From Gut to Great: Why Digestion Matters For Your Overall Health
From breaking down food to absorb essential nutrients to supporting immune function, a healthy gut is essential to our overall health and wellbeing.
If you’ve ever suffered from any digestive issues (and let’s face it, almost all of us have), you know just how much havoc it can wreak in every aspect of your life, and may have previously explored how to improve gut health.
But if you’re reading this article, you’re probably wondering can CBD improve gut health, or even asking can CBD help with bloating and gas?
In this blog, we’ll take a look at why gut health is important, the factors that affect it, and how to improve gut health with CBD.
Why Is Gut Health Important?
The gut, often referred to as the “second brain”, is home to trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiome. This complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and other microbes plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including digestion, metabolism, immune function and even mood regulation.
A healthy gut microbiome is essential for maintaining digestive health as well as a strong immune system, absorbing nutrients effectively, and preventing gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas and diarrhoea.
Factors Affecting Gut Health And The Gut Microbiome
Several factors can influence gut health and the diversity of the gut microbiome. These include:
- Stress: chronic stress can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and impair digestion, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Genetics: genetic factors can predispose individuals to certain digestive disorders and impact their ability to maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
- Lifestyle: diet, alcohol, exercise and other lifestyle factors such as smoking can profoundly influence gut health.
- Medications: antibiotics and other medications can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to digestive issues.
- Ageing: as we age, changes in gut function and the gut microbiome occur, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal disorders.
- Sleep: Poor sleep quality can affect gut health and disrupt digestion, contributing to gastrointestinal discomfort.
How Does CBD Affect Gut Health And Digestion?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the cannabis plant renowned for its potential therapeutic properties. Emerging research suggests that CBD may play a role in promoting gut health and supporting digestion. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors found throughout the body, including the digestive tract. By modulating ECS activity, CBD can help regulate various physiological processes, including gastrointestinal function.
CBD And Gut Microbiome Research: What Does The Science Say?
While research on CBD and gut health is still in its infancy, preliminary studies have shown promising results, including a study that found CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to modulate immune responses potentially reduce inflammation and alleviates symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Other research has found that CBD can help alleviate upper gastrointestinal dysfunction such as nausea and vomiting, in addition to CBD’s anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) properties.
While these CBD and gut microbiome research studies are exciting, further studies including clinical trials involving large sample sizes are needed in order to understand how CBD can best support digestive dysfunction.
CBD For Digestion: Down To Earth Products
At Down To Earth, we take CBD for digestion seriously, which is why we have a range of products that may support digestion and gut health, ranging from oils to chocolates, gummies, and even honey!
And you’ll be pleased to know that all our oils and edibles contain only natural ingredients – no artificial nasties that you can’t pronounce and that will wreak havoc on your digestive system.
Our CBeeD honey could be just the ticket for those experiencing gut issues. Honey can aid digestion by soothing the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Honey also has antimicrobial properties that may assist in combating harmful bacteria, making our CBeeD honey with CBD a perfect natural remedy for digestive issues like indigestion and bloating.
For those suffering from moderate to severe digestive issues, CBD oil swallowed or even taken sublingually (under the tongue) may be the best option to provide digestive relief.
You can also check out these tips and tricks to help alleviate your digestive issues.
Consult Your Doctor Or Dietitian
Before using CBD for digestive issues, you should consult with your doctor or dietitian, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, are taking medications or are under medical supervision for digestive issues.
Gut health plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Factors such as stress, genetics, lifestyle, medications, ageing and sleep can profoundly impact gut health and the diversity of the gut microbiome.
CBD for digestion shows promise in supporting gut health and digestion through its interactions with the endocannabinoid system and its anti-inflammatory properties. While preliminary research is exciting and suggests that CBD may help alleviate symptoms associated with digestive disorders such as IBD and IBS, more research is needed.
With the right approach and guidance, CBD could be a valuable addition to your digestive health regimen, promoting gut health and enhancing overall wellbeing.
Still have questions about CBD and gut health, like can CBD improve gut health or can CBD help with bloating and gas? Give one of our friendly Down To Earth team a hoy – we’re here to help!