Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally-occurring and non-toxic component of cannabis or marijuana plant. It means that even children can safely use CBD products.
CBD has no addiction effect, or it will not get you “high” unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the toxic and psychoactive component of cannabis.
CBD is creating its name on the health and wellness industry. Scientific studies have proved that it can help reduce chronic pain and anxiety, treat epilepsy, and other health problems.
Does CBD Truly Cause Diarrhea?
The quick answer is a big YES, but the truth is complicated.
Consumers of CBD are commonly complaining of diarrhea. But the cause of diarrhea depends on the quality of the CBD and ingredients involved.
Another proven study to support the loose bowel movement effect of using CBD is the epidiolex.
Epidiolex is the first drug approved by the FDA to use CBD, and the outcome is surprising. This drug can help reduce seizures related to Dravet and Lennox-Gastout Syndrome observed in toddlers.
After researchers conducted extensive trials in humans, they found epidiolex to cause tiredness, unstable weight, and diarrhea.
Though CBD is known for its medicinal properties, users may feel worried about its side effects. It creates queries in their minds, and others may assume that CBD is not safe at all.
However, CBD in any aspect causes diarrhea alongside weight loss due to the frequent release of body fluids.
CBD was processed and is mixed with ingredients to produce various products. These are the CBD oil, gummies, capsules, and tinctures.
CBD also has topical products like the CBD balms, lotions, patches, and slaves. These CBD products can help treat various health conditions and also may cause diarrhea.
CBD and the Stomach Related Problems
Experts have validated the medicinal qualities of CBD. They have also reported the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties of CBD.
CBD is especially beneficial for treating stomach problems that frequently affect gastrointestinal (GI) motility. You may experience diarrhea or constipation when your GI-tract muscles are not functioning well.
GI motility pertains to the movement of your digestive system that begins once you have a food intake and ends during defecation. The whole procedure involves the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, as well as the small and large intestines.
Many stomach problems are affecting GI motility. These include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux.
IBS
It’s a chronic stomach disorder and the most common problem influencing GI motility. This condition may be due to an unhealthy diet, stress, infection, or other related factors.
IBS may cause diarrhea, constipation, production of gas, or bloating of the stomach. The anti-inflammatory strength of CBD can help treat IBS.
CBD acts as a muscle relaxant due to its anti-inflammatory property. It relaxes the muscles of the GI tract enabling it to regain its normal functions.
Acid Reflux
It occurs when the liquid (acidic) in your stomach travels up reaching your esophagus. CBD causes a rebound reaction towards the abnormal activities of the GI tract muscles.
CBD binds to the endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors found within the GI tract producing a positive reaction. The effect resolved the acid reflux issue.
Why CBD Causes Diarrhea or Loose Bowel Movement?
- Regular or excessive consumption
You may experience diarrhea and other stomach irritation when you use it daily.
- Your body’s normal response
You may experience diarrhea if it’s your first time using CBD products. It’s because your body recognizes it as new to your system.
- Low-quality ingredients of the oil
Some ingredients in the oil might contain contaminants during the manufacturing process, and it can induce diarrhea.
- Altered diet or amount of food intake
CBD can suppress your appetite. You tend to eat a smaller amount of food than usual. It causes your stomach to adjust, resulting in diarrhea.
- Added Oils
CBD is combined with oils like coconut oil, olive oil, hemp seed oil, grapeseed oil, MCT oil, or emu oil to create CBD oil.
But you may be allergic to these oils. Your body will negatively react to the added oils resulting in diarrhea.
How to Avoid Diarrhea Due to CBD?
You should try all the means to validate the possible remedy that suits you. Some may be helpful, but some may not.
- Try to decrease the dosage of CBD products you’re using. You can take it once a day only instead of twice or thrice a day.
- If you use it daily, then take it every other day to lessen your exposure to the product.
- Slowly reduce your food intake when you use the product for weight loss purposes. Avoid a sudden change in your diet to prevent stomach upset.
- Shift to the topically applied version of CBD products like balms, lotions, patches, and salves for non-stomach related problems. They promote a relaxing and calming effect and can ease joint and muscle pain.
Other Side Effects of Using CBD
CBD can cause a slight decrease in your blood pressure because it can function as a vascular relaxant. Another is sleepiness in which you tend to fall into a deep sleep during the night.
Sometimes, you may also experience dry mouth, nausea, anxiety, mood swing, or a change in your appetite.
You may think that CBD consumption is harmful to our health. But don’t worry, its side effects are often mild and highly tolerable.
Final Thought
Typically, you may feel strange because CBD products cause diarrhea. There are also times that you may feel unsafe about using it.
But one thing is for sure; all CBD products are generally safe. Besides, the diarrhea is merely mild, and it lasts for one to two weeks only.
The condition is just temporary so give your system at least two weeks to adjust. The benefits of using CBD products will dominate in the end.
But you should call or visit your physician if diarrhea persists for more than two weeks. You might be suffering from other health conditions and not the CBD issue.
