Over the past few years, gut health has become an increasingly discussed health topic. New research and numerous scientific studies have explored the gut microbiome and just how much it impacts the whole body. The gut microbiome is a sort of ecosystem in the digestive tracts which are inhabited by gut flora, otherwise known as microorganisms. The microbiota that inhabits the microbiome serve many functions.
You might think that because the microbiome is located in the gut, it only affects the digestive system. However, it has many connections like the gut brain axis. This means that foods can actually prevent or induce anxiety, depression, or mood changes. The gut is in charge of immune, cognitive, cardiovascular, and metabolic function. Research has shown that gut dysbiosis can lead to negative effects on the immune system which could lead to allergies and/or chronic immune conditions. While our microbiome is mainly formed in our first two years of life, there are ways that we can improve our gut health, and luckily, CBD is one of them!
CBD
Recent studies conducted in 2019 and 2020 have demonstrated some remarkable results in relation to cannabidiol and gut health. One scientific study done on multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system, tested the effects of CBD and no CBD on repairing gut dysbiosis. MS patients have significantly compromised gut biomes, so restoring its balance is key in symptom management. The group that was given CBD resulted in reduced immune cell infiltration in the brain, limb paralysis, and inflammatory biomarkers. It also showed decreased accumulation of mucin degrading bacterial species. This just goes to show the impact of CBD on managing gut health. For our most potent products, check out our CBD oil tinctures.
Taking a prebiotic complex or probiotic capsules/powders helps maintain a healthy gut. The probiotics add good bacteria to the gut which is effective, yet prebiotics could actually be more effective since they allow your body to produce the bacteria on its own. In order to make probiotics in the gut, it is necessary to have prebiotics which are the precursors of probiotics. For probiotics, it is preferable to use powders instead of capsules as studies show these are more effective. Taking either daily is recommended!
Consume a Pre/Probiotic Rich Diet That Supports the Gut
Certain foods aid in healthy bacteria production within the gut. Fermented foods and drinks are especially effective. Foods and drinks like water kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, tempeh, plant-based yogurts, miso, pickles, kimchi are rich in probiotics. Asparagus, bananas, garlic, and onions are prebiotic rich, so make sure to include all of these within your diet.
Consume A Diet Rich in Fibrous & Anti-inflammatory Foods
Fiber also acts as a probiotic precursor, so a fibrous diet helps encourage healthy bacteria production. Eat foods like chia seeds, pears, avocados, raspberries, artichokes, lentils, beans, oats, and other legumes/grains. Eating anti-inflammatory foods also helps support the gut because it gives it time to repair and function properly. When we eat inflammatory foods, we release endotoxins and force the gut to produce inflammatory markers which puts our body in a constant state of inflammation and struggle. Here are some anti-inflammatory foods: berries, broccoli, green tea, turmeric, dark chocolate.
As long as you are incorporating some of these into your lifestyle, you slowly build a healthy gut and directly impact organs and body systems in the best way possible. For any questions, email [email protected]!
