CBD & Gut Health

The Microbiome sounds quite intimidating, doesn’t it?

Although I suppose “gut” may leave a sour taste in some mouths, too.

Over the course of the past several months, the topic of gut health, and the importance of establishing and sustaining a happy + healthy microbiome has become fairly trendy.

In regards to microbiome significance, Dr. Elizabeth Hohmann, of the Infectious Diseases Division at Harvard Medical states, "It's most important to the health of our gastrointestinal system, but may have even more far-reaching effects on our overall well-being."

what is the microbiome?

The microbiome can be defined as a large ecosystem containing billions and billions of microorganisms and bacteria that are consistently supporting immunity, transferring nutrients throughout the body, and in the digestion of your food.

Ongoing studies continue to uncover the link between the gut microbiome and the brain. For example, have you ever experienced nausea or stomach pain when you’re nervous or stressed out?

The gut is believed to be sending signals to communicate with the brain, and it uses the Vagus nerve, as well as the endocannabinoid system as channels to do so.

An Imbalanced Gut May Cause Imbalance Elsewhere

When the microbiome is producing more bad bacteria than good, it has the potential to affect mental, emotional, and physical well-being. For example, an unhealthy gut may present itself in symptoms like the following:

• Constipation, gas or bloating
  
• Nutritional deficiencies
  
• Sub-optimal immune function 
  
• Fatigue
  
• Skin irritations
  
• Sadness, stress, and poor overall mood
  

Establishing a healthy diet, regular sleep cycle, and lowering stress are a few must-haves when it comes to establishing and maintaining a healthy microbiome, but new research is beginning to emerge on a possible link between the endocannabinoid system, CBD, and gut regularity.

Cannabidiol and Your gut

If we look at the location of the endocannabinoid receptors, several are found near the brain and the gut, which both work synergistically to support the body in maintaining homeostasis.

Sound familiar?

As CBD plays the same role when it binds to these receptors, it would make sense for CBD to strengthen the signals sent from the gut to the brain, allowing for an effective pathway for communication. Developing research suggests the endocannabinoid system’s involvement with digestion, gut-permeability, and gastrointestinal inflammation, leading researchers to believe CBD to have a positive impact on gut health, as we understand its benefits for a well-functioning endocannabinoid system.

Most issues that arise in the microbiome can be linked to chronic inflammation in the system. CBD may help to decrease severity, by reducing overall stress within the body, and within the gut microbiome. 

are you digesting this?

Now that we have better clarity on the link between the endocannabinoid system and gut health, we can break down its involvement in various functions and processes that occur in the gut.

Hello, brain? It’s me. Your Gut.

Ring, ring. It’s your gut calling.

As mentioned earlier, you can begin to see the connection between the endocannabinoid system and the brain in your own life when you begin to feel nauseous prior to a date, or when stress messes with your appetite. This is why it is absolutely crucial to look after your gut if you want to feel, think, and express to the best of your ability.

If you’re working through troubles with mental sharpness, PACHAMAMA Goji Cacao is an amazing tincture, to begin with, to support focus. Rich with minerals and antioxidants from adaptogenic superfoods, goji, and cacao, you’re on your way to a good gut, and good vibes.

Smooth moves.

Your food certainly does some traveling as it makes its way from the mouth to the digestive organs, where it’s processed and later used as fuel, or excreted.

CBD may help with nutrient absorption, with a handful of cannabinoids that communicate with CB1 receptors, slowing the digestive process to allow for proper assimilation. CB1 receptors are responsible for stimulating appetite, hence the “munchies” effect some may experience with the use of cannabis. 

controlling the flames.

The endocannabinoid system is believed to contribute to protecting the body and gut from inflammation, as CB1 and CB2 receptors regulate inflammatory response when stimulated by cannabinoids. Excess inflammation may contribute to symptoms such as mood swings, lack of energy, and lack of mental focus. By calming inflammation in the gut, one is able to feel their best, focus on their work and goals, and absorb/digest all key nutrients from their food.

A strong gut and strong endocannabinoid system are key to improving your overall health, and it’s fantastic to see a possible relation between the two. If we’re honest, we could all use a little more balance in our lives, and restoring our bodily systems and organs to optimal health is one of the best ways to do so.

Exciting things are on the horizon for the future of functional wellness, and the awareness that continues to spread when it comes to holistic health is, and taking a deeper look into treating the root of imbalances in the body.

here are 3 other tools the PACHAMAMA team uses to support a happy, healthy gut

#1. Cannabinoid-rich foods

Found in cruciferous vegetables, dark chocolate, turmeric, and black pepper (check out our blend), cinnamon, and various herbs. Easy to add to a meal, and versatile to fit any dish.

Have you tried mixing our tinctures into a smoothie? Try it! Sprinkle some shredded coconut on top for a delicious boost of MCTs, which increase the bioavailability of CBD.

We like to consider this, “fine dining”.

#2. Ferment & culture

Pre+probiotic-rich foods and beverages from sauerkraut, kefir, tempeh, kombucha and miso replenish the gut with healthy bacteria, which promotes healthy digestion, and balance in the gut.

#3. Stress management

Perhaps the most important on this list. The gut reacts easily to stress, and finding ways to unwind is crucial to keep your belly balanced.

We like to supplement with full spectrum CBD. From tincture to vape and everything in between, our team at PACHAMAMA enjoys variety when the time comes to kick back and take a deep breath.