CBD for Gut Health
Research into gut health has gained lots of recognition in the past few years. The gut has actually been referred to “the second brain”. Some would even say it is our first brain as it is much more ancient than the advanced parts of the brain. Keeping our gut bacteria healthy by pro-biotics, pre-biotics and fermented foods are key. 90% of the living cells in our bodies are actually not classified as “human”. They are microbes that live on and in us. Of the 38 trillion microorganisms in our bodies, most of them are located in our gut. This ecosystem is known as the microbiome. A microbiome is a tiny ecosystem of interconnected life forms that are transforming nutrients from one to another.
The brain and the gut communicate with each other via the vagus nerve as well as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The gut microbiome affects the immune system, emotional health and even genetic expression. The link between ECS and gut health is huge. The ECS’s receptors are very concentrated in the brain, gut and pelvis. It is involved in regulating food intake, intestinal inflammation and gut permeability. With the addition of CBD it can help those suffering from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), cancer and auto-immune conditions. CBD not only helps alleviate these symptoms, but it is also responsible for enhancing anandamide signaling. Anandamide is known as the “bliss molecule”. 70% of our serotonin is produced in the gut (not the brain). The connection that gut microbial balance increases mood and ingesting CBD, is key for not only gut health, but general well-being.
Nourishing our gut and supporting our ECS can lead to profound healing and creation of balance within the body. CBD can create this balance by suppressing the release of TNF-alpha. It is known as one of the major inflammatory compounds released when the gut’s inflammatory response is not functioning. This helps support a healthy inflammation response in the gut. It also affects gut motility through the ECS. When motility is too fast, it can result in diarrhea, when it is too slow, constipation. CBD can help regulate motility so that you suffer from neither. The ECS helps us respond to stress by modulation endocrine function, this regulates the “fight” or “flight” response. Which, in turn, supports our immune response. Seeing as the gut is so interconnected with so many systems in our body, the ECS affects our gut’s microbiome as well.
CBD has been shown to modulate both acute and systemic inflammation. It does this by preventing production of both cytokines and interleukins (the proteins responsible for signalling our immune system to create an inflammatory response). This helps those suffering from IBS, Colitis, and bloating. It also lowers cortisol which helps prevent leaky gut or intestinal permeability. Cortisol is responsible for breaking down tissues in the body and can be very destructive to the lining of our Gastrointestinal tract. It is known as a catabolic hormone. Managing these levels is extremely important for a well-functioning digestive system.
The gut is a powerful force. Happy gut, happy life. In conjunction with implementing CBD into your daily routine, introducing gut happy foods and drinking lots of water can vastly improve your digestive and mental health. For those seeking a healthy and enriching lifestyle, gut health is a key piece of the puzzle.