Cannabidiol (CBD) is quickly becoming the world’s favorite natural wellness supplement and with good reasons. This cannabis-derived compound is proving to be effective at everything from supporting healthy sleep to helping with pain management, and more. What not everyone realizes is that CBD gummies may also be a useful tool for combatting digestive issues.
What Is CBD?
CBD may be a cannabis-derived compound, but unlike THC, it isn’t psychoactive. Most practitioner reviewed products don’t contain any other cannabinoids, so there’s no need to worry about unwanted mind-altering effects. CBD gummies offer all the health and wellness benefits with none of the brain fog or paranoia associated with marijuana use.
How CBD Works
Both CBD and THC act on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), but they do so in different ways. THC binds directly to the ECS receptors, while CBD is believed to help prevent the reuptake of endogenous cannabinoids. As a result, CBD supports healthy ECS function, which, in turn, helps to maintain a state of homeostasis within the body, including the gut.
CBD and Inflammation
One of the top reasons that CBD is good for gut health is that it is anti-inflammatory, and chronic inflammation contributes to a range of gastrointestinal disorders. Researchers believe that CBD helps to reduce the production of cytokines and interleukins, two proteins that signal the body to create an inflammatory response. This, in turn, helps to reduce chronic and acute inflammation, helping people with IBS, colitis, and damage to the lining of the gut to find relief.
Cortisol Regulation
CBD isn’t just anti-inflammatory. This impressive phytochemical also has beneficial impacts on the body’s endocrine system. More specifically, it can help to keep excess cortisol levels in check, which helps to reduce intestinal permeability and prevent conditions like leaky gut. Even people with otherwise healthy GI systems can wind up suffering from these conditions if they are under enough stress, so managing cortisol levels can be viewed as one of the most essential aspects of maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Beneficial Effects on Appetite
Some people struggle with digestive issues like bloating and gas due to eating too frequently or too much. Since CBD can help to regulate appetite, it can reduce these issues. On the other end of the spectrum, though, the compound’s stress-reducing properties can also make it easier for those who struggle with food anxiety or related eating disorders to improve their nutrition, and thus their digestive health.
How to Take CBD Gummies for Digestive Health
There are two ways to use CBD to improve digestive health. The first is to take it whenever symptoms come up, including both digestive issues and general stress. The second is to take it daily as an overall wellness supplement that also aids in healthy digestion.
The key to using CBD gummies for digestive issues is to get them from a reputable source. Find an online vendor that sells high-quality, lab-tested products to guarantee the best results, and start with small doses, adding more gummies as needed until they start to take effect.
