CBD (cannabidiol) has been gaining popularity as a safe and natural treatment option for health issues in the form of oil, gel, and capsules. Although the field of study is relatively new, recent research on CBD demonstrates that its claimed anti-inflammatory effects could benefit individuals with gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Due to the multiple factors that can lead to IBS and the variety of possible symptoms, the diverse positive impacts of CBD suggest it could be a beneficial treatment choice for the condition. In today’s article, we’ll highlight what IBS is, how CBD might aid in alleviating certain IBS symptoms, and any precautions you should take if you decide to take CBD for IBS.

What is IBS?

Before getting into the benefits of CBD for IBS, we must briefly highlight what the condition is along with its causes, symptoms, and common treatments.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic neuro-gastrointestinal disorder consisting of a group of symptoms that adversely affect the digestive system, mainly the intestines. Also known as a disorder of the gut-brain interaction, IBS is linked to problems with how the gut and brain coordinate and assist the healthy working of the digestive system.

Studies indicate that approximately 12% of individuals in the United States and 11% worldwide are impacted by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Symptoms may differ among individuals, but they can still be extremely uncomfortable if left untreated.

IBS does not result in damage to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or raise the chances of developing more severe illnesses such as colon cancer. Rather, it is a chronic condition that can be effectively managed by making lifestyle changes, taking prescribed medications, and undergoing behavioural therapy. 

Scientists group IBS according to the appearance of your stools (poop) during flare-ups. On some days, individuals with IBS have regular bowel movements, while on other days they have irregular ones. The type of IBS an individual has is identified by the irregular days. Knowing these differences is important because certain treatments only work for specific types of IBS:

• IBS with constipation (IBS-C): The stool is mostly lumpy and hard.
• IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): The stool is mostly watery and loose.
• IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M): The bowel movements are both hard and lumpy and loose and watery.

Causes and Symptoms 

Researchers haven’t identified the exact causes of IBS. Nevertheless, IBS may develop as a result of the following:

• Dysmotility: problems with the way the gastrointestinal muscles function and transport food through the gut. In IBS, there is a tendency for increased muscle contractions in the colon (large intestine) which causes muscle spasms and discomfort.
• Visceral Hypersensitivity: hypersensitive nerves in the gastrointestinal system, meaning that the stomach could be extremely sensitive to feelings of pain or discomfort.
• Gut Bacteria: altered bacteria in the GI tract as compared to normal individuals might cause symptoms of IBS.
• Infections: a severe infection of the GI tract might cause individuals to develop IBS.
• Food Intolerance: allergies or sensitivities to certain types of foods can contribute to IBS.
• Stress: individuals who have endured immense emotional or physical stress in childhood, including sexual abuse, are more likely to develop IBS.

The symptoms of IBS

The symptoms of IBS are not always present; they may occur often or they might occur as occasional flare-ups. At certain times, the symptoms might disappear resulting in normal bowel movements, while at other times they might come back and persist. 

Common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are: 

• Abdominal cramps, especially linked to passing stool
• Excess gas
• Bloating
• Diarrhea, constipation, or experiencing the two alternatingly
• Mucus (thick and whitish) in the stool
• Feeling full and bloated despite having emptied your bowels

Common Treatment Options

Pharmacological treatment of IBS commonly includes medications such as antispasmodic, laxative and/or antidiarrheal drugs, antibiotics, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Non-drug treatments, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to reduce stress, physical activity, and dietary changes (probiotics, soluble fibre, and a diet low in FODMAPs) are also recommended to manage the symptoms of IBS. FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates not fully absorbed in the intestines and can worsen symptoms in individuals with this gastrointestinal condition. 

CBD and the Endocannabinoid System

CBD, or cannabidiol, is among the most abundant compounds present in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, another popular compound found in the plant, CBD does not cause a ‘high’ or other intoxicating effects generally associated with cannabis. It is known mostly for its medicinal value and therapeutic benefits. 

