Could CBD Be Used to Help Improve Gut Health?

If there is one part of the body that’s getting a lot of attention right now, it’s the gut. While we once had an overly simplistic view of gastrointestinal health, we’re finding out more and more when it comes to how this part of the body actually dictates much of our overall well-being. And clearly, there are a plethora of reasons why we need to maintain good gut health if we wish to remain as healthy as possible.

What Does Gut Health Mean and Why Does It Matter?

The gut is the gastrointestinal tract, which refers to the portion of the digestive tract that is made up of the intestines. Daily, our intestines are hard at work breaking down food matter and passing it along so that it can be processed by the body. The intestines absorb the nutrients that we consume so that they may be used throughout the body, while discarding what’s necessary as waste.

Now, naturally, good gut health is good digestive health. The intestines are an integral part of the digestive system, and so if they are compromised, the entire digestive process is as well. But we now know that gut health has a bigger impact on our overall well-being than we had previously thought.

Researchers are discovering what’s referred to as the brain-gut connection. This refers to the directly symbiotic nature of the relationship between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Essentially, when one is compromised, the other is directly compromised as a result. Some researchers are beginning to suggest that the gut actually determines many processes of the brain including cognition and mood as well.

We also now recognize that poor gut health can lead to conditions that affect the immune system, such as a wide range of autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. This is because when the gut is in poor health, the immune system devotes too much attention to healing it, which can cause widespread inflammation to occur throughout the body that manifests itself in the form of a variety of seemingly unrelated symptoms. Another common complaint among those with poor gut health is frequent headaches. Plus, it goes without saying that poor gut health will negatively affect the digestive tract as well.

What Causes Poor Gut Health?

Well, lots of things. Many of us eat inflammatory foods that keep the intestines in a state of inflammation, even if we don’t realize it. Also, chronic stress can prevent the digestive tract from working properly due to the cortisol overload in the blood stream. There are genetic factors as well that can interfere with healthy gut function.

The Key to Maintaining a Healthy Gut

There are many things that must be done in order to improve gut health. One is seeking out a nutritionist who can determine which foods in your diet may be compromising your gut health. Many of us have food intolerances without even knowing it. It’s also important to keep stress levels as low as possible, and to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle overall.

CBD and Your Gut Health

So, what does cannabidiol (CBD) have to do with gut health? While we can’t say that CBD can cure a faulty gut, as that requires a multi-faceted approach, we can say that there’s enough evidence out there to be able to recommend it to those who are attempting to restore the health of their gastrointestinal tract.

Your Endocannabinoid System and How It Relates to Gut Health

The primary reason why gut specialists advocate for CBD is because of its effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which deals directly with the gut. The endocannabinoid system is a fairly recent discovery, and it explains why cannabinoids in the cannabis plant perform certain tasks so efficiently compared to other plant derivatives.

The ECS consists of a large network of cannabinoid receptors that are found everywhere throughout the body, including the gut as well as the brain, immune system, skin, muscles and more. Each receptor corresponds with a particular bodily process, whether it be inflammation of a particular area, hormonal balance, energy homeostasis, mood or so on. The endocannabinoid system requires cannabinoids in general, to be able to do their job effectively and thoroughly. Consuming CBD allows the ECS to send cannabinoids to where they’re most needed throughout the body. If you’re struggling with gut health, those cannabinoids will be sent to cannabinoid receptors along the gastrointestinal tract.

Studies on CBD and the Gastrointestinal Tract

We’ve come across several studies that show the direct effects that CBD may have on the intestines, including a discovery that demonstrates CBD’s potential to calm intestinal inflammation that can be a culprit behind common digestive disorders.

What Else Do You Need to Know About Taking CBD for Gut Health?

Now, let’s talk about the key to starting a hemp routine for gut health.

Tell Your Doctor

Tell your doctor that you wish to take CBD for gut health, especially if you are using other treatments for the same purpose.

Choose the Right Company

Do your research to make sure that your CBD comes from a trusted and reputable company that has their hemp tested by a third-party lab.

Go with a Good Delivery Method

Choose a delivery method that works for your body. You may find edibles to be more useful since they actually travel through the gastrointestinal tract, making contact with the intestines.

Select Your Milligram Strength Wisely

Choose a milligram strength that represents your unique needs. Higher milligram strengths will deliver more potent effects per dose.

Be Consistent

It’s important to develop a consistent daily routine if you want to experience the best results possible. Daily use gives the endocannabinoid system proper and steady support.

Modify as Needed

Wait a couple weeks and decide whether or not you need to change your routine to better suit your needs. Maybe taking two doses per day is more beneficial, or maybe you want to try out a different milligram strength.

The Connection Between Gut Health and Your Overall Health Can No Longer Be Denied

Many important medical researchers are now proving this theory with clinical studies. What we know is that CBD has many unique properties that could potentially aid in gut health, which is why it definitely can’t hurt to incorporate certain CBD products into your daily routine.