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Irritable bowel syndrome can be uncomfortable to talk about, but it’s even more uncomfortable to live with. If you are a Missouri resident suffering from IBS, you might be surprised that cannabis may be able to relieve some of your symptoms. Having a Missouri medical marijuana card may very well be your passport to relief.
What Is IBS?
IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome. It is a chronic condition that The Mayo Clinic describes as a “common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you'll need to manage long term.”
In layman’s terms, IBS could send you to the restroom with very little notice, with bouts of painful bowel movements. Conversely, it could leave you constipated and unable to find relief. Either way, it’s an uncomfortable situation that can take a toll on your daily life.
According to the wellness site, Healthy Women, IBS affects nearly 20 percent of all adults, and women are twice as likely as men to suffer from the condition. It typically begins in your early 20’s and may persist for the rest of your life.
What Are the Symptoms of IBS?
The signs and symptoms of IBS can vary and may be present for a lengthy amount of time. Some of them include:
Abdominal Pain
Cramping
Bloating
Increased bowel movement frequency
Change in the appearance of your bowel movements
Increased Gas
Mucus present in bowel movements
In more concerning cases, IBS can cause additional symptoms. The Mayo Clinic recommends you see a doctor if you experience any of the following more serious symptoms of IBS:
Irregular weight loss
Nighttime diarrhea
Unexplained vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Pain that isn’t relieved by gas expulsion or bowel movements
Anemia due to iron deficiency
Rectal bleeding
IBS Can Be a Major Disrupter of Everyday Life
As you might imagine, based on the symptoms alone, an IBS flare-up can be a major disruption to your daily plans and activities. It can be difficult to make romantic plans or go out with friends if your evening is constantly being disrupted. IBS is not a comfortable topic to broach, and many people find themselves missing work due to a flare-up rather than explain their situation to an employer who may react in a disgusted manner or be rude or unsympathetic.
In an article for the University of Michigan’s Health Blog, Rene Wisely writes about the physical and financial toll that IBS can take on those who suffer from the condition. She mentions it is “one of the leading causes of work absenteeism, second only to the common cold.” In an article for The Mighty, Kelsey Sanborn details losing two different jobs because of her IBS.
IBS is such a common issue that The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation has put together a Tool Kit for Educating Your Employer About Your IBS. Simply put, the symptoms of IBS can take a long-term toll on your career.
IBS Can Make Intimacy Difficult
Let’s face it - talking about your bowel regularity isn’t exactly a topic you want to delve into on a first date. It’s kind-of a mood killer. Even if you are in a long-term, understanding relationship, it can be difficult to feel sexy when you are dealing with bloating, gas, and cramps. Many cannabis patients are already using medical marijuana to help increase intimacy and now, you can add those suffering from IBS to the list of people who are finding cannabis can help them connect with their partners.
How Can Medical Marijuana Help People With IBS?
There is good news when it comes to treating IBS with cannabis. Some studies show that medical marijuana can be effective in treating the symptoms of IBS. These results are encouraging but aren’t necessarily surprising, since medical professionals are finding that cannabis can help treat hundreds of medical conditions.
The naturally occurring cannabinoids contained in medical marijuana may be able to work with your gastrointestinal system to help alleviate your IBS symptoms. Your brain has cannabinoid receptors that are part of your central nervous and gastrointestinal systems, as well as other areas of your body.
When the cannabinoids found in medical marijuana interact with those receptors, they may help to alleviate IBS symptoms, including stomach cramps, gaseous pain, nausea, and bloating. A study has shown that the effects of cannabis on the gastrointestinal system, may decrease the total healthcare costs (doctor visits, treatment, etc.) of those who suffer from IBS.
The Link Between Anxiety and IBS
Medical marijuana has been known to be an effective treatment for anxiety. Scientists have found that there may be direct links between anxiety and IBS symptoms, meaning that using cannabis for your anxiety may directly help to reduce the frequency of IBS flare-ups. That’s more good news!
You Deserve Relief
If you are ready to see if cannabis can help reduce the frequency and severity of IBS, there has never been a better time. All you need is a Missouri medical marijuana card. If you still don’t have your card, we’re here to help! Our team of medical professionals are standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify. Schedule an appointment with a marijuana doctor online by CLICKING HERE, or give us a call at (877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Missouri Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Missouri!
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