CBD and IBD: A Natural Solution for Colon Inflammation
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, refers to two types of digestive tract diseases, both of which involve chronic inflammation. IBD refers to Crohn’s disease which predominantly affects the small intestine and ulcerative colitis which affects the large intestine. Both diseases can be incredibly painful and adversely affect one’s quality of life. Luckily, there is evidence to support the idea that CBD can lessen the symptoms of colon inflammation.
What Causes Colon Inflammation?
Unfortunately, the root cause of colon inflammation is still unclear. It was assumed that external factors like stress and diet were to blame, but it’s now more widely accepted that these factors merely exacerbate symptoms, but are not the actual cause. Things like ethnicity and family history can play a part in one’s likelihood of developing IBD. Some even suggest that regular use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen or ibuprofen may be to blame. Whatever the root cause of these diseases may be, it’s important to know how to ease one’s symptoms.
Can CBD Help?
Studies are finding that there may be some merit to using CBD for colon health. CBD eases inflammation by way of the body’s endocannabinoid system and the CB2 reactors that govern the body’s inflammation. Since inflammation is responsible for much of the pain associated with IBD, reducing it can help alleviate the symptoms.
Why CBD Over Other Options?
There are pharmaceutical drugs that can help with IBD symptoms, but they do come with a host of worrisome side effects. Aminosalicylates can cause fever, diarrhea and cramping. Corticosteroids can have psychological side effects and can cause high blood pressure, fluid retention and painful swelling. Immunomodulators can cause neuropathy or even serious blood clots. Luckily, CBD has shown to be an effective treatment with no side effects in doses up to 500mg.
When looking to ease the symptoms of colon inflammation, CBD is a great alternative. Living with inflammation can be difficult, so it’s important to find ways to make it easier and increase one’s quality of life.
