Irritable Bowel Disease is a particularly insidious condition. IBD, which can cause mild digestive system symptoms at its inception, eventually leads to inflammation of and consequential damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately, in recent years instances of inflammatory bowel disease have risen; between 1999 and 2015, reported cases in people of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis rose from 2 million to 3 million. Treatment options vary, from changing lifestyle and diet to the removal of a portion of the colon. To avoid the latter, physicians partner with patients to reduce the inflammation using a range of medications. Unfortunately, advanced medical interventions do not work for everyone.
Some people may find them be only moderately effective or they suffer from debilitating side-effects. For those lacking health insurance, the cost of treatment can be prohibitive. A number of IBD sufferers may cycle between remission and flares, or flareups, even after treatment. Individuals who fall into any of these categories may look to alternative forms of relief from cramping, intestinal bleeding, diarrhea, and any of the other symptoms of IBD. One option to discuss with a provider is the use of cannabidiol, which is CBD, products to help manage the discomfort and potentially provide some anti-inflammatory benefits, including oils and edible supplements.
CBD Knowledge
CBD has come under the spotlight as a supplement to take for a range of potential health concerns, in particular pain and inflammation relief, since its legalization under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. Because of this continuing increase in popularity, its benefits will likely be examined in an increasing number of future studies.
Consumer CBD is but one of the many many active ingredients of one of a select species of marijuana’s sister plant, hemp; plants that may be grown to produce CBD contain no more than 0.3% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. This THC is the psychoactive compound in controlled marijuana plants. Also worth noting, the particular hemp variety that produces CBD differs from industrial hemp that is used to make rope and fabrics
IBD and Pain
As previously noted, the first line of defense for IBD is to follow a comprehensive plan developed in partnership with a gastroenterologist. Since pain is a symptom of the disease, when it persists in spite of treatment or because treatment options are limited, a patient can discuss with the doctor the potential efficacy of CBD as an additional aid in relieving pain symptoms. Studies vary on the effects of CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, but research continues following ongoing anecdotal evidence of this benefit. British researchers did find that combining CBD and a similar molecule may have positive effects on the body’s endocannabinoid system, inhibit study-subjects’ gut inflammation, and reducing the absorption of harmful bacteria through the intestine.
If individuals find that CBD works to reduce the pain and cramping of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, they may find other, tangential, but related, benefits. These include potential reductions in moments of stress, anxiety, and insomnia, predominate consequences of IBD.
CBD Varieties and Criteria
CBD comes in different forms, including the following: oils, tinctures, salves, lotions, gels, pills, drinks, edibles, and chewable gummies. They are sold both online and in stores. Unfortunately, the various products sold can range dramatically in quality, particularly in their effectiveness and reliability. In some cases the ingredients in a product may not match exactly what is listed on the packaging; the CBD industry is not regulated by the FDA.
As a consequence, the most important criterion to consider when researching effective and reliable CBD products is that they have undergone expensive third-party testing. These tests can be tailored to analyze various properties as the seller requests. One important result customers should look for is a profile listing both CBD and THC concentrations, among other cannabinoids. Both should match what the label states. Additionally, for some products, it is important to examine the levels of pesticides and heavy metals detected, if any. Reputable CBD sellers will provide access to these results.
Integrity is an essential attribute for any supplier of health products. Those suffering from IBD know firsthand that it is critical to be fully versed in the particulars of anything they put into their bodies. Working closely with their doctors, patients may find that a well-researched CBD product can provide some relief for the painful symptoms of their disease as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
