Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the bowel, or colon, and rectum, and causes small pus-filled ulcers to develop inside. This causes bleeding and pain, and a range of other symptoms. The condition typically develops in teens and up to the age of 25 but it can develop later in life also. It is often a chronic, long-term disease, where symptoms need to be managed to prevent flare-ups.
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition, where the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue as if it were fighting off a threat to health. The reason why this happens is not yet clear, however it is believed that genetics and environment factors may contribute towards developing autoimmune conditions.
Ulcerative colitis can cause a significant effect on quality of life, preventing people from enjoying normal activities. The symptoms include:
- diarrhoea, often with blood or mucus
- needing to use the toilet often
- stomach pains
- weight loss
- fatigue
There may also be other symptoms present, such as redness of the skin, around the eyes, mouth ulcers, and painful joints.
Ulcerative colitis symptoms tend to come and go, and there are periods where there are little or no symptoms, known as remission. This is followed by a flare-up, which could be triggered by diet or stress, or unknown reasons.
Ulcerative colitis shares many symptoms with Crohn’s disease, another inflammatory bowel disease, but there are some differences. The main way to differentiate between ulcerative colitis vs Crohn’s disease is that ulcerative colitis affects the bowel area whereas Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive system. Also, with Crohn’s there are healthy parts of tissue mixed in with inflamed areas, whereas the bowel lining is continually inflamed in those with ulcerative colitis.
Traditional Treatment Options for Ulcerative Colitis
Treatment for ulcerative colitis is used to reduce the symptoms during flare-ups, or to maintain a state of remission when there are few or no symptoms.
A range of medications are usually prescribed for ulcerative colitis, including anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids. Immunosuppressant medications may also be used, as well as biological medications that act on the proteins the immune system uses to create inflammation. Often, these medicines come with a range of unwanted side-effects.
Where medication does not work well, surgery to remove the colon is also an option. This means that waste is directed out of a hole in the abdomen, which goes into an external bag. Another option is for a portion of the small intestine to be used as a replacement colon, allowing waste to be passed normally. Surgery of this nature always has risks and should be carefully considered.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important in reducing the severity of flare-ups, such as eating well and getting enough exercise and rest. An ulcerative colitis diet should be one that avoids caffeine and alcohol, as these may make diarrhoea worse and increase dehydration. It is also a good idea to keep a food diary, so you can see what foods cause symptoms.
Food supplements such as vitamins and minerals are also helpful in making sure people with ulcerative colitis are getting the nutrition they need. CBD oil is also helpful in reducing symptoms, and supporting overall health and wellness.
CBD Oil for Ulcerative Colitis
CBD oil is a health supplement that is seeing huge growth due to the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids. CBD is just one cannabinoid found in hemp plants, a strain of cannabis that has been used for a variety of medicinal and practical purposes throughout human history. Unlike other strains of cannabis that have been bred to contain high amounts of THC, the cannabinoid that makes people feel high, hemp only has minute traces and does not produce the same psychoactive effects. Instead, it has high amounts of CBD which has many health benefits.
One of the most potent ways that CBD oil works against ulcerative colitis is through its anti-inflammatory action. This study1 looked at how CBD reduces intestinal inflammation by testing it on colon biopsies. CBD was shown to improve and counteract the inflammatory environment, and the study concluded that “CBD indeed unravels a new therapeutic strategy to treat inflammatory bowel diseases.”
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD is also an effective pain reliever and may reduce the need for other types of pain medications. This helps to lessen the medication load on the body and improves overall health.
Other conditions such as stress, depression and anxiety can all be part of coping with ulcerative colitis, and CBD oil is known for its calming and beneficial effects on mood. This research2 into CBD oil and ulcerative colitis tested the effects of CBD on a group of adults with symptoms, and found that “patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes were improved for patients taking CBD-rich botanical extract,” and that “several signals suggest CBD-rich botanical extract may be beneficial for symptomatic treatment of UC.”
When looking for a CBD oil ulcerative colitis dosage guide, it is important to know that there is not one single dosage that will work for everyone. The right dosage depends of a person’s age, weight and height, as well as the severity of their symptoms and how they react to CBD oil. The easiest way to get the right starting CBD dosage is to use our CBD calculator. By entering a few details, you get an accurate recommended dosage displayed on your screen, and we also send to your preferred email for reference.
CBD has shown to be beneficial for reducing the symptoms of inflammation associated with bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis, as well as relieving pain. It also has an uplifting effect on anxiety and depression, helping to reduce stress which may trigger flare-ups of the condition. Using CBD oil has an overall therapeutic effect on health and well-being, and as more studies take place, the more it will emerge and be developed as a potent treatment for ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases.
What you need to know about CBD oil, ulcerative colitis and its symptoms
Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation to the lining of the colon, creating ulcers and pain. Symptoms include frequent diarrhoea, sometimes with blood, pus or mucus, digestive pain, fatigue and weight-loss.
Autoimmune conditions are still not fully understood. The body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissue, as if it were fighting off a threat. Ulcerative colitis could be partly genetic, or caused by environmental factors.
Studies into CBD, ulcerated colitis and its potential treatment have shown CBD to be beneficial in reducing inflammation and improving quality of life. It is also a potent support to overall health and wellness, and this may help keep ulcerative colitis symptoms in remission.
The CBD dosage for ulcerative colitis will depend on a person’s weight, height, age and sex. Our CBD calculator makes it easy to find the best starting dose for you. Just add a few details about yourself and you get a personalised CBD dose in minutes!