The mechanisms by which CBD exerts its effects on the body are via interactions with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a vital role in maintaining many aspects of optimal body functioning, including the health of the central nervous system and immune system by influencing their development, equilibrium, and strength. 

CB1 and CB2 are the primary cannabinoid receptors in the body. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain and peripheral nervous system, while CB2 receptors are present in the brain, nervous system, and digestive and immune systems. When ingested, CBD is capable of attaching to both kinds of cannabinoid receptors. 

CBD for IBS: Does It Help? 

Although the benefits of CBD for IBS are still far from conclusive, CDB could help alleviate the symptoms of IBS because of its association with the endocannabinoid system and its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and stress-reducing properties. 

Certain researchers suggest that a lack of endocannabinoids could impact gastrointestinal issues like IBS. Endogenous cannabinoids, such as anandamide, produced by the body, are believed to impact pain perception and gut motility. 

Scientific reviews indicate that using CBD or other cannabinoids to target the endocannabinoid system could offer relief for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and their symptom flare-ups, as well as those with other gastrointestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 

Hence, cannabinoids such as CBD could potentially alleviate the symptoms of IBS such as bloating, constipation, and hypersensitivity. CBD can control the endocannabinoid system and promote a state of balance (even in the gut) by engaging with cannabinoid receptors. CB1 receptors are linked to memory processing, appetite, pain sensation, mood, and sleep, while CB2 receptors play a role in inflammation and pain.

Thus, researchers believe that due to this connection, CBD may have the potential to regulate gut motility, visceral hyperalgesia, low-grade intestinal inflammation, and alterations in the gut-brain axis. This appears to be supported by both anecdotal reports and scientific studies. 

Other Potential Benefits of CBD for IBS

Let’s see some other benefits CBD may have to ease some of the symptoms of IBS.

Anti-inflammatory Role

Inflammation might play an infectious and toxic role in IBS. Studies suggest that CBD could potentially decrease inflammation by blocking the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and stimulating anti-inflammatory pathways. 

A one-of-a-kind human study involving a small sample size found that a mix of CBD and PEA, which is also an endocannabinoid, decreased permeability in the human colon, hence decreasing gut permeability and inflammation in the intestines of humans.

Additionally, CBD is believed to impact intestinal motility by decreasing inflammation, which in turn reduces intestinal inflammation – this is discussed in the next section.

Improved Gut Motility

One common symptom of IBS is its adverse impact on bowel functions. IBS frequently results in severe and alternating episodes of diarrhea or constipation, causing great discomfort and pain. 

CBD is believed to improve bowel movement by inducing a calming effect on nerves, facilitating easier removal of waste in case of constipation. CBD also possesses potential antioxidant qualities that could enhance gut health, potentially resulting in more frequent and healthy bowel movements. 

Research on animals has demonstrated this. One research on mice discovered that CBD could either decrease or increase gut movement in different ways based on the situation. More precise findings indicate that in healthy animals, CBD has no impact on gut movement, unlike certain other cannabinoids that cause it to decrease. Nevertheless, in cases of irregular gut movement such as diarrhea, CBD and other cannabinoids have the ability to restore gut motility to a normal state. 

This suggests CBD’s promising role in reducing gut tension and contractions by influencing nerve channels to regulate gut motility and secretion.

Pain Relief

Three out of four individuals suffering from IBS experience persistent or constant pain. 

Research on shrews experiencing digestive problems found that CBD may decrease the speed at which food travels through the digestive tract and alleviate intestinal tension and contractions. 

Moreover, research on six individuals similarly found that cannabinoids could lessen IBS symptoms, particularly abdominal pain, with five out of the six participants experiencing decreased pain following CBD consumption. 

Additionally, a study involving two female patients (aged 45 and 22) who did not respond to prior treatments discovered that CBD effectively relieved their IBS symptoms, such as decreasing diarrhea and joint pain in the older patient and alleviating all IBS symptoms in the younger patient (except for a few days before menstruation). 

