If there is one part of the body that’s getting a lot of
attention right now, it’s the gut. While
we once had an overly simplistic view of gastrointestinal health, we’re finding
out more and more when it comes to how this part of the body actually dictates
much of our overall well-being. And
clearly, there are a plethora of reasons why we need to maintain good gut
health if we wish to remain as healthy as possible.
What Does Gut Health Mean and Why
Does It Matter?
The gut is the gastrointestinal tract, which refers to the
portion of the digestive tract that is made up of the intestines. Daily, our intestines are hard at work
breaking down food matter and passing it along so that it can be processed by
the body. The intestines absorb the
nutrients that we consume so that they may be used throughout the body, while
discarding what’s necessary as waste.
Now, naturally, good gut health is good digestive
health. The intestines are an integral
part of the digestive system, and so if they are compromised, the entire
digestive process is as well. But we now
know that gut health has a bigger impact on our overall well-being than we had
previously thought.
Researchers are discovering what’s referred to as the brain-gut
connection. This refers to the directly symbiotic nature
of the relationship between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Essentially, when one is compromised, the
other is directly compromised as a result.
Some researchers are beginning to suggest that the gut actually
determines many processes of the brain including cognition and mood as well.
We also now recognize that poor gut health can lead to
conditions that affect the immune system, such as a wide range of autoimmune
conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. This is because when the gut is in poor
health, the immune system devotes too much attention to healing it, which can
cause widespread inflammation to occur throughout the body that manifests
itself in the form of a variety of seemingly unrelated symptoms. Another common complaint among those with
poor gut health is frequent headaches. Plus,
it goes without saying that poor gut health will negatively affect the
digestive tract as well.
What Causes Poor Gut Health?
Well, lots of things.
Many of us eat inflammatory foods that keep the intestines in a state of
inflammation, even if we don’t realize it.
Also, chronic stress can prevent the digestive tract from working
properly due to the cortisol overload in the blood stream. There are genetic factors as well that can
interfere with healthy gut function.
The Key to Maintaining a Healthy
Gut
There are many things that must be done in order to improve
gut health. One is seeking out a
nutritionist who can determine which foods in your diet may be compromising
your gut health. Many of us have food
intolerances without even knowing it.
It’s also important to keep stress levels as low as possible, and to
maintain a healthy and active lifestyle overall.
CBD and Your Gut Health
So, what does cannabidiol (CBD) have to do with gut
health? While we can’t say that CBD can
cure a faulty gut, as that requires a multi-faceted approach, we can say that
there’s enough evidence out there to be able to recommend it to those who are
attempting to restore the health of their gastrointestinal tract.
Your Endocannabinoid System and
How It Relates to Gut Health
The primary reason why gut specialists advocate for CBD is
because of its effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which deals directly with the gut. The endocannabinoid system is a fairly recent
discovery, and it explains why cannabinoids in the cannabis plant perform
certain tasks so efficiently compared to other plant derivatives.
The ECS consists of a large network of cannabinoid
receptors that are found everywhere throughout the body, including the gut as
well as the brain, immune system, skin, muscles and more. Each receptor corresponds with a particular
bodily process, whether it be inflammation of a particular area, hormonal
balance, energy homeostasis, mood or so on.
The endocannabinoid system requires cannabinoids in general, to be able
to do their job effectively and thoroughly.
Consuming CBD allows the ECS to send cannabinoids to where they’re most
needed throughout the body. If you’re
struggling with gut health, those cannabinoids will be sent to cannabinoid
receptors along the gastrointestinal tract.
Studies on CBD and the
Gastrointestinal Tract
We’ve come across several studies that show the direct
effects that CBD may have on the intestines, including a discovery that
demonstrates CBD’s potential to calm intestinal inflammation that can
be a culprit behind common digestive disorders.
What Else Do You Need to Know
About Taking CBD for Gut Health?
Now, let’s talk about the key to starting a hemp routine
for gut health.
Tell Your Doctor
Tell your doctor that you wish to take CBD for gut health,
especially if you are using other treatments for the same purpose.
Choose the Right Company
Do your research to make sure that your CBD comes from a
trusted and reputable company that has their hemp tested by a third-party lab.
Go with a Good Delivery Method
Choose a delivery method that works for your body. You may find edibles to be more useful since
they actually travel through the gastrointestinal tract, making contact with
the intestines.
Select Your Milligram Strength
Wisely
Choose a milligram strength that represents your unique
needs. Higher milligram strengths will
deliver more potent effects per dose.
Be Consistent
It’s important to develop a consistent daily routine if you
want to experience the best results possible.
Daily use gives the endocannabinoid system proper and steady support.
Modify as Needed
Wait a couple weeks and decide whether or not you need to
change your routine to better suit your needs.
Maybe taking two doses per day is more beneficial, or maybe you want to
try out a different milligram strength.
The Connection Between Gut Health
and Your Overall Health Can No Longer Be Denied
Many important medical researchers are now proving this
theory with clinical studies. What we
know is that CBD has many unique properties that could potentially aid in gut
health, which is why it definitely can’t hurt to incorporate certain CBD products into your daily routine.
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