CBD and Esophageal Reflux

Recurrent burning sensation in the stomach, regurgitation, and acid material rising in the esophagus are the classic symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Luckily, science shows us that the active ingredients extracted from the Cannabis plant (phytocannabinoids) can play an important role in restoring the body’s processes that cause this disorder to occur. For example, some of our customers use our CBD oil isolate 1000mg to relieve their GERD and it works just fine. CBD isolate oil is 100% pure and may also help. At Down To Earth, we sell the best and purest hemp oil isolate.

Gastroesophageal Reflux: What Is It?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very common chronic condition characterized by the backflow of acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus. It’s estimated that one-third of the population between the ages of thirty and fifty (both men and women) suffer from it.

Gastroesophageal Reflux: Causes and Symptoms

When we eat, ingested food passes from the esophagus to the stomach. Between the esophagus and the stomach is a small valve called the gastroesophageal sphincter. If everything works properly, when we swallow, the valve opens to allow the transfer of food into the stomach and closes immediately afterward, to prevent the gastric acids from rising and prevent irritation of the esophagus walls.

In people affected by GERD, the gastroesophageal sphincter is weakened, opens when it shouldn’t, and allows the gastric acids to rise again causing the typical sensations of burning in the pit of the stomach, bad breath, acid regurgitation, excessive salivation, and sometimes, also results in chest pain, nausea, bloating, or hiccups.

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing (or directly cause) GERD:

• • Obesity
  • Foods high in fat
  • Smoking, alcohol, and coffee
  • Hormonal changes (e.g., during pregnancy)
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Certain medications such as calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Stress
  • Tight clothing

Gastroesophageal Reflux: How Is It Treated?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be treated both by taking care to observe simple precautions and with self-medication.

To begin with, we should evaluate our lifestyle and eating habits and, if necessary, make small changes that will make us feel better.

For example, we should:

• • Eat small and frequent meals
  • Avoid alcohol three or four hours before sleeping
  • Avoid chocolate, tomatoes, spices, fatty foods, coffee, and alcohol
  • Quit smoking
  • Avoid wearing tight clothes
  • Lose weight
  • Avoid stress

Unfortunately, we all know that complying with a handbook of this type can be difficult and it isn’t always possible to do it consistently. Therefore, we’re often forced to resort to drugs.

The drugs available to treat the symptoms of GERD are varied and some are over the counter including:

• • Antacids, which neutralize stomach acids
  • Alginates which form a protective film for the stomach and esophagus
  • Proton pump inhibitors, which reduce the secretion of stomach acids
  • H2-receptor antagonists, which decrease the release of hydrochloric acid

However, sometimes these drugs need to be taken for a long time and can consequently cause other side effects, such as headache, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.

Gastroesophageal Reflux and the Endocannabinoid System

The normal function of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) is strongly regulated by the activity of the Endocannabinoid System, with which phytocannabinoids also interact, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC or Delta9THC) and cannabidiol (or CBD). In fact, both types of receptors for cannabinoids (CB1 and CB2) and endocannabinoids, together with the other components of the system, are expressed throughout the GI and have the function of preventing the onset of inflammatory processes affecting this organ. That’s why using CBD isolate oil is sometimes recommended for GERD.

One study demonstrated that the administration of 10 and 20 mg of Δ9-THC once a week for three weeks to healthy volunteers significantly reduced the relaxation of the esophageal sphincter. However, the researchers also noted that the highest dose of Δ9-THC (20 mg) induced nausea and vomiting. Therefore, THC isolate oil isn’t recommended for GERD.

Due to the psychotropic effects of THC (i.e., its ability to alter our perceptions and produce the typical “high” effect), the scientific world has shifted its attention to those phytocannabinoids, such as CBD, which don’t induce effects of this type.

Now, the question is, can CBD help treat gastroesophageal reflux? The answer is yes, it can, and in three different ways:

• • Modulates gastrointestinal motility, helps relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, decreasing the sensation of pain associated with GERD
  • Reduces the secretion of gastric acids, decreasing their ascent along the esophagus and decreasing the risk of inflammation
  • Thanks to its recognized anti-inflammatory properties,it acts directly on the inflammatory process of the esophagus.

Furthermore, CBD has no side effects and isn’t addictive.

Final Thoughts

CBD can be an optimal solution for your GERD. However, more research is still needed. Of course, you shouldn’t use hemp oil isolate or any other CBD products for any medical condition without consulting your doctor first.

At Down To Earth, we sell the purest CBD products in Australia. All our products, including CBD oil isolate, are tested by independent labs to ensure their quality and purity and you can check the lab reports on our website.

Finally, if you’ve any questions, contact us, submit a comment, or check out our blog. We’re happy to help!