CBD, one of the active compounds in the hemp plant, has been known for thousands of years for various beneficial health properties. Many consumers choose hemp-derived CBD for its anti-inflammatory properties to help support chronic pain issues stemming from problems like joint inflammation, but did you tknow that CBD may also support gastrointestinal tract issues that are caused by inflammation inside the digestive systems of both people and our pets? 

Generally speaking, the digestive system breaks down the foods and beverages we consume and turns them into useful compounds we burn for energy or use to rebuild our bodies. CBD may offer support for several digestive disorders that stem from inflammation. 

Anecdotally, after sticking with a program of ingesting CBD for other purposes, some people report an unexpected improvement in bloating, nausea, indigestion, lack of appetite, and heartburn. CBD may also play a role in easing nausea and in boosting the appetite in patients taking powerful medications for other, serious health conditions. This research is acknowledged by the National Cancer Institute.

CBD can restore balance to the gastrointestinal tract by supporting the body’s healing response to inflammatory conditions. Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that may affects the gastrointestinal tract.[3] Symptoms often include abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be bloody if inflammation is severe), fever, abdominal distension, and weight loss.[1][3]  CBD may also improve gut motility, the movement of food through the digestive system. Disruptions in gut motility can lead to constipation or diarrhea, but CBD supports the body’s ability to stimulate the gut’s natural motility.

Interestingly, actual conversion of food particles in the gastrointestinal tract is done by a microbiological army nicknamed our gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is the collection of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that live in the digestive system, and scientists are learning that many problems can occur in humans when our gut biomes are out of balance. Some of these problems are predictable: our digestive health affects the efficiency of digestion and elimination, but an out-of-balance gut microbiome can also cause surprising problems, even changes in attitude and ability to focus. CBD can help restore balance to the digestive system by positively modifying the composition of this microbiome.

Additionally, CBD may help optimize your gut health by keeping correct pH levels in the intestines and by controlling bacteria growth which helps reduce inflammation to promote healthy digestion of food nutrients.

Another unexpected source of stomach upset and digestive problems is simply anxiety or stress. One of the most common uses of cannabinoids is to soothe the mind and support relaxation and sleep. A calmer mind can mean a calmer gut!

Can My Pets and My Horse Benefit?

Pets suffer inflammatory irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, just like us. For horses it’s everything from inflamed hooves to osteoarthritis to serious inflammatory digestive system problems. Colic is a condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract and can cause the horse to experience abdominal pain. While more studies need to be done, CBD may play a role in easing the inflammation that causes this condition. Horse riders and owners can try hemp CBD on their animals for conditions similar to the human conditions mentioned above, but we recommend consultation with a veterinarian first, especially if the horse has been prescribed other medications.  

What Format of CBD Product Is Best for Which Gastrointestinal Tract Issues?

CBD comes in tinctures, gummies, and softgels. Which is best for stomach or gastrointestinal problems? Softgels are designed to make their way through the stomach and release the CBD inside the intestines where irritation often occurs. So if signs point to irritation of the intestines, then a softgel may be the best format to get your daily CBD. 

If, on the other hand, an upset stomach may be caused by anxiety or stress, then taking a tincture or gummy may be the best way to tackle the problem. Tinctures and gummies are taken orally, and when held for a minute or two in the mouth before swallowing, the CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream directly. For most people, this is the preferred method to moderate bursts of anxiety.

If You Have Serious Gastrointestinal Problems, Talk to Your Physician

More research is needed before we understand just how CBD may be helpful in supporting the gastrointestinal tract and our digestive system as a whole, how it restores homeostasis to many other systems of the body when they are out of balance. Like any supplement, CBD may interact with certain medications and may not be suitable for everyone. However, for those looking for all-natural ways to support gut health, CBD is non-toxic, natural option to consider, one that our ancestors used with confidence.

Trusting Nature’s Compassion Since 2015

We know that choosing a safe and effective products for yourself or for a beloved child, parent, or pet can be daunting. Pure Hemp Botanicals has been developing, producing, and marketing hemp-based health products since 2015. Be confident that we select only sustainably-grown hemp, and take pride in controlling quality to FDA standards for supplements at every step of the production process from the field through the factory. Our products are 3rd party batch tested and Certificates of Analysis are easily retrieved via QR codes or batch numbers on every label. Our formulas combine the therapeutic value of hemp extract compounds with cruelty-free, plant-based ingredients to deliver earth-friendly products you can trust. Hemp is nicknamed the “compassionate plant,” and we genuinely believe that hemp products can help decrease the use of pharmaceuticals, optimize mental and physical health, and add joy to many lives.

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