The vast complexity of the gut and its indispensable role in general health is a growing area of medical investigation.
Numerous studies have established connections between gut health and the immune system, mood and mental health, autoimmune illnesses, endocrine abnormalities, skin ailments, and cancer over the last two decades.
It was previously believed that the human digestive system was a very “basic” bodily system, comprising mainly of one long tube through which food passed, was absorbed, and was subsequently expelled.
Although we know a lot more about the gut these days, scientific research has revealed that the gut’s intricacies surpass current scientific understanding.
Often, we take our gut health for granted, and only when things start going awry do we appreciate the massive role the gut plays in keeping us healthy.
Researchers have also confirmed that a healthier gut means better overall health. Moreover, some fascinating discoveries have connected the endocannabinoid system and CBD to optimal gut health.
What’s the connection between CBD and gut health? Read on to find out more.
What Is Gut Health?
Gut health is a term referring to the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract. These microorganisms aid in the digestion of food and appear to regulate several processes in our bodies.
Our microbiome — the microorganisms that live in our gut — is critical for our general health. It is associated with various functions, including mood regulation, immune system function, and disease prevention.
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What Factors Influence Gut Health?
Multiple factors contribute to the composition of your microbiome. These may include certain things that affected how your microbiome developed during childhood.
These include:
- Your mother’s microbiome
- Whether you were breastfed or not
- The environment in which you grew up
Other factors:
- Diet: Nutritious, healthy meals and beverages contribute to a healthy gut.
- Emotional stress: The gut-brain link demonstrates that increased stress is related to worse gut health.
- Exercise: Regular exercise has been linked to decreased stress and improved intestinal health.
- Sleep: Sufficient sleep is critical for intestinal health.
- Antibiotics: These are capable of killing both beneficial and harmful bacteria, upsetting the delicate equilibrium.
Signs Of Gut Health Issues
Everyone feels stomach pain, such as bloating or nausea, every now and again. However, recurring stomach difficulties may indicate an underlying problem.
Among the signs and symptoms of gut health problems are the following:
- Bloating
- Pain in the abdomen
- Constipation
- Excessively loose stool
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Sudden weight loss
Why Gut Health Is Important
Certain bacteria help in the battle against inflammation, while others contribute to it. When the harmful bugs take control, they can impact the rest of the body and produce inflammation which can move beyond the GI tract and into the circulation.
Gut health has also been connected to anxiety and depression since scientists believe that the stomach and brain connect via hormones and the nerves in the digestive system.
As a result, you may also have nausea and stomach discomfort when you’re anxious. Most people are astonished to learn that the gut produces 90% of the body’s serotonin.
The link between the two organs, known as the “gut-brain axis,” may be partly influenced by the endocannabinoid system.
A healthy gut lining can be likened to a finely woven mesh serving an essential function: it keeps the undesirable elements out of the bloodstream, such as undigested food particles and toxins.
However, when the gut is injured or inflamed, it’s as if holes have been poked in the fabric.
This condition is referred to as Leaky gut syndrome or increased intestinal permeability. When wayward particles enter the circulation and are not supposed to be there, the immune system quickly goes into overdrive.
This can produce symptoms that can vary from constipation and diarrhea to disturbances in gut motility and the onset of autoimmune symptoms.
So, where does CBD fit into all of this?
CBD has an interesting relationship with the gut and may be a beneficial supplement as part of a regimen that promotes good gut function.
CBD has a significant impact on both the structure and function of the gut. Bear in mind that the gut contains both CB-1 and CB-2 receptors, bolstering the evidence for the endocannabinoid system’s role in gut health.
How CBD can promote gut health:
1. It affects the production of TNF-alpha.
CBD has been shown to aid in suppressing TNF-alpha, a significant inflammatory chemical generated when the gut’s inflammatory response is out of balance.
CBD contributes to a healthy inflammatory response in the gut by reducing TNF-alpha production.
2. CBD affects intestinal motility.
Additionally, we know that the endocannabinoid system affects intestinal motility. When mobility is excessively rapid, diarrhea frequently occurs.
When it is too sluggish, the result is constipation. CBD contributes to the maintenance of normal intestinal motility.
It may assist the body in achieving the “Goldilocks effect” in terms of digestion—that is, not too fast, not too sluggish, but exactly right.
3. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and the gut microbiota communicate.
There is compelling evidence that the billions of good and harmful microorganisms that dwell in your gut (the “microbiome”) and the endocannabinoid system communicate with one another.
Multiple animal studies have demonstrated that CBD treatment resulted in gut-related health benefits.
Human investigations on ill persons with gut health concerns discovered that adding CBD to their treatment plan had a beneficial effect.
In one study, although there was no statistically significant difference in the number of remissions between the CBD-supplemented and placebo groups, the group that did not supplement with CBD reported increased gastrointestinal pain.
And based on physicians’ subjective assessments, the CBD-supplemented group had several substantial improvements in quality-of-life outcomes, including, incidentally, patients’ perceptions of the severity of their diseases.
CBD and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
While we don’t know a tremendous amount about CBD and the gut, there are a few studies to consider. Most of the research focuses on the effects of CBD on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This condition is defined by persistent inflammation in the digestive tract.
IBD produces significant abdominal pain and discomfort due to digestive tract inflammation. Since CBD has been demonstrated to help decrease inflammation and discomfort, researchers are optimistic about CBD as a supplemental treatment for IBD.
Additionally, a small number of scientific investigations suggest that cannabinoids, especially CBD, may help relieve symptoms associated with IBD.
Other studies indicate that CBD may help lower damage and inflammatory indicators and aid in symptom management, improving a patient’s quality of life.
Finally, excessive stress and anxiety are linked to IBD. Therefore, if you’re experiencing symptoms related to stress, CBD may be the perfect solution to ease unpleasant symptoms.
Regular use of CBD may assist in calming the mind and soothing the stomach on a regular basis.
How To Use CBD To Improve Your Gut Health
While CBD is not a substitute for medical therapy, it is widely used as an all-around wellness supplement. If you’re interested in trying CBD, the following recommendations will assist you in selecting a high-quality product:
Purchase high-quality CBD from a reputable retailer. Examine the retailer’s reviews and reputation.
Investigate independent laboratory testing. A certificate of analysis demonstrates the retailer’s commitment to transparency regarding the ingredients in its products.
Examine the ingredients list. Your gut is already in a sensitive state, and you don’t want to upset the equilibrium by adding unnecessary substances.
When you conduct thorough research, you will feel more assured and confident that you are purchasing a safe product.
The Bottom Line
Your gastrointestinal system is critical for immune system regulation and defense against dangerous pathogens. Therefore, keeping a healthy gut is vital for a happy and healthy life..
CBD has demonstrated considerable potential as a health supplement. Growing evidence indicates that some of the compounds in CBD may have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities, which may help alleviate the discomfort and inflammation associated with gastrointestinal issues.
If you’re interested in incorporating CBD into your gut health regimen, contact your doctor to determine if it’s good for you.
Always search for products created with pure, domestically farmed hemp that adhere to strict manufacturing regulations.
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to text, images, graphics, and other material contained in this article, is for informational and educational purposes, solely intended to be used as a self-help tool. No information in this article or on this website is intended to substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek guidance and advice from a qualified healthcare provider before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.
