In recent years, gut health has become of utmost importance within the healthcare spectrum. A robust immune system strongly relies on a healthy gut. It is responsible for maintaining several other functions like brain health, heart health, mood, sleep, and healthy digestion. A healthy gut ensures proper absorption of nutrition to keep you fit and active.
So, how does one achieve better gut health?
Apart from having a balanced diet and taking probiotics, one can start a stable regimen of CBD. Cannabidiol (CBD), extracted from cannabis, has shown promising results for gut health. Nonetheless, you may find a variety of benefits of CBD gummies to achieve better gut health.
In this article, we will understand the connection between CBD and the gut so that you relish a healthy gut with the therapeutic potential of CBD. Let’s dive in.
The endocannabinoid system and the gut
The Endocannabinoid system (ECS), the most comprehensive regulatory system in your body, plays a vital role in maintaining gut functioning. The ECS interacts with the digestive system, affecting mobility, gastrointestinal absorption, and immune and inflammatory responses.
There are two leading messengers of ECS synthesized in the body, called endocannabinoids – 2-Ag (2-arachidonoylglycerol) and anandamide. These messengers are responsible for regulating the communication between the brain and the gut. In general, your body produces them when needed to control the functioning of essential processes.
Changes in the gut microbiome via prebiotics, probiotics, antibiotics, and high-fat diets can alter the ECS – by altering endocannabinoid levels. As a result, this change may have enormous implications for your overall gut health and lead to inflammatory bowel diseases. Hence, it is essential to maintain a healthy gut microbe.
Millions have started turning to CBD to increase good microbiome and improve their gut health. It mimics the endocannabinoids’ effects and interacts with the ECS receptors to help support your gut’s normal functioning. Let’s find the connection between CBD and gut health and how does CBD help improve it!
The connection between CBD and gut health
Not many know the surprising connection between CBD and the gut. In fact, several ways in which CBD may promote gut health are listed below:
CBD may help reduce inflammation:
A significant reason for gastrointestinal (GI) or gut imbalance is inflammation. Inflammation can lead to various complications. CBD can help reduce inflammation. It suppresses some immunological endpoints to stimulate a calming effect on the brain through CB1 and CB2 receptors. Apart from reducing inflammation, it may also improve nutrient absorption and assimilation.
CBD may promote good bacteria’s growth:
The harmful bacteria can result in a weak intestinal wall and eventually lead to leakage. Since CBD interacts with the ECS to create a balance within all the body systems, it helps support the gut pH and flora. Furthermore, it provides a healthy environment for the growth of good bacteria, thereby supporting the gut barrier.
CBD can restore a healthy intestinal barrier function:
Any disruption in the gut microbiota balance can result in harmful bacteria’s growth. The imbalance can trigger inflammation and lead to increased intestinal permeability. It may allow harmful bacteria to migrate from the intestine to other parts of the body. Since CBD promotes healthy bacteria growth and reduces intestinal permeability, it may help restore a healthy barrier function.
CBD can promote overall digestive health:
A bad GI health causes conditions like inflammation, chronic diarrhea or constipation, skin issues, fatigue, and even joint issues. CBD, on the other hand, helps support digestive health. It coordinates the gut mobility by stimulating the cannabinoid receptor (CB1) in the body that helps slow down the stomach’s emptying, reduce stomach acid, and enhance nutrient absorption.
CBD can reduce stress and anxiety:
Stress and anxiety can also give rise to a whole range of digestive problems – diarrhea, loss of appetite, excess acid, pain, and many more. CBD is a potent tool in the management of stress and anxiety. It interacts with the ECS to regulate serotonin receptors (the feel-good neurotransmitter) and help you relax.
How to use CBD for improving your gut health?
You can consume CBD in a wide variety of forms, from smoking, oils to tasty edibles like gummy bears. In addition, you can consider any method and pick one you enjoy the most, and that suits your needs. The recommended dosage is 0.15mg/day/lb of body weight. As a beginner, you may start with a dose of 22mg of CBD and then increase it to 75mg as per your needs. But, make sure to choose a high-quality product.
Conclusion
Indeed, CBD and gut health share a very close connection. Considering the direct interaction with the ECS, CBD helps support gut integrity, boost homeostasis, and even prevent gut disorders. Incorporating CBD in your daily regimen of supplements can be beneficial to promote gut health and functionality.
