Approximately 10-15 percent of the global population currently suffers from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This makes it the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder in the world.
Are you one of the millions of people who struggle with irritable bowel syndrome? If so, you’ve probably tried just about every traditional drug and supplement to find relief from your symptoms.
If none of these have worked and you’re not sure where to turn next, you might want to consider trying CBD oil.
There are tons of benefits of using CBD oil for IBS. Read on to learn more about them.
What Is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a collection of symptoms primarily related to changes in digestion and the bowel movements.
Some of the most common symptoms of IBS include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Abdominal cramps
- Feeling as though you haven’t finished a bowel movement
- Whitish colored mucus in the stool
Many women also notice pain and symptoms of IBS during their menstrual periods.
IBS symptoms range from mild to severe. Of all the people who suffer from IBS, about 40 percent experience mild symptoms. Another 35 experience moderate symptoms and 25 percent have symptoms that are more severe.
A significant portion of people also do not recognize their symptoms as IBS in the first place.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD — which is short for cannabidiol — is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. CBD is very different from THC, another cannabinoid that is known to cause a “high” feeling when it’s consumed.
CBD is nonpsychoactive and does not get you high.
CBD oil contains CBD that has been extracted from cannabis plants or hemp plants. The CBD is mixed with a carrier oil like coconut oil. CBD oils are also often flavored to make them more palatable and easier to consume.
What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
CBD offers many of the same medicinal benefits of THC, but it provides them without causing any psychoactive effects.
CBD also works with THC to provider relief while dampening the psychoactive effects.
Some of the most well-known benefits of CBD oil include:
- Reduced pain and inflammation
- Improved mood
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved sleep
- Reduced nausea
- Reduced incidence of seizures
- Improved heart health
These are the benefits that have been studied most heavily. There are many other promising potential benefits, including antipsychotic and anti-tumor effects, that need to be studied more.
Is CBD Oil Addictive?
One of the main reasons people choose to use CBD oil for their pain and ailments is the fact that it is not habit-forming in the same way that many other conventional drugs (even those that you can buy over the counter) tend to be.
The body does not build up a tolerance to CBD oil, so you don’t have to keep increasing your dosage to notice the same effects.
What’s the Difference Between Hemp-Derived CBD Oil and Hemp Seed Oil?
Many CBD oils contain CBD that is derived from the hemp plant. Because of this, some people believe that CBD oil and hemp seed oil are the same thing. This is a common CBD oil myth.
Hemp-derived CBD comes mainly from the glands and resins of the hemp plant. Hemp seed oil, on the other hand, comes exclusively from hemp seeds. If you want to experience IBS symptom relief, don’t just go out and buy a bottle of hemp seed oil and expect the same effects!
Benefits of Using CBD Oil for IBS
As you can see, there are lots of reasons to use CBD oil. But, how does it work to relieve IBS symptoms specifically?
Listed below are some of the greatest benefits of using CBD oil to provide relief from IBS symptoms:
Reduced Pain and Inflammation
Perhaps the best benefit that comes from using CBD oil for IBS is the fact that it can help relieve the pain and inflammation that so many IBS-sufferers experience.
The reduced inflammation is particularly beneficial. By reducing intestinal inflammation, CBD oil seems to be able to help improve the overall digestive system function.
CBD does not cure IBS. However, by improving digestive system functioning, it can be a viable option for improving the underlying cause of specific symptoms.
Fewer Intestinal Spasms and Improved Intestinal Motility
CBD oil also targets the body’s naturally occurring cannabinoid receptors (part of the endocannabinoid system). It specifically works with the CB2 receptors to prevent intestinal spasms and improve intestinal motility (movement of food through the digestive tract).
By providing relief from cramping, diarrhea, and constipation, CBD oil is a great solution for some of the most unpleasant symptoms of IBS.
Improved Endocannabinoid Deficiencies
Some researchers believe that IBS is caused by a deficiency of endocannabinoids. This is because cannabinoids have shown an ability to block the gastrointestinal mechanisms associated with IBS.
Early studies show that CBD and medical marijuana can be used to fix endocannabinoid imbalances and regulate the body’s systems. As a result, symptoms go away.
People with other digestive disorders, including Crohn’s disease and gastric ulcers, have noticed similar improvements.
Improved Mental Health
It’s also important to acknowledge the mental health benefits of CBD oil and how it can positively affect people who struggle with IBS.
Many IBS sufferers struggle with depression, anxiety, and a generally decreased quality of life. CBD oil can help relieve these negative feelings and, by improving pain and symptoms, can improve patients’ overall quality of life as well.
How to Use CBD Oil for IBS
There’s a bit of self-experimentation required when you first start using CBD oil to eliminate IBS symptoms. There’s definitely no one-size-fits-all approach.
Your best bet is to start small and slowly increase your dosage over time.
Start with just a few milligrams. If you’re using a bottle with a dropper, use about one-fourth to half of a dropper full. Keep track of your symptoms and document any changes that occur.
If you don’t see improvements after a few days, increase your dosage by a bit more.
To see the greatest benefits from your CBD oil, it’s also important to make sure you’re using it consistently. Since it takes a while to make its way through the digestive tract, it typically works better as a preventative measure.
You can use a larger dose when you’re dealing with acute symptoms like pain, or you can try vaping for immediate relief.
Try CBD Oil Today
Do you think you could benefit from using CBD oil for IBS? If so, check out our online store to order your first bottle.
We have a variety of oils for you to choose from, as well as other CBD-infused products that you can try out to find relief from your symptoms. Start shopping today!
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