Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Medical Marijuana For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Did you know that April is National IBS Awareness Month? You're in luck because Cross Valley Health & Medicine providers Doctor Paul Saladino and Christian Plaza, FNP would like to inform those that are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may make you develop life-changing habits so you can live a more comfortable life. If you reach a point where these life-changing habits or treatment options are not helping your IBS symptoms, Cross Valley Health & Medicine recommends exploring medical marijuana. We can certify you for the New York State Medical Marijuana Program. Both practitioners are based out of Newburgh NY but can see you either in-person or virtually through telemedicine. Click the button below to get started today. *

medical marijuana for ibs

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome involves abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, or both that happen multiple times over a short period of time. If you begin to have rectal bleeding, losing a lot of weight fast or symptoms include fever, vomiting, or anemia, these could be signs of IBS. The syndrome does not discriminate and affects all genders, ages, and family histories. You can learn more about IBS by clicking here.

What is the typical treatment for my IBS?

Since there are many triggers for IBS symptoms, like specific foods or emotional stress, Treatment for IBS symptoms are on a case-by-case basis. Most treatment plans involve diet and lifestyle changes. Avoiding caffeine, adding fiber, not smoking, limitations on milk/cheese, and eating smaller meals are all positive recommended changes. An antibiotic, like Rifaximin (Xifaxan), could be prescribed to alter the number of bacteria in your large and small intestines. Most of the practitioner's recommendations to relieve IBS symptoms can be done at home. 

How can medical marijuana help IBS symptoms?

Medical marijuana takes the marijuana plant's chemicals and then the plant is grown and cultivated specifically to treat a variety of medical conditions. WebMD explained that "the marijuana plant contains more than 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids. Each one has a different effect on the body. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main chemicals used in medicine. THC also produces the same "high" people feel when they smoke marijuana or eat foods containing it." Medical marijuana comes in many different forms such as dried leaves, edibles, oils, sprays, and creams.
 
Although medical marijuana has not been proven to cure IBS, it may help relieve some of its symptoms. Medical marijuana has the potential to help reduce the pain coming from cramps, bloating, and other pressures associated with IBS. If the person has depression and/or anxiety, medical marijuana may be able to help with that too. 
 

Who is Cross Valley Health & Medicine?

Cross Valley Health & Medicine is a primary care practice located in Newburgh NY, allowing for both virtual and in-person appointments. The practice has two medical providers on staff, Doctor Paul Saladino who is dual board-certified in Addiction Medicine and Internal Medicine and a Christian Plaza, who is a family nurse practitioner. Both practitioners are eager to see new patients for the following programs: Substance Abuse TreatmentBehavioral Health ManagementHIV/AIDS Care ManagementPrimary CareMedical Marijuana CertificationsMedication-Assisted TreatmentSTD/STI Care Management, and Weight Loss Management. If you are interested in becoming a patient of Cross Valley, please click here to access our online paperwork portal. Visit us online at www.crossvalleyhealth.com or give our office a call at 845-561-7075.

 

*Any information listed on this page is provided for medical educational purposes only, and shall not be taken as medical advice provided by Cross Valley Health & Medicine. Any medications listed on this page are also provided for medical educational purposes only, and the use of any of these mentioned medications should stem from consulting with your provider.