How Does CBD Affect Gut Health?

Whether you saw a health documentary or visited a vitamin store, you’ve likely heard about gut health. Additional research is required, though CBD shows promise in improving the state of your digestive system.

Awhile back, we reported how CBD may be useful for IBS symptoms. For overall gut health, CBD can promote natural anti-inflammatory effects, while balancing the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It may offer aid to your gut in these ways:

• May regulate intestinal motility: Intestinal motility is the way food moves into the mouth and leaves the body. There are times when damaged nerves or intestinal muscles have issues with contractions, sometimes resulting in swallowing issues or fecal incontinence. CBD can interact with ECS receptors linked to intestinal motility, helping to moderate gut dysfunctions.

• Could potentially support the gut barrier: According to an article from the United European Gastroenterology Journal, CBD shows promise in protecting the gut barrier. This support is needed in our bodies, as the gut barrier must deter toxic substances from seeping into the bloodstream; in turn, this can also theoretically prevent intestinal inflammation.

Do you want to try CBD for your gut health? If so, we strongly recommend a sublingual CBD oil. When drops are inserted under the tongue, CBD can enter into the bloodstream via capillaries and buccal mucosa instead of getting digested. This may be beneficial if you have issues digesting edibles or capsules.

Unraveling the benefits of CBD can be an enlightening experience! We take pride in being a source for CBD education – click here to view our FAQ section to learn about Baked Goods.

NOTE: This article is not an alternative to formal medical advice and should not be relied on for diagnosing or treating your health condition or concerns. This post is published solely for the purpose of education. Please see your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your wellness or visit a nearby hospital if you require emergency help. 

With sources from:

DiPatrizio NV. Endocannabinoids in the Gut. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2016 Feb;1(1):67-77. doi: 10.1089/can.2016.0001. Epub 2016 Feb 24. PMID: 27413788; PMCID: PMC4940133.

Gigli, S., Seguella, L., Pesce, M., Bruzzese, E., Cuomo, R., Steardo, L., Sarnelli, G., & Esposito, G. (2017). Cannabidiol restores intestinal barrier dysfunction and inhibits the apoptotic process induced by Clostridium difficile toxin A in Caco-2 cells. United European Gastroenterology Journal, 5(8), 1108-1115. https://doi.org/10.1177/2050640617698622

Scheau C, Caruntu C, Badarau IA, Scheau AE, Docea AO, Calina D, Caruntu A. Cannabinoids and Inflammations of the Gut-Lung-Skin Barrier. J Pers Med. 2021 May 31;11(6):494. doi: 10.3390/jpm11060494. PMID: 34072930; PMCID: PMC8227007.

Story, G., Briere, E., McClements, D. J., & Sela, D. A. (2023). Cannabidiol and Intestinal Motility: A Systematic Review. Current Developments in Nutrition, 7(10). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.101972