What Are the Benefits of Using Cannabis for Digestive Disorders?

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.

Digestive and gastrointestinal disorders affect millions of people worldwide and refer to a variety of disorders affecting digestion, appetite, the gut, bloating and inflammation, to name a few. Cannabis has been proven many times helpful in treating and preventing various digestive disorders that plague people every day, some of which are so debilitating that they prevent people from living a normal life.

The human body has the CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors in the gut and stomach, all of which help us heal ourselves from these digestive issues while improving motility, appetite, absorption and overall gastrointestinal health when we with cannabis – either THC, CBD or both. However, you don’t necessarily have to consume cannabis orally via edibles, capsules or drinks to help your stomach; You can also smoke/vape and put drops under your tongue as these methods of consumption are the fastest to work.

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Cannabis use has been shown to be beneficial for treating gastrointestinal ailments in many people, especially since traditional treatments don’t always work as well; they also come with unwanted side effects.

Here are some of the most common digestive disorders that cannabis can treat:

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBD) presents with a variety of symptoms, including diarrhea, cramps, weight loss, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding. Two subtypes of this condition are known as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are diagnosed based on where the inflammation occurs in the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Studies show that patients with IBD who use cannabis can benefit in a number of ways, such as: B. by relaxing the esophageal sphincter, reducing gastric motility, improving visceral pain, intestinal motility and much more.

In one particular study, 91% of patients reported an improvement in their symptoms after using cannabis. Specifically, 83.9% said it helped treat abdominal pain, 76.8% reported improvements in abdominal cramps, 48.2% saw better results in joint pain, while 28.6% said the diarrhea had subsided.

In another study, “cannabis use is common in patients with IBD for symptom relief, particularly in those with a history of abdominal surgery, chronic abdominal pain, and/or a low quality of life index.”

loss of appetite

Loss of appetite can be detrimental to health as the body absorbs nutrients and vitamins, which are necessary for the normal functioning of all organs in the body, primarily from food.

Chronic loss of appetite can lead to malnutrition and severe weight loss, both of which are serious if left untreated. Medically, this can also be referred to as anorexia. There are many medical conditions that can lead to loss of appetite, although some common reasons include a respiratory infection, gastroenteritis or other gastrointestinal and digestive conditions, pneumonia, meningitis, HIV, chronic liver disease, dementia, heart failure, kidney failure, or cancer.

RELATED: Is Cannabis Good for Gut Health?

In addition, some medications can also cause loss of appetite, particularly some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, morphine, codeine, and cancer treatments. Luckily, one of the most well-known effects of marijuana is its ability to stimulate appetite. There are many studies showing how cannabis can do this through multiple processes in the body, including triggering the hunger hormones.

“We found that exposure to cannabis resulted in more frequent small meals,” said researcher Jon Davis, Ph.D. So instead of cannabis making you want a huge meal, it’s helpful for those suffering from poor appetite that it stimulates the appetite enough to make us want to eat multiple meals, albeit smaller ones.

irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal condition that affects the colon, small intestine, and colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhea, gas, gas, or constipation. A majority of IBS patients are triggered by the symptoms of food poisoning, which is the main cause of this condition.

While most patients can see relief after a one-off course of antibiotics, others have to keep treating them as symptoms come back. Because of this, other medications as well as lifestyle changes may be needed for it to be fully managed. It’s important to treat IBS or see a doctor as soon as you think you may have its symptoms, because if left untreated it can lead to rectal bleeding, unexplained vomiting, weight loss, iron deficiency anemia, and more.

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Patients can take medical marijuana to relieve the symptoms of IBS, particularly bloating and cramps. Studies show that cannabis is effective in treating IBS, and regular marijuana use has also been linked to fewer hospital admissions and shorter hospital stays that would otherwise be caused by IBS.

Gastroesophageal Reflux/Acid Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux, better known as acid reflux, is a condition characterized by heartburn and nausea. It affects the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Heartburn has an impact on how we enjoy our food and drink as many popular and popular things contribute to heartburn. These include fried foods, cheese, chocolates, soft drinks, fatty meats, processed snacks, wine and coffee to name a few. Other things can also lead to acid reflux, such as eating before bed, pregnancy, smoking cigarettes, and medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, and blood pressure medication.

RELATED: How cannabis promotes good gut health and may prevent weight gain

However, the endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating many disorders, including processes in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as: B. reducing the inflammation that causes acid reflux, it relaxes the esophagus, increases the pain threshold and much more. In addition, it can provide relief and treat nausea for burning or discomfort that often occurs in the upper abdomen.

bottom line

If you’re struggling with gastrointestinal disorders, trying cannabis can be beneficial, especially when combined with lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, and exercise. Keep in mind that self-medication may not be best for severe symptoms. Therefore, always speak to a doctor who has knowledge of cannabis treatment.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.