Food is usually the core of holidays – but it is tough if you have digestive issues. Can marijuana help?
The festive season is filled big meals, favorite foods, sweets, snacks, drinks, cocktails and more – all fun, unless you have stomach issues. A significant portion of people experience tummy troubles during the holidays, with estimates suggesting a large number of individuals with pre-existing digestive conditions like IBS see their symptoms worsen during this time due to factors like stress, overeating, and rich, high-fat foods commonly served at holiday meals. Some studies even report up to a third of people experience increased digestive complaints over the festive season. Can cannabis help with holiday digestive issues?
Marijuana’s impact on digestive health is complex and multifaceted, with potential benefits for various gastrointestinal conditions. It has shown promise in managing symptoms of several digestive disorders, but it is good to understand before you start it. If you are seeing a medical professional, talk with them. Also, seek advice about frequency and dosage.
Marijuana can help in a variety of ways. Cannabinoids found in the plant can engage with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate gastrointestinal motility and inflammation, potentially offering relief for those with IBD, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis compounds like THC and CBD may help mitigate inflammation in the digestive track.
Many patients with irritable bowl syndrome (IBS) report that medicinal marijuana can be used successfully to manage symptoms. It may help alleviate common IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, and altered bowel habits.
Cannabis has been consistently shown to be highly effective in suppressing nausea and stimulating appetite. This can be particularly beneficial for patients experiencing these symptoms due to digestive disorders or as side effects of other medical treatments.
Another issue is when anxiety causes stomach problems. Low levels of marijuana and CBD has been known to help with anxiety, relaxing the body’s system allowing the digestive to ebb.
You should be very careful mixing even low levels of cannabis with alcohol, it can have unexpected reactions in your body. Make sure you space out the usage if you plan to use both.