The digestive system is one of the most crucial systems of our body that contribute to more than just your nutritional needs. The gastrointestinal tract or GIT is responsible for carrying out three main functions, namely digestion, absorption, and excretion. Like other systems in our body, the GIT also works in close collaboration with other systems like the immune and nervous systems. The excretory system and the digestive system are one of the same and work in close partnership.
The impairment of even one digestive system mechanism could significantly affect many other biochemical pathways in our body. The everyday nutrient demand is fulfilled by the proper functioning of the alimentary canal. This requires strong coordination with the master gland and the nervous system considering that the enteric nervous system (ENS) is responsible for intestinal homeostasis.
Moreover, the gut microbiome, which constitutes the balance of good and harmful microorganisms in our gut, is a determining factor of our health. With 100 trillion bacteria in our body, a considerable percent resides in our gut. The balance of these microorganisms is crucial to your health status.
“You are what you eat” may not be entirely wrong then. Even a slight imbalance may bring about changes in immunity, mood, appetite, etc. the digestive system is an entrance to our very own transport system, the bloodstream, so all your oral medications have to pass through here. Now, if the digestive tract is the one creating problems, what would happen? Let’s keep in mind that if the GIT allows nutrients to reach our body, it can also enable many harmful entities to attack too.
CBD Oil for Digestive Issues
With the rise in CBD and its multiple applications in the health sector, doctors are looking up to CBD oils as a probable cure for many GI disorders as well. Considering that you need to be extremely mindful of what you put in your body, CBD tends to provide minimal side effects and instant relief. This can be significantly accredited to CBD’s anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, analgesic, and antiemetic properties. The analogous function of CBD as a neurotransmitter also helps target the nervous system minus the psychoactive effect of THC, another primary cannabinoid of the marijuana plant.
Many small surveys and studies have shown that CBD can be used as a primary cure as well as an ancillary medication to many GI disorders.
CBD Oil for IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS refers to the disorder of the large intestine. Depression and anxiety can often lead to IBS.
It includes symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and a disturbed diet plan.
Taking laxatives, antispasmodics, and prescription drugs may help manage the systems but can often cause some side effects.
CBD oils, on the other hand, offer a multi-faceted treatment for the syndrome. CBD is also known for its mood-elevating properties like THC only without the high feeling. So it can just address the root cause.
In addition, it works as a great pain-reliever, as observed in many patients with chronic pain due to cancer or arthritis.
CBD Oil for Constipation
The pain and difficulty in passing stool are known as constipation. It is accompanied by stomach pain, nausea, and bloating. Constipation is a common condition in many people, although the severity of the condition may vary.
An in-vitro experiment on mice showed that CBD consuming subjects had better bowel mobility, easing the large intestine movement and reduced bloating.
Rubbing CBD oil on the stomach can help relieve stomach ache. Also, low-dose CBD elicits anti-nausea effects, especially in cancer patients.
CBD Oil for Gastritis
Bacterial infections, excessive smoking, or over-consumption of painkillers can often cause inflammation in the gut lining. This affects the permeability of the stomach and can cause indigestion, vomiting, nausea, and burning stomach pain.
To battle all these symptoms, CBD oils induce an anti-inflammatory pathway in the stomach. Controlling aggressive inflammation is most important, and with its pain-relieving properties, CBD acts as a complete solution for gastritis.
CBD Oil for Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease, also known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is another digestive tract condition. It mainly causes diarrhea, stomach cramps, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. Some physical symptoms of this disease are painful joints, mouth ulcers, and redness, and pain in the eyes.
Although there is no cure for the disease, doctors often prescribe immunosuppressants and corticosteroids for managing the symptoms. However, CBD oil for digestive issues like IBD can address inflammation as well as pain by targeting the ENS glial cells.
CBD Dosage for Leaky Gut
As the name suggests, a leaky gut is when your gut’s permeability is compromised. This is an essential factor because it determines what may or may not pass through the intestines. A leaky gut can be pretty problematic because many toxins and bacteria can cross into the bloodstream.
A leaky gut is caused by the loosening of tight junctions in the gut lining. This is a form of inflammation, and as we all know, CBD oil works great for inflammation. CBD works with PEA, a fatty acid amide created inside our body to target pain caused by inflammation collectively.
CBD for Nervous Stomach
Studies show that there is a bi-directional relation between your mood and diet. A condition known as the nervous stomach is how your emotions can affect your stomach. Often nervousness or stress can cause constipation or diarrhea. CBD performs a dual role and not only addresses your emotional imbalance but also helps with your intestinal motility.
Because CBD is majorly consumed orally and sublingually, it can very effectively target the digestive system. Gummies, treats, smoothies, drinks, and tinctures are the most commonly used methods. The question remains the amount of dosage and if, in any case, “can CBD oil cause gastrointestinal problems?”
There have been cases where CBD oil can elicit nausea and dizziness, diarrhea in some cases. It is not CBD oil that causes these symptoms but the ingredients used to deliver it. So you can always choose what you want to take your CBD oil with. The use of CBD and its dosage is still a matter of trial and error.