The popularity of CBD products has exploded in the past few years. From stress & pain relief to promoting heart health, they have been linked to many potential benefits.
But no matter how good a thing is, there’s a flip side to everything. Some people wonder whether CBD makes you poop or whether it causes digestive issues or constipation.
Also they are doubtful about whether it has anything to do with diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, and irritable bowel syndrome.
So is their concern worth it or they are worrying about it unnecessarily?
Let’s find out!
Can CBD Cause Constipation?
No, CBD oil or any other CBD product doesn’t cause constipation. In fact, CBD is known to assist with bowel movements as proved by various findings and studies.
CBD regulates our body and has a calming impact on the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in digestive processes.
Moreover, CBD oil has many qualities which may lead to increased and more regular bowel movements. That’s why a lot of people use it to relieve their constipation symptoms.
But as with any other edible, excessive use of CBD can surely lead to constipation and other issues.
What Are the Causes of Constipation?
Here are some common causes of constipation:
Dosage size
Although it’s very hard to overdose on CBD, its large dosage may cause an upset stomach and/or loose stool, especially if you are taking it for the first time.
If you are not used to your endocannabinoid system getting activated, you could suffer from diarrhea.
Method of consumption
Sublingual administration of a CBD tincture allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream, which makes diarrhea or side effects of upset stomach less likely than orally taking a gummy, capsule, chocolate, etc.
Other ingredients in the mix
Alcohol, coffee, or even high amounts of fiber in your body can cause diarrhea. Given that CBD can help you poop, taking it with your morning coffee or with a few drinks on your happy hour could get things flowing a little more than necessary.
Low Quality or Shit CBD
Sorry to say this but there’s a lot of shitty CBD out there. The reason for this is as cannabis grows, it takes in whatever is in the soil where it grows.
This means that the presence of any impurities such as pesticides, lead, mold, or other heavy metals in the soil could result in those toxins penetrating the final CBD product.
Not only could this make your body reject them through diarrhea and/or other means, but it could also be harmful to your long-term health and well-being.
It’s important to make sure that any CBD product you consume or buy has been 3rd-party lab tested.
The ECS at work
We already mentioned that CBD can regulate gut motility. This happens through the ECS, which has 2 types of receptors, CB1 and CB2.
CB1 receptors are present in the gut, among many other areas, and they play an important role in the body’s homeostatic processes.
Lack of Fiber
A diet low in fiber can make stools harder and more difficult to pass as dietary fiber found in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, act as a sweeper in our digestive tracts, helping in the movement of stool.
Low Fluid Intake
If you don’t consume sufficient water, your stool will tend to become hard and dry as the colon can’t add enough water to stools.
Physical Inactivity
If you become a couch potato, suffering from constipation is almost inevitable. Regular exercises can stimulate the intestine muscles, helping in bowel movements.
Medications
Even some medicines such as painkillers, antacids, and antipsychotics, can lead to a constipated you. Always talk to your healthcare provider about the possible side effects of any medicine.
Stress
Chronic stress can disrupt the normal digestive processes. When the body is stressed, it diverts blood and energy flow away from the digestive system, which can lead to constipation.
Ignoring the Urge
Ignoring the body’s signal too often to have a bowel movement can increase the risk of constipation over time.
Changes in Routine
Traveling or making any other changes in routine can affect the digestive system for better or worse. Changes in water intake, dietary habits, and even time zones can cause constipation.
Medical Conditions
Medical issues such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease can cause constipation. Moreover, problems with the rectum or colon, like irritable bowel syndrome or intestinal obstructions, can lead to constipation.
Age
Metabolism slows with age, leading to decreased bowel activity, hence causing constipation.
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can slow down the digestive system, leading to constipation. The growing fetus can also put pressure on the intestine, further exacerbating this condition.
Can CBD Help with Constipation and What’s the Connection Between the ECS and Digestive Tract?
It’s hard to say whether CBD and constipation go well or not as one person might experience digestive slowing by taking CBD, while another might find relief from constipation but surely CBD helps to maintain gut mobility.
The body’s natural condition is to have regular bowel movements, constipation is a sign that the body is out of homeostasis, a condition CBD helps the body maintain, thanks to its homeostatic effects.
