CBD & Inflammation: More than just a gut feeling

CBD is becoming a household name in the health and wellness industry. Although we are still in the early stages of research into this natural compound, many studies are beginning to focus on suspected health benefits.

One of those aforementioned focuses is on the gut and digestive health axis.

Getting to know your gut

The gut, also referred to as the gastrointestinal system, digestive system, or digestive tract, is comprised of a group of organs, including the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, colon, and rectum. But that’s not all it is. The complexity of your gut runs a lot deeper than simply being an area in the body where food is broken down.

The gut is one of the major disease-fighting systems within the human body, and contains it millions of living microbes which we often call good and bad bacteria. Referred to as your ‘gut biome’, this advanced interconnected ecosystem of cells plays a vital role in your wellbeing and influences many aspects of your health, particularly the functions of your brain. This is also why the gut is often referred to as your ‘second brain’.

The gut-brain connection and CBD

What happens within your gut doesn’t always stay there. It is constantly communicating with the brain, sending signals via a crucial ‘highway’ called the vagus nerve. Due to this connection, an unhappy gut can negatively affect other areas of the body such as our mood, concentration, skin and overall wellbeing.

Your body’s brain-gut communication also takes place through your endocannabinoid system (ECS).

CBD’s gut connection to inflammation

From chronic constipation and fatigue to irregular periods, an inflamed gut can cause multiple problems throughout the body, especially since gut inflammation can set off a similar inflammatory responses elsewhere.

In summary…

Your gut is like a unique fingerprint. Everyone’s system different, so the way you use CBD will be different to the way someone else may be using it. If you’re interested in taking CBD-infused products like CBD oils to assist with gut health, try starting with the lowest dose and work your way up. This is especially important if you have a sensitive stomach or acute digestive problems.