Can CBD Provide Relief from Acid Reflux?
Are you plagued by an incessant burning in your chest, a lump in your throat, or a bitter liquid sneaking it’s way up into your throat? You probably already know that acid reflux is the likely cause. And maybe, you think it’s something you have to learn to live with. Well, here’s the thing – it’s not.
Reflux occurs when your lower esophageal sphincter muscle weakens and allows stomach acid to flow back up into your esophagus from your stomach, leading to painful irritation of your esophageal lining. If you experience regular acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn, you’re not alone. About 60 million people in the US suffer from acid reflux at least once a month.
Research into the benefits of CBD is delivering more and more promising results every year and this natural remedy has been hailed as a solution to many health issues plaguing us in the 21st century. Acid reflux is one of the primary concerns on this list.
The current solutions available involve both prevention and treatment of reflux with the use of over-the-counter and prescription medications, dietary changes (avoiding key food triggers), and the use of natural supplements to restore your stomach acid balance and regain optimal gut health. If you’re looking for a more natural solution to treat your acid reflux with zero side effects, CBD should definitely be on your radar.
How it Works
Most people with acid reflux or GERD (chronic reflux) suffer from a degree of inflammation and damage to the lining of the esophagus. CBD works by treating the endocannabinoid (ECS) system which can control a number of functions including pain perception, sleep, motor control, memory, and sensation.
Research has shown the ECS to reduce and regulate acid secretion and reduce the inflammation and damage caused to the mucous membranes experienced in people suffering from acid reflux. It helps to prevent loosening of the lower esophagus (LES) to prevent acid from escaping and also increases blood flow to the lining of the stomach to help it heal. This can help to reduce the severity of GERD and even stop it from becoming an issue in the first place.
In addition to this direct effect on acid reflux, CBD also helps to alleviate the symptoms with its anti-inflammatory properties which minimize the discomfort of heartburn and decrease the movement of fluids in the gut and esophagus which is something that directly leads to acid reflux. The pain-relieving effects of CBD produced by the activation of certain cannabinoid receptors also help to treat the burning sensation of reflux in the digestive tract. And the relieving effects of CBD on stress and anxiety cannot be ignored either, as these are often primary triggers of acid reflux. This evidence shows that CBD can offer substantial relief from acid reflux and GERD.
Choosing the Right CBD Product: Tincture Vs Smoking
If you want to try CBD to treat your acid reflux symptoms, it’s best to use an oil you can consume sublingually rather than smoking. The tincture is quick and easy to use and smoking is ill-advised as it usually leads to further irritation.
