It is true that CBD is not a medication or a treatment for gut issues. However, it is equally valid that no known medication can cure ulcerative colitis. Hence, natural remedies are important to manage the condition.Â
Ulcerative colitis is one of the chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). It is an autoimmune disorder that causes significant inflammation of the large intestine. The severity of the condition may vary among individuals, but it may be quite severe in many instances. Some may even pass a lot of blood with their stool. Even worse, the condition is frequently diagnosed in young adults aged 15 to 30 years.(1)
All autoimmune disorders are challenging to treat. These are conditions in which the body’s own immune system starts attacking specific body cells. In the case of ulcerative colitis, the immune system starts attacking the colon or large intestine. Sometimes, the immune system may cause so much harm that patients may develop ulcers. In rare cases, these ulcers may even perforate, causing life-threatening complications requiring surgical treatment.
The condition is pretty severe. So, doctors need to use various medications to suppress immunity. However, suppressing immunity results in significant damage to health. All immunosuppressants are highly toxic drugs. Researchers have developed some less toxic drugs, but they do not help in all cases.
Ulcerative colitis treatment has two objectives: to suppress the inflammation and to prevent its reoccurrence. Hence, those diagnosed with the condition need to keep taking medications to avoid its flares and reoccurrences.
Since drugs used to manage the condition and prevent its flares are so toxic, researchers are exploring natural remedies that might be safer to use in the long run. Although CBD oil may be of limited help in acute exacerbation of the condition, it may help prevent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flares. CBD oil is known to suppress inflammation and modulate immunity.
Few studies have been in this direction, and results have been encouraging. Researchers have been testing both the CBD alone and in combination with THC. In one of the studies in 2010 in rat models, researchers found that CBD and THC combination was especially good for suppressing gut inflammation and thus providing relief in IBD cases.(2)
In one of the recent systemic reviews published in 2023, researchers had similarly encouraging findings. They analysed the data from multiple studies and found that CBD use is associated with weight gain, improved quality of life, and better mood.(3)
Sure, all these findings are quite encouraging. Of course, there is still a need for more extensive studies to make firm conclusions. Nevertheless, we can say a few things; it appears that CBD is good for IBD or ulcerative colitis. It is especially good to use CBD in combination with THC.
First and foremost, keep in mind that full-spectrum CBD containing minor cannabinoids, THC, and terpenes appears to be more effective for managing ulcerative colitis. Surely, CBD oil is not a cure or treatment for the condition. However, one can use CBD oil as a supportive measure. Thus, one might take it during the remission phase.
CBD oil may help maintain IBD remission in multiple ways. It may keep inflammation in check and reduce autoimmunity. There could be other ways in which it may help. It is no secret that IBD flares often occur during periods of stress, and CBD may help counter stress and anxiety.
Additionally, CBD oil may also help manage IBD symptoms and improve the quality of life. It may enhance the feeling of well-being and appetite and promote weight gain. It may also be good in many other ways, like boosting overall health, skin health, gut health, and more.
Although CBD cannot cure ulcerative colitis, it can help with the condition. Considering that ulcerative colitis is a very severe health condition and a diagnosis of a lifetime, the role of supportive measures cannot be understated.
Even a little help when living with the condition is precious. Even if CBD oil makes a slight difference, it is worth using it for managing ulcerative colitis or IBD. Its value is further enhanced by the fact that drugs used to control the condition are pretty toxic, and they frequently fail to prevent its flares.
One more thing to know is that if you dislike CBD oil. CBD vapes for IBS or ulcerative colitis have certain benefits, like faster action and greater bioavailability, which may result in more potent action.
Those living with IBD would need to take CBD daily and indefinitely. But, then CBD is a Novel Food. This means that it is good for daily and prolonged use at recommended dosages. It is unlikely to cause any harm and may have a range of direct and indirect benefits in the condition. Even if it does not help much with flares, it can help reduce pain and distress.
This article was authored by:Â Dr. Preet Pal Singh Bhinder.
This article was peer-reviewed by Dr M Mansoor Siddique (PhD). Dr Siddique has over eight years of experience working with CBD and CBD products.
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