Is CBD Good for Gut Health? Here's What the Science Says

If you frequently suffer from gut problems like gas, bloating, and abdominal pain, you're not alone. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, approximately 70 million people struggle with various gastrointestinal disorders and chronic gut problems.

Aside from prescribed medications and lifestyle changes, there may be other ways to ease your gut problems, including cannabidiol (CBD).

According to recent studies, the cannabis plant may contain certain properties that can help alleviate a wide variety of symptoms. From potentially reducing gas and bloating to helping alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions like Crohn's disease, CBD may serve as a more holistic approach to medical treatment.

Here's what the science says about the cannabis plant and the digestive tract, and how consuming CBD products may help alleviate digestive issues.

Key takeaways:

• CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate gut health.
• CBD may help alleviate symptoms associated with a wide variety of issues with the gastrointestinal tract, including abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
• The cannabis plant's anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate symptoms associated with Crohn's disease and other conditions.

See Related: How Long Does Weed Last in Saliva? A Quick Guide

How does CBD interact with the gut?

CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid receptors, which are partly responsible for regulating gut health. According to studies, CBD may:

• Relax smooth muscles, helping to reduce cramps and pain
• Reduce intestinal inflammation and other chronic inflammation of the GI tract
• Reduce nausea and vomiting
• Improve gut motility

Does CBD help with digestion?

If you are struggling with your gut health, you may have tried all kinds of remedies — from eliminating certain foods to anti-bloat or anti-diarrhea pills and other medicines.

But there may be other options.

There is growing scientific evidence to suggest a link between CBD and the regulation of the digestive system, giving new hope to those who struggle with chronic gut issues.

The following forms of CBD may be beneficial in helping alleviate symptoms associated with gut health. These may include

• CBD oil
• CBD tinctures
• CBD edibles
• CBD gummies with THC
• CBD flower (check out our collection of THCa flower here)
• Chocolates with CBD or THC

How CBD may help with abdominal pain and digestive issues

Bowel issues can strike at the most inopportune times.

According to one study by AGA, around 40% of Americans have had to stop routine activities due to uncomfortable bowel symptoms. These activities may include stopping exercise, running errands, or even attending social interactions. 

CBD may help alleviate symptoms associated with a wide variety of issues with the GI tract, including:

• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Bloating

Bloating, characterized by a feeling of fullness and tightness in the abdomen, occurs when excessive gas accumulates in the digestive tract.

Some causes of bloating include:

• Swallowing air (such as by chewing gum or drinking carbonated beverages)
• Gas-producing foods (like cabbage, beans, dairy products, broccoli)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Constipation
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Food intolerances

While bloating can be a side effect of CBD use in some individuals, some studies show that CBD may actually relieve bloating through its stress-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to reduce anxiety and lower cortisol levels. 

Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is pain or discomfort felt in the area of the abdomen, which spans from the chest to the groin area. 

Various factors can contribute to abdominal pain, including gastrointestinal issues. These can include indigestion, gastritis, heartburn, IBS, ulcers, and gastroenteritis. 

Although consuming CBD in high doses may cause stomach pain in some individuals, other studies suggest that CBD may provide relief for pain due to gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and other inflammatory conditions. This may be due to CBD’s abilities to potentially reduce inflammation and act as an analgesic, which helps in suppressing the body’s pain receptors. 

Bonus: The 5 Best Cannabis Terpenes For Anxiety

Constipation

Constipation, a GI issue characterized by difficult or infrequent bowel movements, is extremely common in the general population.

One study by the National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases showed that approximately 15-19% of adults in the United States struggle with constipation regularly. While the condition can affect individuals of both genders across all ages, women, older adults, and individuals of certain racial backgrounds may face constipation more regularly.

Although the relationship between CBD and constipation requires more research and there is a lack of strong clinical evidence, recent findings show that CBD products may improve constipation by regulating gut motility.

This may be due to its ability to relax the muscles in the digestive tract or through its anti-inflammatory properties. 

If you suffer from constipation regularly, CBD products may offer a potential solution.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a common digestive disorder carrying symptoms including stomach pain, gas, cramps, bloating, and issues like constipation and diarrhea. This is due to abnormal gut function, although without visible damage to the digestive tract.

IBS affects approximately 11% of the population globally, affecting 25 to 45 million people in the United States alone. 

This chronic condition is seen in more women than men, and is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40 years old. Although it is a long-lasting condition, symptoms sometimes go away on their own. 

Although clinical trials are sparse, there is evidence to suggest that CBD may help alleviate some symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

Some potential benefits include reduced pain and inflammation, reduced anxiety, improved gut microbiome function, and overall improved gut health. 

Common symptoms of digestive tract issues, such as chronic pain and gut inflammation, may also be alleviated by CBD use.

Cannabis and Crohn's disease

CBD and its anti-inflammatory effects may also be helpful in alleviating symptoms caused by chronic diseases and inflammatory conditions like Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Although clear evidence is lacking, there have been some studies suggesting that CBD may have the potential to help with leaky gut syndrome. This may be due to its ability to reduce inflammation, strengthen the intestinal barrier, and improve gut-brain axis communication.

However, other research suggests harm to the gut microbiome when exposed to cannabis sativa at high doses. 

Cannabis use and nausea

Beyond digestive issues like bloating and constipation, CBD may also help alleviate other physical symptoms and health problems, such as nausea and vomiting.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, cannabinoids may be used to address some of the side effects of cancer, including nausea and vomiting. 

This can be particularly beneficial for individuals undergoing chemotherapy, who may find CBD oil and other products to provide relief.

When it comes to dosing for cancer patients, delivery methods matter. A trained healthcare provider can help you determine the best course of medical marijuana therapy when undergoing cancer treatment.

Cannabis and other health conditions

In addition to helping alleviate symptoms associated with the digestive system, medical marijuana and cannabis show promise in helping treat other types of health conditions, from neuropathic pain and seizure disorders to multiple sclerosis (MS).

The psychological effects of cannabis have also helped many individuals find relief from mental health issues, from calming the nervous system to improving sleep quality. By lowering stress and helping individuals get more rest, CBD may have a ripple effect throughout other aspects of your health, too.

Clean Remedies carries a wide variety of legal CBD or THC products to help individuals address their unique needs. Whether for recreational purposes or to help alleviate symptoms associated with a number of conditions, the cannabis plant carries endless potential.

Conclusion

You shouldn't have to keep struggling with uncomfortable gut issues.

Although it should not replace medical treatment, CBD's interactions with the endocannabinoid system can provide potential benefits for those struggling with chronic gut issues, whether generalized or due to certain medical conditions.

While further studies into medical marijuana and CBD are still needed, growing research suggests that CBD oil, tinctures, and other CBD products may be useful not just for the digestive tract, but for a variety of other health conditions as well.

Keep Reading: Can CBD Reduce Blood Pressure?

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