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Anxiety is closely related to the development of IBS. It can also trigger symptoms and exacerbate existing ones. This frequently results in a detrimental pattern that can be difficult to break free from. CBD has gained popularity as a potential option for reducing anxiety. Although most research on the connection between CBD and anxiety has focused on animals, the findings show potential. 

Research has demonstrated that CBD’s stress and anxiety-reducing properties can potentially reduce flare-ups associated with IBS. Scientists examined how CBD treatment impacted 72 adults dealing with anxiety or sleep issues and found that after 2 months, 78.1–79.2% of the subjects noticed a decrease in their anxiety symptoms. 

In a different study of 387 individuals who currently or previously used CBD, 37% reported using CBD to alleviate stress. Out of that 37%, 92.2% stated they experienced lower levels of stress while using CBD. This means that CBD could break the cycle of stress and IBS symptoms.

Serotonin Levels

Scientists have discovered a solid connection between reduced serotonin levels and individuals with IBS. Changes in serotonin levels in the digestive system can influence the movement of the stool through the gut, mood, and emotions. 

The connection is so powerful that reduced serotonin levels are associated with increased feelings of stress, anxiety, and fear – which takes us back to how CBD can reduce stress and anxiety and help alleviate IBS symptoms. 

What Form of CBD is Best for IBS? 

No specific product has been singled out for managing IBS symptoms. However, when selecting a CBD product, you need to take into account the following aspects:

CBD Product: CBD is available in different forms like edibles, oils, and topicals. Topical creams or balms provide targeted relief, while oral consumption delivers broader, systemic relief.

CBD Type: Broad-spectrum CBD is an excellent choice for individuals seeking the benefits of CBD without ingesting THC, the psychoactive substance found in cannabis. Reports from clinical studies indicate that broad or full-spectrum CBD could have a more favourable impact because of the various cannabinoids and plant compounds they encompass, which collaborate in what is commonly referred to as the ‘entourage effect’. 

Origin and Quality: Select CBD products sourced from hemp that are grown organically to minimize the presence of harmful chemicals and impurities. Also, ensure to check for third-party lab reports to confirm the purity and strength of the product.

Individual Effects: The efficacy of CBD can differ among individuals; what is effective for one person may not be effective for another. Hence, try different products and see what benefits your symptoms.

Allergens: Check the product’s ingredients list to avoid triggering IBS flare-ups caused by specific foods or components such as nuts and nut oil.

Contraindications: It is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional before using CBD as it may interact with some medications. 

What Dosage Works Best?

CBD dosage varies for each individual. Don’t assume that what helped someone else will also alleviate your symptoms. In general, it is recommended to start with a small amount and slowly increase until you find the right dose for you. 

However, if you are considering CBD to manage IBS symptoms, our suggestion would be to locate a physician who is not only authorized to recommend medical marijuana for IBS but also has expertise in this area. Although there are many over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products to choose from, only a knowledgeable physician can offer accurate dosage guidance. They will also offer medical marijuana products that have undergone greater regulatory scrutiny compared to non-prescription choices. 

Precautions and Side Effects

CBD is commonly considered a safer option than pharmaceutical drugs. Nevertheless, certain individuals may still encounter side effects. Possible adverse effects of the substance, which could vary in intensity based on dosage, include: 

• Dry mouth
• Light-headedness
• Drowsiness 
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Fatigue
• Changes in weight and appetite 
• Low blood pressure

Final Thoughts: Should You Take CBD for IBS?

An increasing body of scientific studies confirms the potential of CBD in managing IBS symptoms, but further research is necessary to fully understand its benefits in managing this neuro-gastrointestinal disorder.

The potential advantages of CBD for IBS are found in how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is important for maintaining gut health and regulating inflammation. Research indicates that CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and lower stress levels could potentially help ease symptoms. 

That being said, it is crucial to grasp the finer details of choosing CBD, such as product form, type, dosage, quality, and individual differences, in order to enhance its benefits and reduce any possible side effects. So, if you’re considering using CBD for IBS, consult a healthcare professional for advice and select a product after careful consideration.