When it comes to maintaining good overall health, it’s of utmost importance that we take the time to check in with each bodily system. Our bodies work holistically, meaning that if one bodily system is not functioning at its highest level, the rest of the body can suffer greatly. This is especially true when it comes to the digestive system, which plays a major role in our general sense of wellbeing. Many chronic symptoms can be surprisingly attributed to poor digestive health, from muscle pains to acne.
The Importance of Digestive Health
Digestive health refers to the health of the overall digestive system, which runs through our body with the primary function of properly digesting, metabolizing, and excreting food. The digestive tract consists of major parts, including the mouth, the esophagus, the stomach, and the small and large intestine. When we eat, food passes through this tract, and nutrients that our bodies require are stored while waste is separated and eliminated.
At every moment of every day, the digestive system is working – not just when we are eating. This is why it’s important to support it as much as possible. Failing to support the digestive system means that the system will take much-needed energy from other areas of the body, which can lead to significant consequences in our overall health.
Further, we now recognize the way in which the digestive system has direct effects on our brain health. Scientists have discovered what’s called the brain-gut connection, which demonstrates a uniquely symbiotic relationship between the brain’s pathways and the gastrointestinal tract. It seems that the health of the gut directly plays a role in important brain functions like cognition and mood, as well as overall neurological health.
Hence, there’s enough evidence out there that a poorly functioning digestive tract can interfere with immunity, as many digestive ailments lead to chronic inflammation that taxes the immune system.
What Determines the Health of Our Digestive System?
Of course, our eating habits and diet play a large role. What we eat, when we eat and how much we eat all directly influence overall digestive function.
Other factors are involved as well such as:
- Hereditary
- Stress
- Substance abuse
- Underlying condition
- Allergies
- Medications
These can all contribute to poor digestive health.
Common Digestive Ailments
These are what can cause disruptions with your digestive track..
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a chronically inflamed gastrointestinal tract that results in a variety of unpleasant symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhea, cramping and constipation.
- Crohn’s Disease: Like IBS, Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, but the symptoms may be more severe
- Colitis: Colitis refers to inflammation of the inner lining of the colon
- Acid Reflux: Acid reflux is a disorder in which acid in the stomach is regurgitated into the esophagus, producing pain and possible corrosion of its lining
- Gastritis: Gastritis refer to inflammation of the stomach’s lining, which can be extremely painful
Methods for Maintaining Good Digestive Health
So, how is digestive health managed overall? Well, it’s a matter of maintaining a good general lifestyle. Eating nutritious foods and prioritizing a plant-based diet is the most important way to maintain good digestive health. Avoiding too much sugar, alcohol, dairy, gluten and caffeine is also key. Managing stress levels plays a huge role, as chronic stress can cause inflammation of the digestive tract. And making an effort to exercise can benefit the digestive system’s function.
Having a true digestive ailment may require specialized treatment from a medical professional. If you have persistent or severe symptoms, a medical visit is in order.
CBD and the Digestive System
Now, let’s discuss what we know about the relationship between CBD and the digestive system. CBD, more formerly known as cannabidiol, is the dominant compound in hemp, and, being a cannabinoid, it offers unique effects. It comes in a variety of forms, and is both legal and nontoxic.
Your Endocannabinoid System and Your Digestive Tract
CBD and other cannabinoids support the endocannabinoid system in the body. This system helps maintain homeostasis, which is a state of equilibrium throughout the body. It does this by feeding CBD to cannabinoid receptors locate in every system, including the digestive system. Each cannabinoid receptor helps regulate a particular process of the body that’s nearby. With so many cannabinoid receptors along the digestive tract, CBD may regulate a surprising number of digestive functions.
Studies on CBD and Digestion
Many studies have shown potential anti-inflammatory activity within the digestive tract. One in particular demonstrated evidence that cannabinoids can reduce inflammation along the intestines and throughout the digestive system.
Taking Cannabidiol for Digestive Health: What to Know
These steps must be done right in order to find the right CBD product.
Step #1: Have a Conversation with Your Doctor
If you wish to take cannabidiol for digestive health, have a conversation with your doctor and tell them about any other treatments you are on. We are not authorized to give medical advice, but a medical professional is.
Step #2: Do Your Homework
It’s absolutely essential that you find a CBD product from a trusted company. Make sure that the company offers third-party lab reports on their website that verify the purity and quality of the product.
Step #3: Use the Right Delivery Method
For digestive use, we recommend going with CBD edibles or capsules – basically, any product that actually works through the body’s digestive system.
Step #4: Choose the Right Strength
CBD comes in a wide variety of milligram strengths. It’s important to choose one that reflects the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor may be able to help you with this.
Step #5: Take it Daily
It’s recommended that you take CBD each day for the best results. The endocannabinoid system can utilize CBD to its fullest potential with daily use.
Step #6: Wait Two Weeks Before Adjusting Your Routine
If you feel that you’re not getting the results you wanted, wait two weeks after starting your regimen before making adjustments. Sometimes, it can take that long for the effects to be fully active.
Final Thoughts
It’s crucial that we maintain and monitor our digestive health at every age, because a functioning digestive system means a healthy body and mind. There’s evidence that cannabidiol has the potential to aid in overall digestive wellness, so if you desire a natural approach, make sure to check out what is available.
