Have you experienced heartburn after eating? Well, you’re not alone. Heartburn is the most predominant symptom of GERD, and about 10% of Americans suffer from it daily.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a long-standing gastrointestinal condition that develops when there’s a retrograde flow of stomach contents back into one’s esophagus. GERD is closely related to acid reflux. However, GERD is a more severe form.
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably tried many over-the-counter medications without much success. Perhaps, you’re also looking for a more natural approach like using cannabidiol products, such as Sunmed CBD for your condition.
Still, the big question is, “Can CBD provide relief for acid reflux and GERD?”
This article will give you insights into how cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, may help with such conditions. A discussion about anti-reflux surgery and the time to consider such a procedure is also discussed.
How CBD Helps With Acid Reflux and GERD
There’s insufficient direct research on cannabidiol’s efficacy for GERD or acid reflux. Still, existing studies indicate that CBD’s activity on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may produce several modulatory effects that can regulate inflammation and reduce pain.
The ECS regulates different bodily functions. It includes cannabinoid receptors, namely CB1 and CB2, found on cells throughout the body.
CB1 receptors play a significant role in pain sensation. The binding and stimulation of CB1 may reduce pain signals throughout the brain.
Remember that the human body naturally produces endocannabinoids. However, if there’s a deficiency in endocannabinoids, plant-based cannabinoids, such as CBD, may mimic their actions.
A study from Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research suggested that when there’s an activation of cannabinoid receptors, there may also be a production of pain-relieving effects in the gastrointestinal tract.
Another research showed that synthetic cannabinoids exhibit gastric antisecretory effects.
GERD is usually associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Since CBD has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, the compound may help with gastrointestinal conditions, such as acid reflux and GERD.
Despite the promising results of these studies, a more thorough understanding of the ECS and its role in esophageal function and associated illnesses is necessary.
Furthermore, the studies regarding the purported benefits of cannabidiol are still inconclusive. Thus, if you’re considering using CBD products for acid reflux or GERD, make sure to speak with a physician experienced in cannabis use.
WHO and Its Take On the Purported Benefits of CBD
In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Drug Dependence reported that they were exploring CBD’s potential properties, including:
- Anti-epileptic
- Anti-tumor
- Anti-asthmatic
- Analgesic
During their fortieth meeting, The WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence stated that CBD has a good safety report.
Nonetheless, it’s still recommended to speak with a physician first, especially if you will be using CBD for the first time.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t recognized CBD as a medical treatment. Thus, there’s no available standard dosage for the compound.
You may follow the direction of the product’s packaging or start with a low amount of CBD. Still, it’s best to talk with medical professionals to lessen risks.
In addition, although commercial use of industrial hemp is federally legal in the U.S., it’s still necessary to read individual state laws regarding cannabis use.
Remember that different states may impose varied rules and regulations. Thus, make sure to familiarize yourself with various state laws to avoid possible legal repercussions.
When to Consider Anti-reflux Surgery
Anti-reflux surgery is a surgical therapy done on GERD patients. The main indication for such a procedure is the failure of medical management.
If your GERD symptoms persist despite the necessary medical therapy, then your physician may advise you to consider anti-reflux surgery.
Undergoing surgical therapy may also be a personal preference. For instance, if you don’t want to take lifelong acid suppression medicines, you may consider anti-reflux surgery.
To determine if you’re a good candidate for such a procedure, you must pass several tests. These tests are necessary to:
- Identify objective evidence of reflux
- Correlate reflux with symptoms
- Evaluate for other coexisting conditions that may be contributing to GERD symptoms
Generally, all GERD patients must have an upper endoscopy, and additional tests are also recommended.
Upper Endoscopy
The procedure involves inserting a minuscule camera through the mouth and into the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Upper endoscopy allows evaluation of the stomach, esophagus, and the first part of the small intestine.
24-Hour pH Test
The test includes a catheter inserted through the nose and into the distal esophagus. The sensors of the tube record and detect acid reflux episodes.
Esophageal Impedance pH Study
The procedure detects fluid reflux regardless if it’s acidic or not.
Conclusion
You may treat heartburn by making some lifestyle changes and trying alternative treatments like CBD oil products.
CBD is a promising compound. However, the studies about this particular substance are still inconclusive. In addition, GERD experts and other physicians may also have varying opinions about the therapeutic effects of CBD.
Therefore, it’s best to consult a physician expert in cannabis use before trying CBD for your acid reflux or GERD.
More importantly, schedule an appointment with your physician if your symptoms become frequent, and your medicines no longer relieve your discomfort. In this case, it may be time to consider surgery.
