What is CBD, and how does it affect gut health?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects. Instead, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates various bodily functions, including mood, appetite, and pain. CBD is thought to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and it has also been studied for its potential to treat other conditions, such as anxiety and obesity. Some research suggests that CBD may also have a role in gut health.
CBG for gut health
Another compound found in cannabis plants and one that Blackhouse Botanicals includes in many of our products is CBG or cannabigerol. This compound may have antimicrobial properties and has been shown to be effective against certain types of bacteria. There is significant evidence that CBG has beneficial effects on the gut microbiome, including reducing inflammation and supporting the growth of healthy bacteria.
Terpenes for gut health
Researchers have also studied the benefits of terpenes, another compound found in cannabis plants, to affect gut health. Terpenes are compounds that give cannabis plants their distinctive smell and flavor. They are shown to have therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Terpenes may reduce inflammation in the gut and help maintain a healthy balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the microbiome.
Overall, several compounds found in cannabis plants may have a beneficial effect on gut health.
The benefits of CBD for gut health
CBD may be best known for its potential to calm the mind and ease anxiety, but this potent compound may also do wonders for your gut health. CBD has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the gut, potentially relieving conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. CBD may also be beneficial for gut health because of its potential to reduce stress and anxiety, two common triggers for gastrointestinal issues. A recent study on the effects of THC and CBD for gut health found several health markers were significantly improved in mouse models, including reducing the inflammatory response, improving glucose tolerance, and mitigating microbiome dysbiosis (Source). This study also showed, as with many we cite, that CBD was more effective than THC at improving these health markers. The efficacy of CBD vs. THC is a common debate, and many misbelieve that THC is more psychoactive; therefore, it must be a more medicinal cannabinoid. CBD was shown to be a more effective treatment than THC for a host of disease pathologies and symptoms in several reputable studies.
Symptoms of and conditions related to microbiome dysbiosis can include:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Obesity
Cancer
Cardiovascular Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's Disease
DepreCrohn'shronic fatigue
Digestive Disorders
Indigestion or Acid Reflux
The gut-brain axis
You can see that there are a host of problems created by issues with your gut health. Researchers have found strong connections between mental, physical, and gut health in recent years. The link between gut health and mental health has been a topic of interest in the scientific community for decades. Recent research has shown that there is a strong connection between the two, with the gut and the brain communicating bidirectionally through the gut-brain axis.
The gut microbiome, which is the collection of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract, plays a crucial role in this communication. The microbiome produces neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, that are involved in regulating mood, behavior, and cognition. In fact, up to 90% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut.
When the gut microbiome is disrupted, it can lead to an imbalance of neurotransmitters and inflammation, which can contribute to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. In addition, gut health and the gut microbiome can influence the production of stress hormones such as cortisol, which can have negative effects on mental health when produced in excess.
Research has also shown that certain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can be ingested through food or supplements, can positively impact mental health. For example, the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression-like behaviors in animal models.
Furthermore, the gut-brain axis is influenced by dietary factors such as fiber and other prebiotics, which can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. A diet high in processed foods and sugar, on the other hand, can affect overall gut health and lead to an imbalance of harmful bacteria in the gut, and contribute to inflammation and mental health disorders.
Overall, the link between gut health and mental health is a complex and multifaceted one. Further research is needed to fully understand this connection and develop effective interventions for improving mental health through gut health. However, the evidence suggests that a healthy gut microbiome, achieved through a balanced diet and probiotics, can positively affect mental health and well-being.
The benefits of CBD for weight loss
CBD may be effective in gut health and weight loss for various reasons. For one, the potential to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which leads to weight gain. Inflammation is a natural response of the body's immune system to injury or infection. While acute inflammation is a necessary and beneficial process for healing, chronic inflammation can have negative effects on the body, including weight gain.
Chronic inflammation can lead to insulin resistance, which impairs the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels and can result in weight gain. When your gut health is poor, and the body is inflamed, it produces cytokines, which are molecules that can interfere with the action of insulin and lead to insulin resistance.
Inflammation can also lead to leptin resistance, which is a condition in which the body becomes less responsive to the hormone leptin. Leptin is produced by fat cells and signals to the brain that the body has enough energy stores and should stop eating. When the body is inflamed, leptin resistance can occur, which can lead to overeating and weight gain.
In addition, inflammation can alter the composition of the gut microbiome, which is the collection of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. This can lead to poor gut health and an imbalance of beneficial and harmful bacteria, which can contribute to weight gain and metabolic dysfunction.
Furthermore, chronic inflammation can lead to increased cortisol levels, a hormone the adrenal glands produce in response to stress. High levels of cortisol can lead to the accumulation of visceral fat, which is the type of fat that surrounds internal organs and is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Overall, chronic inflammation can have negative effects on gut health and metabolism and contribute to weight gain. Reducing inflammation through a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and potentially the use of anti-inflammatory agents such as CBD may be beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing chronic diseases
Can CBD regulate appetite?
CBD is also shown to help regulate appetite, making it easier to control portion sizes and cravings. One of the more interesting things these studies show about CBD is its ability to either increase appetite or decrease appetite in an attempt to return your body to homeostasis. This suggests that CBD regulates your appetite appropriately whether you are overweight or underweight (Source). CBD has been shown to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates appetite and metabolism. Specifically, CBD has been found to activate the CB1 receptor, which is involved in appetite regulation. However, unlike THC, another compound found in cannabis, CBD does not appear to stimulate appetite. In fact, some studies have suggested that CBD may actually suppress appetite.
