A healthy gut plays a significant role in your body. It improves mood and sleep, digestion, brain health, heart health, and can prevent autoimmune diseases. The bacteria present in the gut influence all health aspects, including disease, anxiety, and immunity. Therefore, a healthy gut is vital for mental and physical wellbeing.
Marijuana is becoming increasingly legal due to its popularity in treating various health conditions. The main active ingredients in cannabis are cannabinoids, and researchers have identified more than 100. CBD and THC compounds remain the most famous cannabinoids associated with marijuana. THC may be helpful in conditions such as nausea, pain, low appetite, and spasticity. On the other hand, CBD is useful in managing insomnia, reducing pain and inflammation, and for anxiety and depression issues.
Many people use cannabis to improve their gut health. But what role does cannabis play? Let’s look at how cannabis and gut health work together.
The Endocannabinoid System
The human body produces cannabinoids through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system helps in various body functions such as digestion, sleep, memory, pain, neuro-protection, and immunity. THC and CBD imitate the role of cannabinoids in the body and interact with receptors in the ECS. Through this mode of action, marijuana treats various diseases and symptoms.
Gut Health and Marijuana
As more nations continue to legalize marijuana for recreational and medical purposes, researchers also continue to explore and explain its health effects. Researchers have explored marijuana use in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. One study reports that marijuana helps to calm the gut. When consumed, marijuana interacts with receptors in the stomach to produce therapeutic effects, such as the ones discussed in this article.
Treats Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS affects the large intestine and leads to symptoms such as stomach cramps, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Causes of IBS include infection, inflammation, and changes in the gut microflora. Besides, hormonal changes, stress, and consumption of certain foods can foster IBS.
Marijuana may be able to manage symptoms of IBS through its anti-pain and anti-inflammatory properties. It achieves this by controlling the neuro-immune axis. In the body, enteric glial cells (EGC) mediate gut inflammation. ECG helps to maintain the health of the gut, but can also cause inflammation. CBD compound comes in handy to reduce any swelling and activate EGC. Most IBS patients benefit from low doses of regulated marijuana.
Helps Cure a Leaky Gut
A leaky gut is a condition whereby toxins and bacteria leak through the walls of the intestine. The small holes in the walls of the intestine allow nutrients and water to pass through while blocking any harmful substance from passing. In a leaky gut, the walls become loose and more porous and allow toxic substances to move from your gut into the bloodstream. This leakage affects the immune system and causes inflammation.
Through its action on CBD1 receptors, marijuana plays a crucial role in intestinal permeability. It can either decrease or increase permeability as a way of correcting the system and maintaining balance. By regulating permeability, cannabis helps to prevent inflammatory products, infection, and food particles from entering the bloodstream. As a result, it prevents any damage to the gut and keeps it healthy. Although leaky gut sounds like a small issue, it is essential to address it before it progresses and affects your entire digestive tract.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn is one of the most severe and frustrating bowel conditions that are hard to manage. It affects the health of the gut by causing irritation and inflammation, which in turn leads to pain and poor absorption of nutrients. In an observational study, researchers found that the CBD compound of cannabis might benefit people suffering from this condition. The researchers interviewed patients that relied on cannabis to manage Crohn’s symptoms and most admitted experiencing a reduction in the disease index. Marijuana can help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with this condition. Therefore, cannabis oil can be a great alternative to improve your gut health if you have Crohn.
How to Use Cannabis for Gut Health
There are various ways of consuming weed, including vaping, smoking, sublingual tinctures, and suppositories, among others. To achieve maximum benefits for your gut, you should consume marijuana edibles. You can cook marijuana in food or drink marijuana-infused drinks. The aim of the whole process is that it enters your body via your digestive system and interacts with receptors in the gut.
Conclusion
The gut works like the brain because it contains the same receptors found in the nervous system. Moreover, there is a link between your brain and the gut. This implies that any discomfort in the gut will affect your overall well-being. Gut health is important to prevent diseases and bacteria. Marijuana has proven successful in maintaining the gut microbial through its many properties, including pain and inflammation relief. You can now purchase marijuana from various stores and enjoy the benefits. Alternatively, growing cannabis at home is a great option. It allows you to enjoy the convenience and it’s also cheaper in the long run.
