Can CBD Oil Help Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

CBD is widely popular for relieving pain and inflammation. Furthermore, it is organic and has minimal side effects. This article will explain CBD and how it relieves inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, it will explain the best CBD dosage for IBD patients, the potential side effects of CBD, and the best type of CBD for IBD.

CBD shops and pharmacies are popping up on every street corner of various states. All over the internet, claims are perceived that cannabis-derived products, especially CBD based, have endless health benefits, making it tougher to separate scientific facts from the hype. Though, when living with inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), anything that can help control and manage the symptoms is worth trying. There has been growing research on how CBD manages IBD symptoms in recent years. Many people suffering from it have reported a massive improvement after consuming a few drops of CBD oil under their tongue. Furthermore, clinical research shows CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and aids in alleviating chronic pains, anxiety, and inflammation. Therefore, there is a potential possibility it can help with IBD symptoms.

What is IBD?

Ananthakrishnan & Ashwin. (2015) explained that Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a chronic digestive tract inflammation disorder. There are two types of IBD, which include:

• Crohn's disease is characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract lining. It can go deeper into the thinner lays of the digestive system tract.
• Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation and sores along the superficial lining of the large intestine and rectum.

Furthermore, both disorders are usually characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, rectal bleeding, fatigue, reduced appetite, and blood in the stool. The exact cause of IBD remains unknown, although some research suggests it could be caused by stress or continuous consumption of seed oils and unhealthy foods. Furthermore, it has been discovered that the disease can also be genetic and transferred from one offspring to another. Other risk factors include age, ethnicity (whites have the highest disease risk), cigarette smoking, and prescribed non-steroidal medications. Learn more about 10 best cbd oil for cats and dogs 2022

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is an organic compound extracted from the hemp plant's leaves, stalks, or flowers. It can be diluted with an organic carrier such as coconut or MCT oil, olive oil, or hemp seed oil. Additionally, the cannabis sativa plant contains CBD and 100 other cannabinoids, including the famous THC. Although marijuana and hemp belong to the same plant species, CBD oil contains less than 0.3 % tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the 'high' feeling experienced after using cannabis.

What Types of CBD Oil are Best for IBD?

Different companies use different extraction methods to obtain CBD oil. Furthermore, CBD oil can be processed into three major formulations, but not all types effectively treat IBD symptoms, depending on user preference. Ashton & Livvy (2020) highlighted the three types of CBD oil used in treating IBD:

1. Full spectrum CBD- contains all compounds of the cannabis plant, including traces of THC. In addition, it contains other cannabinoids such as cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), terpenes, and flavonoids. CBD oil should contain less than 0.3% THC, but various manufacturers aren't regulating CBD products; thus, some CBD oil products may contain more than the regulated amount of THC.
2. CBD Isolate – this is the most preferred type of CBD oil in treating IBD since it contains only CBD compounds. Other cannabinoids are extracted, leaving only CBD compounds.
3. Broad spectrum CBD oil- It contains most cannabinoids except THC. Moreover, it is best suited to provide additional benefits of other cannabinoids, such as terpenes, without causing any euphoric effects.

IBD mostly affects the digestive system; therefore, the method of consumption of CBD should pass the digestive tract and not bypass it. CBD softgels are a common consumption method for tackling IBD symptoms. Furthermore, CBD oil is packed in a soft airtight casing and then taken orally.

Another better technique is incorporating CBD oil into daily foods and drinks. Foods infused with CBD oil help the patient consume CBD by masking the earthy, oily flavor of CBD products with a sweet taste.

Dosage of CBD Oil for IBD patients

CBD oil is a relatively new treatment method for IBD; therefore, doctors are still learning what dosage is best for various people. Naftali et al. (2019) discovered that a study done to treat one type of IBD ulcerative colitis showed that the participant took 50mg of CBD oil daily and gradually increased up to 250mg; there was a huge improvement in quality of life and reduced symptoms of the disorder over time. 

