Unlike cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabigerol (CBG) is still in its early stages of research. Scientists are still trying to understand all the potential benefits CBG may offer. However, we know that CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps maintain homeostasis in the body. This system includes cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body, including in the gut.
But how do CBG gummies and edibles interact with the microbiome? This blog covers what a microbiome is, what scientists and research have revealed about the importance of a healthy microbiome, and how CBG gummies may affect promoting healthy microbiome.
What Is the Microbiome?
The gastrointestinal tract is home to a complex and diverse community of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. These microbes are collectively known as the microbiome, which plays a vital role in many aspects of human health, including digestion, immunity, and metabolism.
Despite the microbiome playing a vital role in maintaining a healthy gut, an imbalance of microbes (dysbiosis) has been linked to a variety of gut-related conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
The Importance of a Healthy Microbiome
Your health begins in your gut. Gut health is so vital that it’s been called the “second brain.” With over 100 trillion microbes inhabiting your gut and acting like an additional organ, it’s no wonder that gut health has been linked to everything from mood and mental health to immunity and chronic disease.
A healthy gut microbiome is vital for many reasons, including:
Digesting food
Your gut microbiome helps to break down and absorb the nutrients from the food you eat. The gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are a source of fuel for your cells.
Producing vitamins
Gut bacteria also produce vitamins, including vitamin K and some B-vitamins, which are essential for human health. A study in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology found that gut bacteria may even produce cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG), which can bind to cannabinoid receptors in the gut.
Regulating immunity
Your gut microbiome also plays a role in regulating immunity. 80% of your immune system is located in your gut. Gut bacteria help to train the immune system to differentiate between pathogens (harmful microbes) and commensal bacteria (beneficial microbes), which is essential for maintaining a healthy gut and preventing infection.
According to a recent review, a growing body of evidence suggests that altering the gut microbiome may play a role in the development and severity of certain autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
Protecting against pathogens
The presence of beneficial gut bacteria also helps to protect against pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria, yeasts, and viruses. When the balance of gut bacteria is disturbed, pathogenic microbes can take over and cause infections.
Maintaining a healthy weight
The gut microbiome has also been linked to weight regulation. Studies have shown that obese individuals have a different composition of gut bacteria than those of normal weight. Additionally, altering the gut microbiome through diet or probiotics has been shown to promote weight loss.
Research has also found that the gut microbiome may play a role in developing obesity-related conditions, such as insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. There are several mechanisms by which gut bacteria may contribute to these conditions, including promoting inflammation, altering metabolism, and affecting hormones that regulate hunger and fullness.
CBG Gummies and Edibles’ Effects on the Microbiome
As research on CBG is still in its early stages, there is currently no direct evidence to suggest that CBG gummies affect the microbiome. However, given that CBG interacts with the ECS, which plays a role in gut health, it is plausible that CBG gummies may benefit the microbiome.
There is also some indirect evidence suggesting that CBG gummies may benefit gut health. For example, one study found that CBD effectively reduced inflammation in mice with colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease. Given that CBG is a potent anti-inflammatory, CBG gummies may also help to reduce inflammation in the gut and promote gut health.
According to Dr. Ethan Russo, a leading expert on cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, “CBD, and by extension CBG, may have utility in treating gastrointestinal disorders by promoting enteric neuron growth and inhibiting inflammatory cytokines.”
In addition to their anti-inflammatory effects, CBG gummies may also help to promote gut health by reducing stress. Chronic stress has been linked to several gut-related conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and leaky gut syndrome. Given that CBG is known to have anxiety-reducing effects, CBG gummies may help to reduce stress and promote gut health.
Another research study based on animal models found that CBD effectively reduced colitis symptoms and promoted gut health. The study found that CBD increased the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the gut, which is known to promote gut health. Given that CBG is a potent antioxidant, CBG gummies may also help to increase SCFAs in the gut and promote gut health.
Tips for Promoting Healthy Microbiome
We all know a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for maintaining our overall health. But have you ever thought of promoting a healthy microbiome? Certain foods and a healthy lifestyle can help promote a healthy microbiome, which can help support our overall health.
Here are some tips for promoting microbiome health:
Avoid excessive use of alcohol
While drinking in moderation has been linked to some health benefits, excessive alcohol consumption can harm the gut microbiome. Alcohol consumption can lead to gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining. This can disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria and lead to many gut-related problems, such as heartburn, ulcers, or bacterial infections.
A research study found that chronic alcohol consumption alters the composition of the gut microbiome, promoting the growth of bacteria that are linked to inflammation. If you drink alcohol, it is crucial to do so in moderation and to ensure that you promote healthy gut bacteria growth.
Eat probiotic-packed and fiber-rich foods
Probiotics are live microorganisms in certain foods, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, or kimchi. Probiotics are known to promote gut health by restoring the balance of gut bacteria. They can also help relieve digestive disorders’ symptoms, such as IBS or diarrhea.
Fiber is an essential nutrient that helps to promote gut health. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest. However, fiber is necessary for promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Fiber also helps to keep the digestive system regular and can help to relieve constipation or diarrhea.
Therefore, eating fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help to promote gut health. Including probiotic-packed foods in your diet can help support a healthy gut microbiome.
Exercise regularly
Exercise benefits our overall health, including promoting a healthy microbiome. Exercise has been shown to increase the diversity of gut bacteria, which is vital for maintaining a healthy gut. Exercise has also been linked to a reduction in inflammation, which can help to reduce the risk of gut-related conditions, such as IBS or Crohn’s disease.
Exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle can help to support gut health and promote a healthy microbiome.
Consider Supplements
You may also want to consider supplements if you are looking for ways to promote a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotic supplements can help to restore the balance of gut bacteria and promote gut health. However, with so many probiotic supplements on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.
When choosing a probiotic supplement, look for one with live and active cultures. You should also look for a supplement containing various probiotic strains, as each can offer different health benefits. If you are considering a probiotic supplement, speak with your healthcare provider first to ensure it is right.
Promote a Healthy Microbiome
CBG gummies are a great way to get your daily dose of CBG. But did you know that they may also help to promote gut health? The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of CBG make it an excellent choice for those looking to support a healthy gut microbiome. In addition, consuming CBG-rich edibles can help reduce stress, which can also positively affect gut health.
Hemponix is committed to providing high-quality CBD and CBG products and educating our customers about the benefits of these cannabinoids. So, you want to try out CBG gummies for yourself? Shop our collection of CBD and CBG products today!