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CBD for Digestive Disorders

Digestive disorders, Crohns disease, CBD

Research shows that our microbiome (gut bacteria) is a key to maintaining health.  It consists of all the microbes, bacteria, fungi and viruses, that live in our digestive system. The microbiome may weigh as much as 2,3 kg.  Many do not know that the bacteria in the intestines help to digest the food we eat?

CBD interact with a system called the Endocannabinoid System, which consists of network of cell receptors called CB1 and CB2.  When CBD interacts with the CB2 receptors they affect certain secretory and motility functions of the gut. This interaction can be therapeutic for certain gastrointestinal conditions.

Research shows that The Endocannabinoid System plays a protective role in the digestive system and may reduce symptoms like:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite

Leaky Gut and CBD oil 

In a healthy gut, the barrier between the inside of the intestines and the bloodstream is tight to prevent contents from leaking into the bloodstream. These contents may include partially digested food, bacteria, and other toxins that normally would end up as poop. 

However, sometimes there are holes in the intestinal lining, thus the name Leaky Gut. When waste products and food particles are allowed to leak into the bloodstream it can cause symptoms like:

  • Chronic constipation or diarrhea
  • Headaches
  • Concentration problems or confusion 
  • Fatigue
  • Skin issues
  • Nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption
  • Bloating

A 2017 cell study looked at the impact of CBD on intestinal barrier function. CBD was used to treat a specific type of cells damaged by Clostridium Difficile. The study showed that CBD helped the intestinal cells from dying and to restore cell barrier integrity through the CB1-receptor.

So far the research is promising, but more is needed in order to understand the mechanism on how CBD is working.  In the mean while CBD will continue to improve the quality of life for people with a variety of digestive disorders. 

Be aware, the lack of purity or potency can impact the effectiveness of some CBD products on the market. 

We recommend using CBD oil as a supplement to your current regimen, especially if changes in your diet or prescription medicines aren’t resolving your symptoms. 

Be sure to consult with a qualified healthcare provider if you are uncertain about adding CBD oil to your daily routine. Also, we recommend that you talk to your physician before you stop taking prescription medicines

Reference:

  1. Salem, I., Ramser, A., Isham, N., and Ghannoum, M.A. (July 2018) “The Gut Microbiome as a Major Regulator of the Gut-Skin Axis.” Front Microbiol.,, 9:1459. 
  2. Goyal, H., Singla, U., Gupta, U., and May, E. (February 2017) “Role of cannabis in digestive disorders.” European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 29(2): 135-143.
  3. Gigli, S., et al. (December 2017) “Cannabidiol restores intestinal barrier dysfunction and inhibits the apoptotic process induced by Clostridium difficile toxin A in Caco-2 cells.” United European Gastroenterol J., 5(8):1108-1115.

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