These days, CBD seems like it’s everywhere. CBD stands for Cannabidiol. It’s the second most common component found in the cannabis plant.
Cannabis as a plant family is made up of a number of plants, one being hemp and another being marijuana. CBD occurs in large amounts as a compound in hemp while it occurs in a small amount in marijuana. The former is commonly known for its toxicity due to the high levels of THC compounds present in this plant. However, CBD doesn’t create any type of intoxicating high.
In fact, instead of recreational use, CBD is commonly used as a solution to symptoms for a range of health reasons. One such condition is IBS or irritable bowel syndrome which is caused by inflammation in the gut. Although not enough research evidence has been reported, claims from CBD supplement users are plenty. Study cases involving a condition of the bowels and bowel movements have been published with promising results.
A place you can read up on such studies is Canna Archives. Here’s a closer look at what CBD does, how you can take it, and what possible side effects might result, including whether or not CBD causes constipation.
What Is a Health Food Supplement?
Health food supplements are any nutrient compounds designed to boost or help balance your body or mind. Types include vitamins, minerals, plant products, animal products, or similar substances. You can take supplements in many forms, such as pills, powders, and liquids.
Supplements include taking Vitamin D or calcium to improve bone health or multivitamins for immune system health. They also treat broader issues, such as taking Ginkgo Biloba to improve memory. Men and women can take supplements for gender or age-specific issues, too.
The labelling is important on supplements. They can’t specifically state they cure or prevent health problems. For example, a company can’t claim their supplement definitely lowers high cholesterol. Additionally, doctors emphasise the importance of maintaining an overall healthy diet – keeping supplements supplemental.
Supplement effectiveness varies, so research studies play a key role when selecting something like a supplement to take yourself.
Read More: Is CBG Oil the Latest Health Food Supplement Craze to hit Ireland?
What Is a CBD Food Supplement?
In 2018, a US Farm Bill legalised industrial hemp, which in turn created easy, national availability for CBD products, which are considered a food supplement. You can find CBD products in online CBD stores, pharmacies, health food shops, and more.
CBD is available in a wide variety of forms, including:
- Edibles (Gummies, food, etc.)
- Vaping
- Oral sprays
- Topical treatments such as creams and balms
- Oils
Oils are the most popular type of CBD. A major reason for its popularity is that it’s easy to add to your everyday food diet. You can cook with it, add it to salad dressing, use it to make honey, chocolate, and many other foods you probably already eat.
Is CBD Oil Good for You?
Anecdotal evidence and user testimonials regarding many of the benefits are significantly positive, but more research is needed before the benefits claimed are taken as scientifically sound. On the plus side, an ever-growing collection of research studies into CBD oil and CBD products shows promise towards treating many physical and mental health issues.
The place that CBD works is within one of many systems in the body used to regulate functions like appetite, responses to stress and sleep cycles. The system it interacts with is called the Endocannabinoid System or ECS in short. The ECS plays a part in balancing bodily functions by producing neurotransmitters which bind to receptors in the brain.
Signals are sent around the body as a result to regulate areas that need rebalancing. CBD is one cannabinoid which mirrors the role of these neurotransmitters and attaches perfectly to the ECS receptors in the body. In any form CBD is simply aiding the body and mind through a system that a scientist discovered back in 1992.
Does CBD Oil Cause Any Side Effects?
Generally, CBD is well-tolerated by a broad cross-section of people, but some side effects can occur on rare occasions. Some people report issues such as the following:
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Appetite reduction
Additionally, CBD could interact with other medications or supplements. For instance, many prescription medications cause dry mouth. For someone already taking a medication that causes dry mouth, adding CBD could make it worse. Leaving two hours in between CBD food supplements and any medication is advised for the best use of Cannabidiol. This means neither will interfere with the other or have an altering effect.
Can CBD Cause Constipation?
CBD isn’t known to cause constipation, either anecdotally or based on research. However, the issue is somewhat confusing due to one of CBD’s properties.
CBD itself doesn’t contain iron, but hemp seed oil, often used as a carrier in CBD, does. Why is this important? Constipation is a common side effect of iron supplements.
The amount of iron present in CBD oil is incredibly small, no more than a few millimetres per daily dose. While CBD isn’t known for causing constipation, sometimes people misunderstand the amount of iron it contains, which is why the idea that CBD causes constipation has gained some traction over the years.
How Does the Body Digest CBD Ingredients?
The body absorbs CBD in different ways based on the delivery method. The form of CBD supplement you take will determine how it undergoes absorption in the body.
Ingestion
Capsules and edible products, such as chocolates and Gummies, allow for discrete consumption of CBD. However, the activation process is slow because the CBD product must be digested before its absorbed into the bloodstream.
Inhalation
The most common way to inhale CBD is with a CBD vape pen. When inhaling CBD, you’ll feel the effects near-instantly because the CBD is quickly absorbed by the alveoli in the lungs. On the downside, a vape pen creates a cloud of vapor, which is far less discrete than all other methods.
Topical
CBD lotions and creams are applied directly to the skin. They’re typically used to treat localised pain, such as sore shoulders, tired feet, and so on. When using topical creams, you’ll need to apply large amounts, so they can permeate the upper layers of the skin.
Oils
You can take CBD oil either sublingually or with food but it is not necessary. Both are popular options.
Placing a few drops under your tongue delivers fast effects. For maximum absorption, leave the oil under your tongue without swallowing for 90 seconds or more. Sublingually is usually considered one of the easiest and most effective ways to take CBD oil.
CBD oil mixes well into butter, dressings, and similar, so you can easily add it to a huge variety of foods, such as baked goods, salads, glazes, smoothies, and more. Foods with a fairly high-fat content help increase absorption, which is one reason why you’ll find lots of CBD chocolate bars and brownies.
How Often Should I Take CBD Food Supplements?
At first, most people take supplements every day. Once they start to feel consistent effects, they may continue to take CBD supplements daily, or they may switch to taking them as necessary.
Many people feel daily use helps with chronic issues. For example, someone suffering from anxiety might like to take CBD oil every morning, so they can feel the effects as they start their workday. On the other hand, someone might take a CBD sleep aid only on nights when they struggle to sleep.
Conclusion
While further scientific research is necessary, anecdotal evidence surrounding the benefits of CBD, especially CBD oil, is propelling the food supplement to new heights of popularity.
Generally, CBD oil isn’t known for harsh side effects. Constipation usually isn’t an issue for CBD users. However, with any supplement, you should always consult with your doctor about any specific health concerns.
CBD food supplements offer promising relief for a variety of physical and mental challenges, and products are easier to find than ever before!