While these digestive problems can be unpleasant to talk about, it’s important that we do in order to find digestive aids that actually work. For me, that’s been CBD.

Digestive issues can have a massive impact on our lives from the physical to the emotional side effects. I personally suffer from Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes all of the above symptoms plus fatigue, irritability, and malnutrition. My digestive issues have made things like eating out at restaurants seem impossible, and I hate that the first thing I look for in any new area is the bathroom. While I take medicine to manage my disease, I often feel like they only treat flare-ups instead of preventing them. In the past, it has left me feeling frustrated and defeated.

I was surprised to learn that digestive diseases represent one of the nation’s leading health problems. I often feel isolated by my disease, and learning that so many others suffer the same issues gave me a sense of relief and of hope.

After years of struggling, I discovered new research that suggests CBD might be able to help treat and even prevent my digestive symptoms. I’ve always been interested in using natural substances in favor of medication where I can, which is what drew me to CBD in the first place.

In recent years, more research has delved into the benefits of CBD as a treatment for gastrointestinal issues. Thus far, the results appear promising. In a 2011 study, researchers found that CBD reduces intestinal inflammation through the control of the neuroimmune axis. [1,2,5] There is also scientific research that suggests CBD can help reduce some forms of nausea. [6]

CBD has been shown to reduce the spasticity of the intestines while also stimulating appetite, which are two of the major side effects of my digestive issues. I learned that cramping may also be relieved by the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. Once CBD attaches to the cannabinoid receptors in the intestines, cramping can ease and bowel movements can become more regulated. [1,3,4]

If you’re like me and have been struggling to find natural remedies for your digestion issues, I’d recommend trying out CBD. As a natural substance with few recorded side effects, it is a promising treatment for the extreme physical and emotional discomforts of digestion woes. I’ve tried CBD oils and have great results so far, and I’d love for fellow intestinal disease sufferers to find the lasting relief that we all deserve.