CBD: with or without food?

CBD and food, how does it work?

Taking CBD with food ensures better absorption. In order to understand why, we need to tell you about metabolism and bioavailability.

First of all, bioavailability refers to the amount of any substance that enters the bloodstream capable of having an active effect on the body. In other words, it is the amount and speed with which CBD enters your body. The lower the bioavailability, the more of this substance you will need to consume.

As far as first-pass metabolism is concerned, this is the set of reactions that take place in the digestive system so that CBD can be absorbed by the liver and circulate in the body.

Oral ingestion with food increases the bioavailability of CBD. Thus its absorption rate will be greater and its effects will be optimised.

Scientific studies on CBD and food?

According to recent studies, consuming CBD with food is highly recommended to bypass the first pass process.

The University of Minnesota conducted a study of patients prescribed CBD for seizure management. The researchers found that people who took CBD on an empty stomach had low blood levels of the substance compared to those who consumed it with fatty foods.

It should be noted that fatty foods are more easily absorbed by the body. In addition, CBD is a hydrophobic compound, so it binds very easily to oil. Some scientists believe that its molecules bind to triglycerides with long chains, but nothing has been proven yet.

How long does CBD take to work?

It's important to note that there are many routes of administration for CBD. If you are not ingesting CBD, then food consumption is not mandatory to increase bioavailability. For example, the sublingual route is also very fast and allows for almost immediate effects.

If you decide to take CBD through the stomach, i.e. by ingestion, be aware that the speed of absorption will depend on gastric fullness. Generally, it takes about 30 to 60 minutes before the first effects are felt. Your stomach must first "digest" this substance before it enters the bloodstream.

Is it possible to consume CBD over the long term?

CBD can perfectly well be consumed, with or without food, for a long time as a dietary supplement. It can also be used to reduce bothersome symptoms such as stress or anxiety.

According to research, when consumed in low doses over the long term, CBD has no harmful side effects. Also, it is a natural substance that does not cause addiction or any psychoactive effects.

It is important to note that CBD may have interactions with certain medications. If you suffer from any medical condition, seek the advice of your GP before using it.

When is the best time to take CBD?

There is no right or wrong time to take CBD, it all depends on your needs. For example, if you want to treat insomnia, it would be best to take it an hour before you go to bed.

Although the bioavailability of CBD increases when consumed with food, it is perfectly fine to take it on an empty stomach. However, be careful not to consume this substance following a heavy meal, it may take longer to work.

It is important to note that some people claim to experience the effects of CBD better when consumed on an empty stomach. Again, this is a matter of preference as each body reacts differently. Feel free to experiment to find the time that works best for you.

How much CBD to consume with food

Whether with or without food, the dose of CBD to consume will largely depend on why you are taking it.

Every body's CBD tolerance is different. In order to know what dose is best for you, it is strongly advised to start with low doses and gradually increase them until you notice an improvement in your symptoms.

If the purpose of your CBD regimen is to reduce stress and anxiety, the best thing to do is to take a standard dose of 10 mg, up to 90 mg per day. There is no point in trying to consume more than 100mg of CBD the first time as this will only reduce the effectiveness of CBD on your body.

Consuming CBD with or without food in animals?

Pets such as dogs and cats can perfectly well consume CBD if they suffer from certain diseases. According to several studies, this substance helps to reduce convulsions in epileptic dogs and cats.

As far as how to consume it, you don't have many options for getting it to swallow CBD. The simplest technique is to add a few drops of CBD oil to your pet's food. In this case, it's not about bioavailability, but rather about comfort. Your pet will refuse to consume CBD if it is not "hidden" in a food.

There are also ready-made CBD treats available. This can be a great option if you are unsure of how to dose as they contain low doses; you can then gradually increase the number of treats.

What precautions should you take before consuming CBD?

It is important to point out that CBD is in no way a substitute for medical treatment, either in humans or animals. It can be consumed as a dietary supplement to relieve certain ailments such as chronic pain, stress and anxiety. Do not hesitate to seek advice from a health professional if you have any doubts before taking CBD.