Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects the digestive system, causing a range of discomfort in the abdominal area, as well as other symptoms. IBS is often something a person has for life, although it may come and go.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include:
- stomach pains after eating
- feeling bloated
- diarrhoea, sometimes with an urgent need to use the toilet
- constipation
- mucus in stool
- nausea
- flatulence
- problems with urination, such as urgent need, or not being able to completely empty the bladder
Irritable bowel syndrome causes a range of symptoms that can be mild, moderate or severe, and when a flare-up occurs it can significantly affect daily activities and quality of life.
For those who think they may have IBS, it is important to get a diagnosis as the symptoms may be similar to other types of bowel conditions.
The reasons as to what causes IBS are not yet clear. It may be caused by the speed at which food passes through the gut, either too quickly or to slowly, or it could be because of sensitive nerves in the digestive system. Lifestyle factors, such as stress, can be a reason why a person develops IBS. It could also be hereditary, so more likely if other family members have the same symptoms.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for IBS but, thankfully, there are ways people can manage their symptoms, and reduce frequency of flare-ups.
Traditional Treatment Options for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
There are over-the-counter medicine available from pharmacies that can help manage the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. If they do not work, a doctor may be able to prescribe something stronger. Often, anti-depressant medications are used in the treatment of persistent IBS. As with any medications, they often cause side-effects.
One of the most common ways to manage irritable bowel syndrome symptoms is to learn what the triggers are that cause it to flare up. These triggers will be different for everyone.
One way to start is by keeping a food diary, so any symptoms can be noted and associated with a specific food. It is also best to eat a clean, healthy diet, avoiding processed foods. Probiotic drinks or supplements help increase the range of beneficial gut bacteria, and may help to reduce symptoms.
For IBS that is brought on by stress and anxiety, activities such as mindfulness and meditation may help some people keep their symptoms at bay. Professional counselling services can also help create a positive mental outlook on life and create better ways to manage and minimise stress, helping to reduce the symptoms of stress induced IBS.
Lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise may also help irritable bowel syndrome treatment, and supplements such as CBD oil have also shown to be beneficial.
CBD Oil for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
CBD is just one of the therapeutic cannabinoids found in hemp plants. Not to be confused with marijuana, although both plants are part of the cannabis species, hemp does not make users high and it has been used for millennia as a source of herbal medicine, as well as a range of other uses.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body, and produces a range of effects that are beneficial to health, including soothing IBS. One study by Dr. Ethan Russo discovered that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in gut health1. This suggests that cannabinoids, such as CBD have some effect on the digestive system, and therefore improve symptoms of IBS.
CBD oil is known as an excellent pain reliever, so helps ease the digestive discomfort caused by IBS. In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce the severity of an IBS flare-up, especially where inflammation makes the symptoms worse.
Where stress is a factor in increasing the chances of an IBS flare-up, CBD is an effective remedy. It has soothing and relaxing properties that have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting feelings of well-being. This sense of calm helps to lower the symptoms of IBS that are related to stressful situations or anxiety.
When choosing a CBD oil for IBS, it is always important to get the best quality oil from a trusted seller. This is because the purest oils, made using good manufacturing processes, will bring the most beneficial results. It’s also worth noting that higher strength oils are more expensive but because you use less each time, the bottle lasts longer, so it is better value for money.
Getting the correct CBD dosage for IBS is also necessary. As everyone is different, a dosage that works for one person may not be as effective for another. Find your perfect CBD oil dosage for IBS by using our CBD oil calculator. Simply enter a few details and you will get a personalised recommended dose based on your individual information. You don’t have to wait for long, your results are displayed quickly and also sent to your email address for reference.
There are often many factors that cause irritable bowel syndrome. Using CBD oil, which has many health benefits, can help in a number of ways. From reducing stress and anxiety, aiding restful sleep, improving overall health, reducing inflammation and providing pain relief, it all adds up to a powerful effect that many report reduces the severity of IBS and the frequency of flare-ups. As more research in conducted into CBD and IBS, the more we will learn about its use as an effective IBS treatment.
What you need to know about CBD Oil, IBS, and how it is treated
IBS, irritable bowel syndrome, is a common life-long condition that shows a range of digestive issues. Pain in the abdominal area, bloating, gas, diarrhoea or constipation are the main symptoms of IBS. Other symptoms may include nausea and problems urinating. Unfortunately there is no cure for IBS, but the symptoms can be managed in a variety of ways.
The exact cause for IBS is still unclear. For some, IBS can be brought on by stress and anxiety. For others, it could be food intolerances, food passing through the digestive system too fast or too slowly, and it can also be more prevalent in those who have a family history of IBS.
The body’s endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the gut, as so CBD oil helps relieve IBS in a number of ways. It has been shown to reduce inflammation, which may help reduce the severity of IBS flare-ups. CBD oil is known for its beneficial effects on anxiety and stress, which is why some people develop IBS. CBD also supports a number of health functions, which brings an overall therapeutic effect on many causes of IBS.
The most effective CBD dosage for IBS depends on a person’s individual symptoms, as well as other factors such as age, weight and height. To get a personalised recommended CBD dosage, our CBD calculator is a great place to start! By entering a few details, your dosage is displayed on your screen in minutes, and we also send it to your preferred email address.