CBD Oil for IBS

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the new kid on the block. The cannabinoid may have a variety of health benefits that can support reduced pain and inflammation, stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and has even been explored as a treatment for epilepsy. CBD's larger-than-life profile leaves many wondering about the full extent of its potential. Can CBD oil help IBS?

CBD's growing popularity has left researchers and scholars playing catch-up. While there is limited research on the use of CBD for IBS, preliminary studies are promising. CBD may just be the elixir of excellent health and well-being for those struggling with IBS symptoms. Let’s explore what we know about CBD oil and IBS so you can make an informed decision for your health.

What Is IBS?

IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a common digestive system disorder affecting up to 15% of the population. It’s characterized by abdominal pain and cramps, constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. The precise cause of IBS remains unknown and there is no cure. While IBS is typically a chronic, lifelong condition, the symptoms are often manageable through diet and medication.

Can CBD Help IBS?

Existing research findings suggest that CBD oil may be able to help with IBS. One of the suspected causes of IBS could be abnormalities in the brain-gut interaction, potentially caused by a hormonal imbalance in the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Many researchers contend that the ECS is a communication pathway between the brain and the GI tract. The ECS interacts with the nervous system to regulate numerous bowel functions through a network of cannabinoid receptors. These receptors interact with natural endocannabinoids produced by the body and exogenous cannabinoids found in plants.

Taking a phytocannabinoid like CBD may have remedial effects on the ECS. One step that may help maintain a healthy gut system is taking phytocannabinoid supplements derived from hemp, black pepper, cloves, and hops.

How Does CBD Help IBS?

A growing body of research shows that CBD could play a role in controlling certain GI conditions such as IBS. These studies indicate that targeting the ECS may be the key to modulating gut motility, intestinal inflammation, hypersensitivity to pain in the internal organs, and gut-brain changes. The ECS supports three main functions in the gut:

• Modulates Inflammation: The ECS plays a major role in protecting your digestive system from inflammation.
• Controls Gut-Brain Communication: The ECS is the communication highway between the brain and the digestive system. Any disruption to the ECS fundamentally affects communication between the gut system and the brain, impacting bowel health.
• Regulates Digestion: The ECS influences gut motility, the contraction of muscles in the GI tract that moves food through the system and allows for nutrient absorption.

Compounds like CBD and THC are increasingly used to moderate the ECS and manage IBS symptoms such as visceral pain, abdominal cramps, and spasms. Research also shows that CBD can alter the gut microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. This may benefit people with IBS by:

• Improving digestion
• Suppressing inflammation
• Enhancing immune function
• Reducing gut permeability
• Decreasing stress

CBD may further improve gut health by lowering cortisol levels, thereby preventing intestinal permeability. Cortisol is a stress hormone that breaks down body tissues, including the GI tract lining. When this happens, toxins and food particles can enter the bloodstream, causing the immune system to set off inflammatory responses associated with IBS.

CBD’s moderating effect on cortisol can also reduce the stress and anxiety commonly associated with IBS. In fact, one study found that CBD is just as effective at controlling stress as pharmaceutical drugs.

Further research shows that CBD can help modulate systemic and acute inflammation by inhibiting the release of hormones that trigger the immune system’s inflammatory response. The action of CBD on these hormones can help relieve inflammation-related pain in people with IBS.

CBD offers additional mechanisms for reducing pain associated with IBS, including:

• Pain Signal Modulation: CBD affects how pain receptors in your brain respond to pain signals, leading to relief.
• Muscle Relaxation: CBD can help relieve muscle tension by reducing overall stress and slowing the release of neurotransmitters that cause muscle spasms.
• Hormone Regulation: CBD affects how your brain responds to serotonin, a hormone involved in pain perception, resulting in reduced pain.

How To Use CBD Oil for IBS

Benefits

Conventional IBS treatments often come with uncomfortable side effects that can exacerbate symptoms of abdominal pain. It’s no surprise that many people who suffer from IBS are looking for alternative treatments that are gentler on the gut.

CBD oil is an excellent natural remedy. It’s convenient, easy to take, and has minimal side effects, making it a safe alternative for those looking to manage their IBS symptoms without adding to their discomfort.

Dosage

If you want to try CBD oil for IBS, we recommend starting with a dose of 10 to 20 mg daily and increasing your dosage gradually as needed. Clinical studies show that CBD can be tolerated quite well up to doses of 1,500 mg, so you can safely experiment with your dose until you find what’s right for you.

Keep in mind that oral ingestion is ideal when taking CBD for IBS. This will deliver CBD directly into your digestive tract where it can reduce inflammation at the source. Some of the CBD will also be absorbed into your bloodstream via your mouth to produce more immediate relief.

Note that CBD tinctures made with MCT oil are more efficient in delivering high doses of CBD into your systemic circulation. Regardless, topical CBD oil applied to the skin won’t penetrate deep enough to enter the bloodstream or have an effect on the gut, so stick to oral ingestion for treating IBS.

Side Effects

CBD oil is generally considered to have minimal side effects compared to conventional medication. Still, it’s important to be informed before adding CBD to your IBS management routine. Here are some potential side effects of CBD:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Changes in appetite
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Interactions with other medications

Many of these side effects are rare — most users report no adverse effects when using CBD. If you’re concerned about side effects, start with a low dose and see how your body reacts. It’s also advisable to consult with a doctor before starting CBD, especially if you take medications or have underlying health conditions like IBS.

Discover the Best CBD Oil for IBS

Since CBD can modulate the ECS, it can help alleviate the symptoms associated with IBS. To this end, our FOCL CBD products offer the perfect blend of premium hemp CBD and potent botanical ingredients to re-energize your endocannabinoid system and fight back against gut inflammation.

Our broad-spectrum CBD drops are designed to calm your mind and soothe your body. This tincture contains MCT oil, which significantly increases CBD's bioavailability to help you reap maximum benefits from every drop.

If IBS discomfort is robbing you of restful sleep, consider our FOCL Good Night sleep drops to relieve painful stomach cramps and promote better, deeper sleep. Our nighttime formula also calms your mind and helps you recover from everyday stressors. Try one of these premium CBD oils and discover a natural solution to IBS symptoms!