Is Cannabis Effective in Treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

By , in Health News on . Tagged width: , , , ,

The feeling of heartburn or chest pain after eating is a common issue in Americans. Acidic and greasy foods can cause these symptoms. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) can also be the cause of heartburn and acid reflux.

There are treatments for GERD, but recent studies show that cannabis and cannabinoids can effectively treat the disease, and it is also a safe method. The over-the-counter drugs used to treat GERD can cause adverse side effects. But how can cannabis help patients with GERD?

Cannabis Has Many Medical Properties

Cannabis contains many properties that can help improve acid reflux and relieves pain. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a useful treatment in patients with GERD.

A study titled ‘The Role of Cannabinoids on Esophageal Function—What We Know Thus Far’, was published last fall in PubMed Central journal (U.S. National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine). The study shows what happens to participants with GERD if they receive Delta (9)-THC.

The primary cause of GERD is TSLER, which is known as transient sphincter relaxations. TSLERs happen after gastric stimuli and distension. Delta (9)-THC administration in the study participants with GERD resulted in reducing TSLERs and also causing a reduction of acid reflux.

Further Research is Needed to Prove Cannabis’ Efficiency

However, researchers have to study closer the esophageal function and disease to understand if cannabis can be useful in treating GERD. Until now, we only have proof that cannabinoid receptors can reduce TSLERs in patients suffering from GERD.

If you are among the people that suffer from heartburn, chest pain, acid reflux or GERD, you can prevent the symptoms. Pay attention to what foods worsen your condition. You will see that lowering caffeine or alcohol intake will help. Cannabis can help to treat the GERD and its symptoms. The treatment consists in consuming cannabis orally or sublingually.

Doris’s passion for writing started to take shape in college where she was editor-in-chief of the college newspaper. Even though she ended up working in IT for more than 7 years, she’s now back to what he always enjoyed doing. With a true passion for technology, Doris mostly covers tech-related topics.