CBD plays a key part in supporting gut health and treating gut related illnesses. Gut health has become an area of vast importance in the health and wellness community in recent years. Until now it was thought that the gut only fulfilled basic digestive functions. Though these basic functions are important. It has been found that the gut plays a much bigger physiological role.
THE MICROBIOME IN OUR GUT
The gut is home base for our body’s microbiome. The microbiome is made up of trillions of organisms that exist in and on our bodies. These organisms are archaea, eukaryotic parasites, bacteria, fungi and protozoa. This microbiome is indispensable to our health. Its job is to stimulate the immune system and break down food compounds. Our microbiome synthesizes certain vitamins and amino acids as well. Because of this, it is very important to have keep your microbiome healthy.
HAVING A HEALTHY MOCROBIOME
Having a healthy microbiome may not only be the key to health but also the key to happiness as well. This is because a large part of your body’s microbiome is responsible for releasing neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are how neurons communicate in your brain. The microbiome connects our brain and our gut. Therefore the term “gut feeling” may be more than a metaphor. The link between our gut health and mental health is much stronger than we’d first thought. There’s even been research showing that patients suffering from PTSD have lower than normal levels of some gut bacteria.
THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM IN YOUR GUT
The endocannabinoid system is made up of receptor sites found throughout our body. The receptors are in areas such as the immune system, central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. CB1 and CB2 are the two main receptor sites in the body. Receptor sites are found in both the gut and the digestive system. Because of this, they play a large roll in some intestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. They can also play a role in obesity as well.
LEAKY GUT
A condition called leaky gut causes many health issues. Multiple autoimmune disorders are related to having a leaky gut. In the lining of our gut there are epithelial cells that are connected by proteins. These proteins are the connection between your bloodstream and your gut. The proteins control what passes between the two. Thus allowing nutrients while preventing harmful substances from getting past. Leaky gut is a condition where this barrier begins to allow harmful bacteria and pathogens access. An imbalance in the microbiota in the gut is one cause of this condition. Additionally chronic stress, poor diet, toxin overload and genetic predisposition are other causes for this condition. Having a leaky gut can cause heightened inflammation in the body.
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)
Another condition that affects our gut, specifically our large intestines, is Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Caused by a change in the gut microbiome. Inflammation of the intestines, infection or nerve abnormalities in the digestive system. Where as, the resulting symptoms include constipation or diarrhea, stomach cramps and bloating. Those suffering from IBS can have these symptoms triggered by several factors including changes in hormones, increased stress and/or certain foods.
TREATING GUT HEALTH CONDITIONS WITH CBD
The Cannabis and Research Journal published a paper stating that Cannabis and CBD has been used for centuries in the treatment of a variety of gut health issues. They found that since the endocannabinoid system plays such a large role in gut health, CBD plays a key part as a natural treatment for these gastrointestinal issues.
A paper published by the Advanced Research in Gastroenterology & Hepatology journal shows that CBD can directly restore membrane permeability. This means that CBD can and does restore the epithelial integrity of the tight junctions in your gut, therefore it is a great option for a natural treatment for Leaky gut.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES
CBD is an awesome choice when it comes to treating gut health issues, because of its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, these properties make it a promising alternative treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This is because Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is an inflammatory response in the gut intestines that causes pain as well as other gastrointestinal issues. Because CBD binds to the receptors in the gut and is a powerful anti-inflammatory, many people have found relief by treating their symptoms with CBD.
CONCLUSION
Furthermore, using CBD has treated more health problems and illnesses. This is because of the presence of the Endocannabinoid system spread out throughout our bodies. Our gut is a very important part of how our bodies function and it is important to maintain its health. Not only does out gut control what goes on in our gastrointestinal system but it also affects most other major body systems. CBD plays a key part in supporting gut health. And is a wonderful natural way to treat many gut health issues you may have.
