Inflammatory bowel disease is a debilitating condition that can lead to long-term damage, low absorption of the foods you can eat, ulcers, and misery. Trying to heal the gut while making sure that you are getting enough calories to survive can be both frustrating and painful. Getting on top of the pain and inflammation can be easier with CBD.
About CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many compounds found in plants of the cannabis family. While many will grow cannabis for its famous “high” (which is caused by the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC), CBD derived from cannabis is an increasingly popular compound in its own right. While it acts on the same receptors within the nervous system, providing a calming sensation that carries many health and wellness benefits, it does not carry the same psychoactive effect as cannabis. Instead of euphoric disconnection, many CBD users find a great calm and focus from a small dose or sleepiness from a more significant dose.
What The Research Says About CBD And IBD
If you are currently on medications for IBD, discuss your CBD interest with your physician before experimenting with the product. There are risks of dangerous interactions depending on what you currently take. However, CBD is generally considered safe. Many IBD patients use the product to reduce inflammation and pain.
Using CBD to manage IBD symptoms
One of the nice things CBD offers is that you do not need to ingest it to feel the results. While you can take a CBD gummie and digest it for a delayed benefit, you can also reduce the discomfort of CBD from a drop under the tongue or a vaping pen.
Different Forms Of CBD
You can use CBD:
- as a vaped product
- sublingually in an absorbable oil
- as a gummie to be digested
- in a suppository
- as a topical
Vaping and sublingual drops are generally the quickest way to get CBD into your bloodstream. Once there, it will bind to cannabinoid receptors to slow down or stop transmissions of pain. In addition, CBD is very high in antioxidants, which can reduce inflammation and keep your tissues healthier.
What types of CBD are best for IBD?
Avoid edibles to start as these can change up the rhythm of your digestive tract. Review your CBD online store for sublingual oils and vaping tools, especially disposable vapes. Cannabis-based suppositories will need to come from your doctor.
Dosage
The standard dose to induce sleepiness is 1 mg for every ten pounds of your weight. Start with less to see how your body reacts. Keep a journal and track:
- your dose
- any increase or decrease in pain
- increase or decrease in gas or waste
Severe risk of IBD is constipation and blockage. The goal is to soothe the gut, not to shut it down. If you notice a change in the rhythm of your bowel movements, contact your doctor and back off the CBD.
Side Effects
Too much CBD can lead to digestive tract problems in healthy people. If you choose to try this product, start very slowly. Consider microdosing to reduce the risk of inflaming your sore gut.
There are no panacea drugs out there for any condition. However, if you are willing to experiment with CBD, you may notice significant benefits in reducing your inflammation and calming your mind as well as your gut.
