with individual dosages.

Connection of CBD, irritable bowel syndrome and psyche

From the scientific facts, it is so far unclear whether CBD can have a direct positive effect on irritable bowel syndrome. Nevertheless, CBD could be used for irritable bowel syndrome. This is because, as mentioned earlier in this article, the psyche has a major impact on the condition. Stress and emotional problems can aggravate the symptoms. It is not uncommon for patients to suffer from anxiety and depressive moods.

Especially in case of inner restlessness and anxiety, CBD could bring supportive relief. Thus, the calming and anxiety-relieving effect of CBD has already been shown by studies.

FAQ

What exactly is irritable bowel syndrome?

An irritable bowel describes several physical digestive complaints. These can include both diarrhea and constipation. In addition, patients often complain of a bloated belly, flatulence, nausea and pain. The causes are unclear and it is assumed that different factors can promote irritable bowel syndrome.

What helps against irritable bowel syndrome?

In addition to various medications, some herbal preparations as well as home remedies help against irritable bowel - psyllium husks as well as various teas can alleviate the symptoms. CBD for irritable bowel syndrome could also be a natural support. This is because CBD can work against inflammation as well as cause calming and anxiety-relieving effects.

How does CBD help against irritable bowel syndrome?

The psyche has a great impact on the intestines. If patients suffer from emotional stress, the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can worsen. Therefore, it is especially important to avoid stress. CBD products such as CBD oil can provide support here. Studies have shown that CBD has calming and anxiety-relieving properties.