Unfortunately, acid reflux is something most people will have to deal with at some point in their lives. But if you already happen to have CBD in your home, you’re in luck. Soothing gastric troubles is another one of the many benefits of using CBD products. But how exactly can we use CBD for acid reflux?
Before we talk about that, let’s see what happens inside the body to cause that burning sensation in the back of our throats.
What Is Acid Reflux and What Causes It?
To put it simply, acid reflux is a sensation that happens when stomach acid manages to rise into the esophagus. That usually happens because the valve between the stomach and the esophagus can’t close properly due to overeating or lying down too soon after a meal. As we have established — this condition can affect pretty much anyone.
As the acid rises, we begin to feel what’s known as heartburn. This amalgamation of symptoms includes pain in the esophagus, bloating, coughing or hiccuping, nausea, and bad breath. All of these things are a direct result of the rising acid which, though harmless to the stomach, can wreak havoc on the esophagus.
Even though most people will experience acid reflux during their lifetime, some get heartburn more frequently. Needless to say, the more often your stomach acid makes it into your throat, the more you’re risking serious damages. So how can we prevent that from happening?
How Do We Usually Treat Acid Reflux?
We’ve already mentioned some things that could increase your chances of getting heartburn after a meal. If you want to avoid it altogether, make sure to:
- Try not to eat too much in one sitting, especially at bedtime
- Avoid fatty foods — opt for yogurt, oatmeal, rice, bananas, and other stomach-friendly options instead
- Space your meals out so your stomach acid has time to settle before you toss more food down the hatch
- Don’t lie down after eating — or at least keep your back elevated if you do
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages in excess
- Avoid stressful situations if you can
- Don’t constrict your waist during meals — pop that button before you start eating
Supplements and Medical Treatments
If you want to keep your stomach healthy, you could introduce certain digestive health supplements into your diet as well. Probiotics and zinc supplements can only help strengthen your gut.
Additionally, researchers have confirmed that A, B, C, and E vitamins all have beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal system. Still, we doubt they’d want you to take all those supplements if you didn’t have a deficiency. So if you opt for that route, make sure to run it by your primary physician first.
If you go to a doctor, they might even prescribe antacids or acid reducers to lower the amount of acid you produce. However, if the painful symptoms keep having a negative impact on your quality of life, you may even have to get surgery.
Why Consider CBD for Acid Reflux?
CBD products can help you improve your gut health before you ever have to consider surgical options. Since cannabidiol interacts directly with our endocannabinoid system, it has a huge influence on the stomach and the surrounding organs. We could even go so far as to say that you could use it to lower acid production, which would help with your heartburn.
Aside from that, cannabidiol can also strengthen the lining of your stomach while relaxing the organs to prevent the cramping that can bring your acid levels up. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD should reduce any pain you feel even if the acid reaches your esophagus. And when it recedes, these properties will also soothe and heal any irritated areas.
You’ll have to devise a treatment plan according to the type of CBD product you end up choosing. Because of the benefits of sublingual application, oil tinctures are considered the most effective CBD products. Apply a drop or two about half an hour before each meal and you should have smooth sailing.
Alternatively, you can have CBD-infused tea, a pre-meal gel capsule, or two or three puffs of a vape. You’ll just have to pick the type of product, potency, and dose that’s right for you!
Learn more: Best Time to Take CBD Oil
A Few Parting Words
There is a difference between experiencing heartburn occasionally and suffering Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. A few nasty burps after a hefty meal is nothing compared to burning pain shooting up the back of your throat every day. If you’re dealing with the latter, you should know that there are real benefits to using CBD for acid reflux. However, you should start doing so as soon as you can, if you want to avoid even more disastrous consequences for your gastrointestinal system.