The microbiome and CBD oil or How to have a healthy gut
During your biology class, you learned that the heart pumps blood, the lungs distribute oxygen, and the immune system defends the body from harmful invaders. You probably also learned what the digestive system does - it breaks down food and removes waste.
Thanks to technological and scientific advances, we now know that the function of the digestive system is much more complex than we ever thought. The microbial composition of the digestive system has a significant impact on our overall health as well as our mental well-being. Understanding the vital connection between the gut and the brain will help you appreciate the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD).
CBD oil and the gut microbiome
Did you know that the number of bacteria in our body outnumbers the number of cells that make up our body tenfold? The bacterial profile of the gut microbiome is as unique as a fingerprint. While the growing popularity of probiotics suggests that an increasing number of people understand the importance of digestive health, relatively few are fully aware of how the composition of the bacteria in our gut affects many functions in our bodies.
Research shows that the presence of various beneficial gut bacteria prevents intestinal inflammation, boosts immunity and regulates mood and emotion through the production of essential neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The neurotransmitters produced by microbes in the gut are essential for communication between the digestive tract and the brain. Current research suggests a strong link between imbalances in gut microbial composition and many health problems, including food allergies, depression, obesity, chronic inflammation and cancer.
Research is currently focusing on cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), for their potential impact on the health of the gut microbiome. In a In a 2019 study, rats with neuroinflammation were given a combination of CBD and THC. The researchers wanted to see if cannabinoids would affect neurological inflammation through effects on the gut microbiome. The research yielded the finding that a mixture of CBD and THC reduced the amount of Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muc) bacteria in the gut, leading to a reduction in neuroinflammation. The study concludes, "Collectively, our data suggest that cannabinoids may... suppress neuroinflammation by... promoting a healthy gut microbiome." Of course, more research needs to be done, but this is a very interesting start.
Endocannabinoid system of the gut
The gut constantly communicates with the central nervous system and regulates the production of neurotransmitters to protect the gut barrier, regulate motility and other matters. The effective functioning of these essential communication systems depends on constant interaction with the endocannabinoid system, the largest regulatory system in your body. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) relies on the production of specific messengers (neurotransmitters) that act on endocannabinoid receptors.
The messengers of the endocannabinoid system are called cannabinoids. The two main cannabinoids synthesized in our bodies (endocannabinoids) are anandamide and 2-Ag(2-arachidonoylglycerol). These essential messengers regulate the conversation between the gut and the brain. Endocannabinoids are produced as needed and are rapidly degraded by metabolic enzymes.
Ideally, our body should produce enough of the endocannabinoids needed for basic processes to function efficiently. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Due to the effects of stress, illness or injury, the body may need more cannabinoids than it can produce on its own. When your body doesn't produce enough ECS messengers to interact with the appropriate receptors, communication is interrupted. Because the ECS regulates almost every basic function in the body, many scientists believe that a lack of endocannabinoids causes disease.
Unfortunately, your body is also wired to respond to the cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. CBD (cannabidiol) is just one of more than 113 phytocannabinoids found in cannabis. CBD mimics the effects of endocannabinoids produced in the body, interacting with ECS receptors and helping to support key functions regulated by the ECS, including gut function.
CBD oil for gastrointestinal disorders
The popularity of hemp-derived CBD is likely due to the growing evidence of how it can regulate many essential functions in the human body. Research shows that CBD has anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and also counteracts nausea and spasms. This means that CBD has the potential to prevent inflammation, nausea, chronic pain, and stress reactions from destroying the health of your digestive tract and digestion. Read on to learn more about the gastrointestinal problems people use CBD for. This may help you decide if CBD oil is right for you.
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), one of several gastrointestinal disorders caused by an overly aggressive immune system response to the gut biome. The cause of ulcerative colitis is thought to be an imbalance between the gut microbiota and mucosal immunity, which causes excessive intestinal inflammation. Symptoms of this disease may include abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhea (containing pus or blood), rectal bleeding, weight loss and fatigue.
In animal studies, CBD has been shown to reduce intestinal inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In other words, CBD has been shown to stop intestinal inflammation before it starts. Similar results have been reported by researchers examining colon samples from ulcerative colitis patients taking CBD oil.
Increased intestinal permeability syndrome
One of the important functions of the intestinal biome is to protect the lining of the digestive tract. If the delicate balance of the intestinal microflora is disturbed, harmful bacteria begin to thrive. The imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria causes inflammation, which increases intestinal permeability. Increased intestinal permeability allows harmful bacteria to pass through the intestines and migrate to other parts of the body. Some researchers believe that increased intestinal permeability syndrome can lead to other types of intestinal diseases.
