A Look at CBD as a Potential Digestive Aid
Most of us have had problems with our digestive system at certain times, but for some people, problems with digestion can be so severe that they impede upon their lives frequently and in the most challenging ways. Digestive issues silently plague many people across the country, some of whom have been diagnosed with things like chronic inflammation of the bowels and digestive tract.
To date, the most effective methods of treatment for people with these debilitating conditions has been to offer medication to help combat symptoms. The cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD), which is one of over a hundred cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, could bring new levels of relief to people who have issues with things like irritable bowel syndrome or Chron’s disease.
The Lowdown on Digestive Problems
A recent survey published by Fox News showed that as much as 74 percent of Americans have uncomfortable digestive symptoms to contend with, such as bloating and abdominal pain. These symptoms may seem like everyday occurrences that come along with eating, and a lot of people never really discuss anything with their doctor—as much as half of those surveyed, in fact.
Unfortunately, what seems like common discomfort relative to digestion can point to some serious underlying health concerns. Celiac disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), and Chron’s disease are all good examples of what could cause digestive issues. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another chronic condition to blame, and this painful condition is estimated to affect as many as 45 million people in the United States alone.
What We Know About How CBD Works in the Digestive Tract
CBD, when introduced into the body, interacts with receptors that are part of the endocannabinoid system. This system plays a role in all kinds of bodily processes, including digestion, working with things like immune regulation, appetite, and how the body digests the food taken in. With CBD taking center stage in recent years as a potentially very therapeutic agent, more studies have been carried out pertaining to CBD and digestion. There is evidence that supports the idea that there are a high number of cannabinoid receptors located in different parts of the digestive tract.
Scientists have stated:
This is exciting news for people who deal with gastrointestinal issues daily, especially when so many other prescription medication alternatives come along with side effects that can be just as troubling as the conditions alone.
There have been a few small formal studies to help solidify this abstract assumption that scientists have made about CBD. One small study of 46 people who had moderately severe Chron’s disease showed that 65 percent of participants saw a full remission of their symptoms. There was a review published in 2008 by a neurologist that stated IBS could be a result of a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency. In 2011, one study found that CBD helped create a reduction in inflammation in the bowels caused by a bacterium called bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which just happens to be a major thing in the bodies of people who have IBS.
How Does CBD Make You Feel?
One of the biggest reasons CBD is admired for its therapeutic effects is that it does not have any psychoactive effects on the individual taking the supplement. CBD is now being produced from hemp, which naturally has extremely low amounts of THC. By law, CBD products legal for sale in all places must contain less than 0.03 percent THC.
Basically, CBD isn’t going to make you feel much of anything, except possibly better, of course. Side effects with CBD are rare, and when they are experienced, they are usually minimal. In a study published on PubMed, one out of three people who used CBD to treat a medical condition had a non-serious side effect. The most common side effects reported have been:
- Dry mouth
- Hunger
- Fatigue
These common side effects are really nothing to complain about if you are dealing with something like chronic stomach pain or constant bathroom trips, and for many, the side effects are barely noticeable at all.
What CBD Method Is Best for Use as a Digestive Aid?
If you are looking to find CBD products that will be best to help with digestion, there are a few things to consider. You can purchase topical CBD, such as CBD roll-on for pain and CBD salve, but it is generally best to stick to CBD tinctures or some form of ingestible CBD product for digestion issues.
Look for products that:
- Offer high potency levels of CBD for maximum effectiveness in the system
- Are easy to dose and control so you can adjust your dosage accordingly
- Are harvested from industrial-grade hemp so the contents are reliable
- Have been third-party tested for purity and ingredients
CBD as a digestive aid is something being heavily considered in scientific studies these days, and it is obvious why that is the case. Even though there is no definitive dosing guidelines or proof that CBD is a cure-all for digestive issues, it is an alternative treatment that could be worth a shot if you are suffering from gastrointestinal issues.
