Alternative Treatment For Leaky Gut Syndrome
So much recent information is coming out about how the gut is influencing our lives. Kind of like “you are what you eat”. But the Chinese were pretty smart in their thinking.
It is now known that there are trillions of bacteria covering our body and inner linings of our gut. So much, that if you added them all up, there would be about 4-6 pounds of bacteria on you at any one time. That’s a lot of bacteria.
Most of them are found in the gut and they have far reaching implications than one would think. Not only are the populations unique to each individual, meaning the types and amounts; but they are actively playing a role in your medical life. They have been found to communicate and enhance, or cause significant problems.
In the case of inflammatory bowel disease, we now know that the gut lining wall has these incredibly complex factories which cause direct changes in your blood stream. As an example, they can cause inflammation, ulcers and severe pain in diseases such as Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis.
As a matter of fact, the microbiota as it is known, are a living equilibrium which can stabilize or, create havoc and flare up of these ailments.
Leaky Gut Treatment Supplements
Now, back about 40-50 years ago, an Israeli scientist discovered the THC molecule (tetra-hydrocannabinol) and later the CBD molecule (Cannabidiol). Turns out that there has been a reason why people feel better when they took marijuana after all. It makes sense.
Why does one feel better when they used marijuana or CBD? Well, there must be a receptor, or something, in the body which it binds to in order for one to feel better. In the gut, it is the same way. Further research found that there are specific receptors which help Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease patients.
What Causes Leaky Gut?
Whether genetically, or through evolution, the gut has been shown to have what is called a “Leaky Gut Syndrome” in both Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis disease. The lining of the intestine is where most of the damage occurs in these diseases. They cause terrible trouble from pain, cramping, inflammation, ulcers and strictures.
Many patients have difficulty coping with daily life and need strong medicines to help combat these problems. Of course, most medicines have significant side effects which causes further complexity to daily life.
By using CBD (cannabidiol) or cannabis, these junctions actually tighten over time. Clinical research now shows that at least eight weeks is needed to start the strengthening process. But, by daily use of these enhancing natural supplements, researchers have shown up to 90% reduction in the need for concomitant steroid use.
Certainly, more studies are needed but, 90% is a pretty significant number. Most of the best research is coming out of Israel since they have been conducting the research the longest. It is only a matter of time to get further trials in the United States. But how does that help you in the meantime?
We could try to help with several mechanisms which all help the gut lining. One is probiotics for enhancing the gut bacteria. Another is to change diets and lifestyle changes which are often a causative agent to stress and inflammation too. Curcumin (or turmeric) has long been shown to help with gut inflammation. Some people are using the so called FODMAP diet as an example of eating habit changes. You can look these up to see how they affect your clinical and daily life issues.
More than 30-50% of all patients with leaky gut syndrome use an alternative and natural supplement in their daily life. CBD and cannabis is one of them. Daily use of medical cannabis and/or CBD has been shown to be very effective in supporting symptoms of these problems.
Of course, many people are concerned that using THC all the time can affect their daily life too. This is certainly correct. THC should be used with caution as it can cause psychoactive changes when clarity is needed such as work, driving, and family activities. CBD can be used daily without the worry of these psychoactive changes.