Can CBD Oil Cause Constipation

Many people take CBD for different reasons and face different side effects. One side effect that some users complain of is constipation. Can CBD cause constipation? No, CBD does not typically cause constipation.

CBD can improve the functioning of your digestive system, and your bowel movements. CBD oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that promote the digestive system. So, if you feel constipated after taking CBD oil, it could be due to other factors other than CBD.

This article will find out whether CBD oil causes constipation and provide some tips on how to avoid this problem if it happens to you.

Can CBD Regulate Digestion?

Emerging research shows that CBD may help in regulating the digestive tract, potentially reducing constipation symptoms. CBD shows a lot of promise in promoting healthy bowel function. A 2018 study on CBD shows its ability to activate the gut-regulating CB1 receptors, potentially enhancing bowel movements and alleviating constipation (2).

Interestingly, other studies show CBD’s potential to improve gut motility and lessen symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and inflammation in animal models. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a system in charge of regulating various bodily functions such as sleep, pain, and digestion.

According to research, CBD may help maintain a balanced digestive system by interacting with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system (1). Therefore, many people use CBD to manage various gut-related illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.

However, CBD’s impact on the gut has made people wonder if it can cause digestive upset.

Research on CBD oil and constipation

According to the FDA, the most common side effect of CBD on the digestive system is diarrhea and decreased appetite when taken in high doses (3). However, these symptoms typically improve when you reduce your dosage.

Reports suggest that CBD may have a negative impact on digestive health when consumed in extreme. A study conducted at the University of Mississippi found that extremely high doses of CBD negatively impact the gut microbiome which could potentially increase gut inflammation, leading to irregularities such as constipation or diarrhea (4).

How to avoid constipation when taking CBD

Consuming regular doses of CBD won’t likely lead to constipation. However, it’s always best to act against constipation while maintaining your daily dose of CBD. Interestingly, there are many ways to reduce any risk of constipation when taking CBD oil. Here are some strategies to prevent constipation when incorporating CBD into your daily routine:

Prioritize Hydration: Drinking enough water is essential for a good digestive system and can prevent constipation. Focus on drinking around half your body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water.
Boost Fiber Consumption: Fibre-rich foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes can soften your stool and prevent constipation.
Engage in Regular Exercise: Add regular exercising at least 30 minutes to your daily routine to improve digestive health and prevent constipation.
Mindful Dietary Choices: Take precautionary measures when consuming foods and drinks known to cause constipation, such as dairy products, processed foods, red meat, alcohol, and caffeine.

Takeaway

While it’s very likely that you may face constipation after consuming too much of something, it won’t come from overconsumption of CBD. On the flip side, CBD can help you when constipation or other digestive issues hit due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00632/full

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5333598/

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis

https://news.uams.edu/2020/06/04/pioneering-uams-study-warns-of-cbd-supplements-harm-to-gut