CBD and Gut Health: Why It’s Important

CBD is known to be helpful for anxiety, depression, pain relief, and even heart disease. Did you know CBD is also a useful tool for maintaining good digestion and general gut health? 

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) 

Sometime in the late ’80s, researchers discovered two new receptors within every human body’s organ system. These receptors are called CB1 and CB2 and are, in fact, cannabinoid receptors. Later, researchers began piecing together the mechanics of these two unique receptors. What they found is that we make our cannabis-like compounds called endocannabinoids (EC’s). And with those endocannabinoids, we also have enzymes to produce and degrade them. This “new” system in our body is our Endocannabinoid System, which helps us respond to stress by modulating endocrine function, regulating “fight or flight,” and supporting a healthy inflammation/immune response. 

If you truly want to understand the mechanics of CBD and it’s various benefits, it’s pivotal to first understand the Endocannabinoid System. Now, having gained an understanding of ECS and its functions, where does CBD come into play? 

Well, CBD functions as a supportive tool, balancing the ECS through subtle effects on the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD also works alongside other receptors that modulate serotonin-like GABA, dopamine, and many other neurotransmitters that impact behavior and inflammation. 

CBD and the Digestive System

The ECS actively participates in gut functions, and CBD works as an immune modulator and a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It also helps to balance the ECS, and therefore has tremendous benefits and positive impacts on various digestive issues. 

In layman’s terms, CBD works as an anti-inflammatory agent similar to probiotics and cultured foods. The ECS is especially crucial for regulating food intake, especially fat intake. Our cannabinoid receptors can assist us in digestion mobility, hunger signaling, nausea, inflammation, cancer cell proliferation and stomach permeability. 

Lifestyle Tips for a Better Digestion 

If you’re wondering how to help better your healthy gut system, Club13 has a couple of beneficial tips for you: 

1. Eat cultured foods! Foods packed with probiotics and healthful immune-boosting ecologies like probiotic yogurts, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso, kimchi, and kombucha are guaranteed to aid your digestion. 
2. Healthful Fats: Some fatty acids are essential to the endocannabinoid systems and are recommended as a daily dietary need. These essential fatty acids are omega-3 fish oil, sardines and anchovies, raw nuts and seeds, avocado, olive oil, ghee, and coconut oil.
3. Cannabinoid rich foods and herbs: Did you know some foods are rich in cannabinoid and terpene? They are! Some examples are dark chocolate, black truffles, black pepper, clove, cinnamon, oregano, basil, lavender, and rosemary. These foods naturally produce terpene that keeps your ECS and Gut happy and healthy.  
4. Stress-free with CBD: Managing your stress is key to a happy digestive system. Supplements like hemp oil tinctures and CBD rich gummies can easily aid in reducing your stress. Find what works for you, and make things easier on your nervous system. A healthy mind equals a healthy body.