Crohn’s Disease and CBD

x

Crohn’s disease is a chronic intestinal disease characterized by an inflammation in the digestive tract that produces abdominal discomfort. This inflammatory bowel disease affects the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, causing pain, weight loss, eating difficulties and more.

What Are the Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?

There are currently five types of Crohn’s disease that health professionals diagnose based on the area they afflict in the digestive tract, which are:

  • Ileocolitis
  • Jejunoileitis
  • Ileitis
  • Crohn’s colitis
  • Gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease

Although each form of Crohn’s disease afflicts a different part of the intestine and produces varying symptoms, most Crohn’s patients can anticipate the following symptoms or side effects:

  • Fatigue and lethargy
  • Malnutrition
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Depression or other mood changes

Because Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition, it’s crucial to develop a treatment plan that allows patients to find everyday relief. When left untreated, Crohn’s disease can lead to severe consequences, including an increased risk of cancer and even death.

Those with Crohn’s disease may experience periods of little to no symptoms. However, flare-ups are common, making it crucial to find a form of therapy that provides relief from abdominal pain, nausea and other effects.

Luckily, patients have access to a myriad of medicinal options on the market to help treat their condition. One new approach to this disease is cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis plants that produces promising health benefits without many of the adverse side effects associated with traditional medicine options.

How Crohn’s Disease Affects the Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating many vital pathways and systems spread throughout one’s body — including the regulation of inflammation. In patients with Crohn’s disease, the illness disrupts the cannabinoid receptors responsible for ensuring efficient gastrointestinal operations.

Although the endocannabinoid system holds a multifunctional role, one of its primary purposes is to ensure proper regulation of inflammation and pain. In the intestines, endocannabinoids aim to protect the gut by lowering bowel motility and hindering the formation of inflammation.

Specific cytokines can activate an inflammatory response — a feature that cannabinoids scattered within the endocannabinoid system work to regulate. Patients with Crohn’s disease may find an imbalance in this system, resulting in many of the symptoms they experience frequently.

How CBD Regulates the Endocannabinoid System of Patients With Crohn’s Disease

The primary objective of the endocannabinoid system is to promote homeostasis, a standard bodily response to both internal and external factors. CBD helps the body get back on track to achieve this desired state.

CBD helps stimulate CB1 receptors to elicit an anti-inflammatory effect. By activating these receptors, cannabis products can efficiently control the release of cytokines to ensure pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.

The reduction in inflammation also regulates the patient’s gut and leads to less irritation and pain in the abdominal area, normalized bowls and an increased appetite, which is essential for proper nutrition.

Forms of CBD for Crohn’s Disease Patients

Those who suffer from the effects of Crohn’s disease may find cannabis to be a viable solution for their symptoms. Whether one’s symptoms are mild or severe, the use of CBD can help many patients find the relief they deserve.

When you choose to undergo CBD therapy, you have access to a variety of options. Common forms of CBD for Crohn’s disease patients include:

  • Smoking: This form of consumption produces the most immediate effects and is frequently used by patients seeking instant relief. Patients can smoke CBD products from pre-rolls, bongs and vape pens. Those with a history of throat discomfort or coughing should find another method when possible.
  • Edibles: As an increasingly popular option, many patients choose edibles to fulfill their medical cannabis needs. These include various edible products, pills and tinctures. This form of medication is ideal for those who desire slow-release effects that remain in the body for more extended periods.
  • Topicals: Popular topical products include lotions, oils and rubs that can physically be applied to the body for relief. For patients with Crohn’s disease, topicals can provide pinpointed pain relief in the abdomen for fast, effective relief.

The Best CBD Products for Patients With Crohn’s Disease

The medical marijuana industry is booming, which means dispensaries stock new products quite often. To best treat your Crohn’s disease symptoms, be sure to check out the following CBD strains:

  • Jean Guy
  • Lemon Jack
  • Willie Nelson
  • Hash Plant
  • Medicine Man

Because the symptoms of Crohn’s disease may vary from patient to patient, it’s essential to find the cannabis product suited explicitly for your symptoms. Not sure which strains are most useful for your side effects? Check with our marijuana strains page to treat your condition with efficiency and confidence!

Learn More About CBD and Crohn’s Disease at MarijuanaDoctors.com

Need help connecting with a certified medical professional in your area? Do you want to learn more about how CBD alleviates the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and various other conditions? At MarijuanaDoctors.com, we provide you access to the resources you need to be a more informed patient. Continue browsing our site to learn more.

Learn More About Crohn’s Disease

Learn more about Crohn’s Disease and what makes medical marijuana an effective treatment for Crohn’s Disease’s symptoms.