Does CBD Help with Gastroparesis?

If you always have difficulties emptying your stomach naturally, then you are probably suffering from gastroparesis–partial paralysis of the stomach. This is a serious medical condition that prevents the stomach from emptying itself of food naturally. Gastroparesis is normally characterized by nausea, an unsettled stomach, heartburn, and always having a full stomach. 

This condition is said to be caused by a damaged vagus nerve, which causes the natural contraction of muscles to allow food to move through the digestive tract. Gastroparesis is very common in diabetic patients.

Although there is no definite cure for this medical condition, there are several medications and surgical remedies that have proved to be effective in mitigating symptoms. Among the most commonly used medicines is a cannabinoid (CBD). However, many concerns have been raised over the efficacy of CBD in treating gastroparesis. So, in this article, we will answer this question: Does CBD help with gastroparesis? In short, CBD is not a conclusive sure but can help some people manage their symptoms.

What Is Cannabinoid?

Cannabinoid is a natural compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant, which is known for its many medicinal properties. Of the hundreds of different natural compounds found in this plant, only 66 are classified as cannabinoids.   

Our bodies have natural cannabinoids that keep us stable internally. So, CBD medications supply our bodies with additional cannabinoids for improved body homeostasis.

How Does CBD Help with Gastroparesis?

Since there is no permanent cure for gastroparesis yet, medical experts have been using medications, such as CBD, to manage the side effects of this condition. With CBD, you will remedy any cannabinoid deficiency that you may experience because of gastroparesis.

This medication will bind to your endocannabinoid receptors along your digestive tract, thus reducing nausea and vomiting. It also helps to relieve any pain and discomfort in the stomach. In a recent study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), CBD has shown to play a significant role in the management of gastroparesis.

In the study, 24 patients with gastroparesis symptoms were prescribed medical marijuana for 60 days. After the trial period, all patients reported a statistically noteworthy improvement in their symptoms, including abdominal pain. This led the NCBI to conclude that cannabinoids can dramatically improve severe symptoms of gastroparesis.

The center also concluded that the improvement in stomach pain with the use of CBD represented a breakthrough for abdominal pain and discomfort associated with gastroparesis, for which very few confirmed therapies are known.

Aside from managing severe symptoms of gastroparesis, cannabinoids have also proved to be very effective in managing anxiety and depression. Since CBD works directly together with your body’s ECS receptors, it has a direct effect on your mood, appetite, and tolerance to pain, thus improving your quality of life. 

Factors to Consider When Treating Gastroparesis with CBD

Choosing the Right CBD and Gastroparesis Strain

While there are many CBD strains available for medical use, not all of them can effectively manage the various symptoms of gastroparesis. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor for advice on the best CBD and gastroparesis strains. Make sure you choose a strain that is suitable for most symptoms.

Picking the Most Effective Delivery Method

There are many ways of ingesting cannabinoids into your body, but each delivery process provides its unique effects. Some of the most common CBD delivery methods include smoking, vaping, patches, tinctures, and edibles. We know smoking and vaping to offer the fastest effect, but they also release harmful toxins. So, choose a method that will deliver the most effective results, depending on your treatment needs.  

Understanding the Side Effects of CBD

Despite its amazing medicinal properties, CBD has several side effects, including fatigue, irritability, and nausea. It can also make your blood thinner, exposing you to the risk of hemorrhage in case of an injury. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these side effects before you take the medication.