Generally, higher doses have more positive outcomes for patients than low dosages. To determine the best dosage, you should know your weight in kilograms since most health providers suggest 2 to 4 mg per kg of body weight per day.

Starting with the lowest dosage, 8mg per day, which is still effective, is important, then increasing to a stronger dosage depending on your body chemistry and tolerance. On the flip side, the lower dosage tends to have fewer risks than higher doses.

Benefits of CBD Oil to IBD patients

Patients with IBD who use marijuana report improved nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, marijuana brings undesirable side effects like nausea, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and low motivation. Naftali et al. (2014) explained that CBD could relieve these IBD symptoms without unpleasant drawbacks. It shows various health properties resulting in the following benefits:

1. According to Atalay et al. (2020), CBD oil alleviates intestinal inflammation- simply because CBD has anti-inflammatory features; therefore, it acts as an antagonist for receptors responsible for inflammation.
2. CBD maintains a healthy intestinal barrier -it interacts with intestinal fatty acids. Since CBD oil is fat soluble, it creates a fatty barrier that prevents further damage to the intestines.
3. CBD reduces nausea and vomiting in IBD patients- interaction between CBD and the endocannabinoid system results in improved body imbalances such as vomiting and nausea.
4. According to Überall et al. (2020), CBD alleviates abdominal pain – most people use CBD since they believe it cures chronic pain. Fortunately, it does; IBD patients have a deficiency in endocannabinoids; CBD interacts with CB2 receptors in the immune and nervous system, which is responsible for tackling body imbalances such as pain and inflammation and increases the production of endocannabinoids which binds with the receptors.
5. According to Laczkovics et al. (2021), CBD reduces stress and depression- Ulcerative colitis, the most common disorder of IBD, can be largely caused by body acidity increase caused by depression and anxiety. CBD is an anti-depressant; it increases the production of the stress hormone serotonin. Low serotonin level triggers stressful emotions.

Cautions and Side Effects of CBD to IBD patients

• CBD may pass through the liver during consumption, thus harming the organ.
• Since it is an active chemical compound, CBD oil can interact with other medications for IBD.
• Drowsiness can occur if you take alcohol simultaneously with CBD.
• Some studies show CBD can interfere with reproduction and fertility.
• Excessive dosage may result in weight loss, appetite, and diarrhea.

Conclusion

Traditionally, CBD proved anti-inflammatory, so it is particularly interesting to patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. It is also getting huge attention from doctors who see the oil as a new weapon in fighting painful digestive tract infections. It can relieve abdominal pain, stress, vomiting, nausea, and intestinal inflammation. However, it has shown some potential side effects if not used correctly; drowsiness for alcohol consumers, liver damage, increased diarrhea, interaction with other medication resulting in additional side effects, and excessive usage can lower fertility. So, it is worth asking doctor's advice before using CBD oil for symptom relief.

References

Ananthakrishnan, A. N. (2015). Epidemiology and risk factors for IBD. Nature reviews Gastroenterology & hepatology, 12(4), 205-217.

Ashton, L. (2020). CBD Oil for Candida: Benefits, Does It Help, & How to Use?.

Naftali, T., Mechulam, R., Lev, L. B., & Konikoff, F. M. (2014). Cannabis for inflammatory bowel disease. Digestive Diseases, 32(4), 468-474.

Naftali, T., Schleider, L. B. L., Benjaminov, F. S., Lish, I., Konikoff, F. M., & Ringel, Y. (2019). Medical cannabis for inflammatory bowel disease: real-life experience of mode of consumption and assessment of side-effects. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 31(11), 1376-1381.

Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2020). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21.

Überall, M. A. (2020). A review of scientific evidence for THC: CBD oromucosal spray (nabiximols) in the management of chronic pain. Journal of pain research, 13, 399.

Laczkovics, C., Kothgassner, O. D., Felnhofer, A., & Klier, C. M. (2021). Cannabidiol treatment in an adolescent with multiple substance abuse, social anxiety and depression. neuropsychiatrie, 35(1), 31-34.