To understand this in a better way, we will take you deeper into the interplay between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and digestive health.
The ECS has an important presence in the gastrointestinal system. CB1 and CB2, the main cannabinoid receptors are present throughout the gut lining and play their parts in gut inflammation and motility.
The speed at which the food travels through the digestive tract is called gut motility. Studies tell us that activating CB1 receptors can suppress gastrointestinal motility, potentially leading to constipation.
Conversely, blocking these receptors might boost motility, suggesting a complex role for cannabinoids.
CBD and ECS have also shown their potential in managing pain and inflammation in the GI tract, mainly in conditions like IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).
By reducing inflammation, cannabinoids might relieve some secondary symptoms associated with these conditions such as constipation, diarrhea, and more.
How to Treat CBD-Induced Constipation?
If you are dealing with constipation and feel that CBD is the reason behind it, you should approach the situation carefully and consider aspects such as:
Evaluation
Reassess CBD Dosage
Sometimes, the body might not go well with higher doses of CBD. Try reducing your dosage or avoid it altogether for a few weeks to see if symptoms improve.
Other Medications and Interactions
Check if other supplements or medicines you are taking are causing constipation. Some drugs, especially certain painkillers, antacids, and high blood pressure medications can lead to constipation.
Dietary Adjustments
Increase Fiber Intake
Consuming more fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains can stimulate bowel movements as fiber acts as a natural laxative.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water throughout the day as dehydration can worsen constipation. This is because the colon pulls water from the stools to maintain hydration, making them too hard to pass through easily.
Limit Dairy and Processed Foods
Decreasing the intake of heavily processed foods or dairy can alleviate constipation for some.
Physical Activity
Regular Exercise
Regular physical activity and even simple routines such as walking can stimulate your intestine muscles and aid in bowel movements.
Over-the-Counter Solutions
Mild Laxatives
Mild over-the-counter laxatives can be a nice option if you are looking for quick relief from constipation. However, they shouldn’t be seen as a long-term solution and should be used sparingly.
Stool Softeners
Stool softeners can make it easier to pass stools.
Natural Remedies
Probiotics
Probiotics can balance the gut microbiome, potentially helping in bowel movements. They can be taken in the form of fermented foods or supplements.
Herbal Teas
Some teas, such as senna or peppermint, might relieve constipation by inducing a mild laxative effect.
CBD Product Quality
Check Product Source
Make sure to always buy high-quality CBD products as low-quality ones might contain additives or impurities that could cause digestive discomfort.
Consultation
Medical Advice
If constipation is severe or is persisting, it’s important to talk to your healthcare professional. They can provide expert advice, guide managing symptoms, and rule out other underlying issues.
What is The Recommended Dose of CBD Oil for Constipation?
As everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different, there’s no hard and fast rule regarding CBD for constipation dosage. Also, the lack of extensive research on this topic is the reason behind this.
However, a daily dose of about 5-10 mg is a safe approach to avoid potential digestive problems and side effects.
Conclusion
So that’s all folks. All you needed to know about CBD’s potential to make you poop. While CBD or CBD products don’t cause stomach issues, it’s advisable to use them moderately and after talking to your healthcare provider.
We hope you enjoyed this post and found a lot of useful information. We will be back with more awesome and informative posts like this.
Till then, stay healthy, stay awesome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can eating too many gummies make you constipated?
Yes, eating too many gummies, especially with high sugar content can make you constipated. Always eat them in moderation.
Does Weed Make You Poop?
No, weed doesn’t make your poop. In fact, it slows down the speed at which food passes through the body which can eventually cause constipation.
Can CBD Gummies Cause Constipation?
No, CBD gummies or any other CBD products don’t cause constipation. In fact, CBD promotes bowel movements which aids in digestion.
Does CBD cause diarrhea?
Yes, CBD and diarrhea are related and it’s a quite common side effect associated with CBD’s use. However, its risk can be lessened to a great extent if CBD is taken in moderation and after consulting your healthcare provider.
Can CBD Oil Cause Constipation in Dogs?
No, CBD oil doesn’t cause constipation in dogs and there’s no evidence linking it to this issue. However, be careful as excessive doses might lead to diarrhea or appetite changes in pets.