A 2018 study published in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry found that CBD reduced food intake in rats. The researchers suggested that this effect may be due to CBD's ability to increase levels of the hormone leptin, which is involved in regulating satiety.
Another study, published in the journal Psychopharmacology in 2019, examined the effects of CBD on appetite in human participants. The study found that CBD did not increase appetite but reduced the pleasantness of food stimuli. The researchers suggested that this effect may be due to CBD's ability to alter how the brain processes reward signals.
Can CBD increase metabolism?
Metabolism is the process by which the body converts food into energy. A healthy metabolism is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Studies suggest that CBD has a positive effect on metabolism.
There is also a potential increase in the activity of mitochondria, the organelles responsible for producing energy in cells. This increased mitochondrial activity leads to a faster metabolism and increased energy expenditure. Additionally, CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation, contributing to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.
CBD may also affect the way the body stores and processes fat. One study found CBD stimulates the browning of fat cells, which is the process by which the body converts white fat (the type of fat that stores energy) into brown fat (the type of fat that burns energy). This process may lead to increased calorie burning and weight loss.
While CBD and other cannabinoids will not offset calorie intake, it has been shown to positively influence early insulin and triglyceride response (Source). What this means is you can't just overeat and expect CBD to do the work for you, but it could improve your body's response to regulate your appetite. CBD is not like thermogenic fat-burning pills (which are known to be unhealthy). It may put your body in a better state to use calories and help increase your ability to burn fat more efficiently.
CBD for insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance is a growing concern for many individuals, particularly those who are overweight or obese. This condition is characterized by cells that become resistant to the hormone insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing diabetes. However, recent studies have shown promising results when it comes to managing insulin resistance with CBD.
One study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that CBD improved insulin sensitivity and reduced fasting insulin levels in overweight individuals. This suggests that CBD may be effective in managing insulin resistance and related conditions. Additionally, another study conducted on diabetic mice found that CBD reduced inflammation and improved glucose tolerance. This study states CBD may "promote glucose uptake higher or to equivalent levels, reduce fat accumulation, and reverse the insulin-resistant state of 3T3-L1 cells more effectively, relative to rosiglitazone and metformin" (Source).
CBD's anti-inflammatory properties may also be beneficial in managing insulin resistance. Chronic inflammation is a key factor in the development of insulin resistance and related conditions. By reducing inflammation, CBD may be able to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with this condition.
What are the best CBD products for gut health and weight loss?
There are various CBD products on the market, so it's important to do your research to find the best one for your gut health needs. But if you're looking for a natural way to support gut health and weight loss, our high-quality CBD products are worth a try. Try our 1000 mg CBD Tincture. These incredibly popular tinctures are a great way to maintain balance and get the relief you need throughout the day. Anecdotally, our CBG products are more popular with our customers who struggle with gut health, so our CBG tinctures are a great place to start. However, if you are looking for a more concentrated form of relief, our CBG/D8 gummies are hands down the most popular product for customers with gut health issues.
Find out how these premium products have helped our customers by reading their stunning testimonials. You may find the inspiration you need to improve your gut health, reduce inflammation, improve insulin resistance, and regulate your mood and appetite throughout the day.
Conclusion:
CBD for gut health and weight loss is a potential game changer for people struggling with chronic issues. Its potential to work with the gut microbiome to improve overall health could make it ideal for anyone looking to slim down or boost their general wellness. If you’re curious about trying CBD for gut health and weight loss, we've got all the information you need on how to take it, what products to try, and the answers to several FAQs. Keep an eye out for more posts on CBD and its many benefits; there's still so much to learn!
Disclaimer: The Blackhouse Botanicals Blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. While we strive to provide quality links and studies, using the information in this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user's own risk. Users should seek professional medical advice for any medical condition they may have. By using blackhousebotanicals.com, the user agrees that this website does not constitute a replacement for health and fitness advice from a professional provider.
Sources:
Gorelick J, Assa-Glazer T, Zandani G, Altberg A, Sela N, Nyska A, Madar Z. THC, and CBD affect metabolic syndrome parameters including microbiome in mice fed high fat-cholesterol diet. J Ca nabis Res. 2022 May 30;4(1):27. doi: 10.1186/s42238-022-00137-w. PMID 35644678; PMCID: PMC9150295.
Abbotts KSS, Ewell TR, Butterklee HM, Bomar MC, Akagi N, Dooley GP, Bell C. Cannabidiol and Cannabidiol Metabolites: Pharmacokinetics, Interaction with Food, and Influence on Liver Function. Nutr ents. 2022 May 21;14(10):2152. doi: 10.3390/nu14102152. PMID: 35631293; PMCID: PMC9144241.
Horn H, Böhme B, Dietrich L, Koch M. Endocannabinoids in Body Weight Control. Pharmaceuticals. 2018 11(2):55. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph11020055
Ramlugon S, Levendal RA, Frost CL. Time-dependent effect of phytocannabinoid treatments in fat cells. Phytother Res. 2018 Jun;32(6):1080-1089. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6047. Epub 2018 Feb 21. PMID 29464872.
Parray, H.A., Yun, J.W. Cannabidiol promotes browning in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Mol Cell Biochem 416, 131–139 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11010-016-2702-5
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