Symptoms of increased intestinal permeability syndrome include chronic diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, headaches, widespread inflammation, joint pain, and skin problems such as rashes, acne, or eczema. Current research suggests that CBD oil helps restore healthy intestinal barrier function, protects the lining of the digestive tract from damage, and restores the integrity of the intestinal lining.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a relatively common digestive disorder affecting the large intestine. Irritable bowel syndrome sufferers are likely to suffer from gas, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea or both. Although the exact causes are not entirely clear, it is thought that excessive contractions of the muscles of the digestive tract, poorly coordinated signaling between the brain and the gut, and changes in the gut flora are major contributing factors. Symptoms can be triggered by certain foods, fluctuations in hormone levels or stress.
Renowned cannabinoid researcher Dr. Ethan Russo considers IBS to be one of many chronic health problems caused by endocannabinoid deficiency. While very little clinical research has been done to confirm the benefits of CBD oil in IBS, we do know that gastrointestinal secretions, propulsion, and inflammation involve processes regulated by the endocannabinoid system.
Research shows that people with IBS have an increased abundance of TRPV1 nerve fibers, which are thought to contribute to gastrointestinal hypersensitivity. CBD has been shown to increase the production of anandamide, which is thought to act on TRPP1 receptors, while inhibiting the enzymes that break it down, ultimately desensitizing TRP1 nerve fibres.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to mistakenly target beneficial gut bacteria while allowing unhealthy bacteria to thrive. The resulting chronic inflammation caused by this imbalance causes damage to the gut and the development of ulcers.
Symptoms of Crohn's disease can include abdominal cramping, fever, fatigue, weight loss and bloody stools. Complications may include abscesses of the intestinal wall, ruptures and impaired nutrient absorption.
A 2018 study confirms the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids (CBD and THC) in treating the symptoms of Crohn's disease. Study participants who received cannabis oil reported improved quality of life and significant relief of Crohn's disease symptoms, with 65% of them meeting strict criteria for disease remission. Surprisingly, the researchers found no significant improvement in inflammatory markers, but noted that CBD improved symptoms in a significant number of those tested.
Weight gain and obesity
Although many people don't think of obesity as a result of digestive disorders, the ability to maintain weight and manage food cravings may depend on gut health more than you think. Evidence suggests that the composition of bacteria in the gut has a direct effect on the way the body burns calories, absorbs nutrients and stimulates appetite.
Gut bacteria, which help control your weight and appetite, break down previously undigested carbohydrates (polysaccharides) into short-chain fatty acids. When fat cells detect short-chain fatty acids, they release a hormone called leptin, which signals the brain that you are full. If an unhealthy gut biome prevents the release of short-chain fatty acids, you'll want to keep eating. Your sense of satisfaction from eating will depend on which bacteria win this battle.
Research shows that cannabinoid receptors are directly involved in regulating food intake, calorie expenditure, hormone secretion and fat storage. Stimulation of specific ECS receptors has been shown to decrease food intake and increase fat metabolism. Supporting the functions of the endocannabinoid system could help you make do with less food while supporting healthy digestive processes.
How to use CBD oil to improve gut health
CBD oil to improve gut health may be used by many people, but CBD is not ideal for everyone. If you are on medication, it is important to discuss your intentions with your doctor before taking CBD.
If your doctor approves your use of CBD oil, you will need to decide which type of CBD product to use. The following summary and illumination of the benefits of the various CBD products available may help you do so.
CBD tinctures or drops
CBD tinctures contain CBD distilled using alcohol and are usually water soluble, ensuring optimal bioavailability and absorption. CBD oil drops are a blend of hemp extract and carrier oil. Some manufacturers, and Hemnia with its line of flavored CBD oils is among them, use MCT oil (medium chain triglycerides) to aid in the absorption of cannabinoids and provide other health benefits.
While CBD tinctures can be mixed with food or added to your favorite beverage, with CBD oil (drops) many people prefer sublingual administration (under the tongue). To take CBD oil sublingually, simply leave the CBD oil under the tongue for 30-90 seconds before swallowing to allow the cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream. The effects of sublingual CBD oil can take up to 30 minutes to take effect, but usually last 2 to 4 hours.
CBD vaping products
Cannabinoids can be inhaled in a way similar to smoking, by vaporizing (inhaling vapor) using a vaporizer pen, pre-filled cartridge or other vaporizing device. Vaping CBD is considered one of the most effective methods of taking CBD because the cannabinoids bypass your digestive system. As a result, you can feel the full effects of CBD within minutes of your first dab. While vaping CBD provides quick results, the effects do not last as long as other CBD products and usually wear off within an hour.
CBD suppositories
CBD suppositories offer significant gut health benefits over other routes of administration because rectal absorption provides the greatest bioavailability of cannabinoids. The effects of CBD suppositories are typically seen within 10 to 15 minutes after insertion and can last for 6 to 8 hours. Suppositories are the best choice if you have trouble swallowing, nausea, stomach pain or other digestive problems.
CBD capsules and edibles
CBD capsules, gels, and other ingestibles such asCBD candies and gelatin gummies are typically preferred by CBD users who want a consistent dose of CBD with a convenient form of administration. The capsules and candies are easy to transport and eliminate the need to mix them with other substances, measure them out or count drops. CBD gummies with fruit flavours in the form of teddy bears or small strawberries are also available in our range.
Because the capsules and ingestibles have to pass through the digestive system, you may not feel the effects until after an hour. Once they arrive, they usually last 4 to 6 hours, depending on the dose and metabolism.
Transdermal CBD patches
When using a transdermal patch, cannabinoids enter the bloodstream through the surface of the skin. The skin regulates the rate of absorption of the product. Like CBD suppositories, transdermal patches can be ideal if you have trouble swallowing, suffer from upset stomach or digestive pain. When wearing a CBD patch, the cannabinoids are released over a longer period of time, usually 24 to 48 hours.
Dosing CBD to improve gut health
Because CBD products are available in many concentrations, prospective users usually have no idea how much CBD they should take in a single dose. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this, so you may have to experiment. The amount of CBD that works for you may be much larger or, conversely, much smaller than someone else's. Taking more than you need is not particularly harmful, but if you are actually taking too much CBD, it can increase the risk of minor side effects.
Based on testing hundreds of CBD products and comparing many sources that work with CBD dosing, we have come to the following recommended dosage: The standard CBD dosage is 25 mg of CBD twice a day. Because every person is different, it may take some time for the body to respond to CBD. If you don't get the results you're hoping for, increase the dose by 25 mg every 3 to 4 weeks until you feel relief. If you have further questions, consider consulting your doctor, who can offer individualized dosing advice based on your unique situation.
The best CBD oil for supporting gut health
You don't have to have significant digestive problems to experience symptoms of a sick gut. Since many of the neurotransmitters in your body are synthesized in your digestive tract, an unhealthy gut biome can affect your mood, energy levels, pain levels, or skin health. If you're interested in supporting healthy gut function with CBD oil, buy from a reputable source. Your experience with CBD will be directly affected by the potency and purity of the products you choose.
Full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, or CBD isolate?
Most products containing CBD oil come from so-called technical hemp, which does not contain enough THC to produce psychoactive effects.
If you're looking for a suitable hemp product, you have a choice of three possible formulations: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum or CBD isolatet. Full-spectrum CBD derived from hemp contains all the cannabinoids, plant terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals found in the original plant source, including trace amounts of THC. The legal limit in the Czech Republic is up to 1% THC as of January 1, 2022.
If you prefer a completely THC-free option, choose a product with broad spectrum CBD or CBD isolate. Broad-spectrum CBD contains the same basic profile as full-spectrum CBD, but without the THC. CBD isolate is a tasteless and odourless substance. It is completely pure CBD.
Find out how much CBD your products contain
There are a large number of companies that sell hemp products containing much less CBD than the label states. Some mislead customers by claiming that their hemp oil products have the same therapeutic potential as CBD. It is important to note that hemp seed oil does not contain CBD. If a CBD company uses vague terminology such as "strongest" or "extra strong" without stating the CBD content in milligrams (mg), chances are their products do not contain enough CBD to be of any value.
See independent party test results
Renowned companies produce CBD from plants grown using organic, sustainable farming methods. To ensure customer safety, products are regularly tested by an independent laboratory to ensure purity and potency. Since any company can claim that their products are tested, look for a certificate of analysis for any product you are considering purchasing. You can see what such a certificate looks like at any CBD oils Hemnia.
You can check the cannabinoid content and often the terpene profile of products thanks to test results from an independent party. Alternatively, you can also check for signs of microbial contamination, heavy metals and solvent residues.
Verify the legal status of CBD
Be sure to verify the legal status of CBD before ordering CBD for the first time. Cannabis products containing up to 1% THC or less have been legalized in the country, effective early 2022. However, the same situation does not apply in all states. Some countries require CBD users to have a doctor's prescription, while others ban the sale of hemp products altogether. When travelling abroad, we recommend checking the laws in all countries you will be passing through.
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