Should you take your CBD oil with food for optimal effectiveness? Absolutely. Certain foods are known to improve CBD’s bioavailability and boost the concentration that reaches your bloodstream.
Bioavailability refers to the rate and degree at which a substance is absorbed by the body. Taking anything orally – as opposed to injecting a substance or taking something sublingually – will slightly diminish the effects of its active ingredients. And that goes for CBD as well, however, there are certain things you can do to mitigate this minor dilemma.
The First Pass Effect
The first pass effect, which is commonly referred as the first pass metabolism, is a phenomenon that reduces the concentration of drugs before they reach the circulatory system. It happens with drugs that are taken orally and are ingested through the GI tract and dissolved by digestive system enzymes. CBD is often a victim of first pass effect.
Luckily though, this issue can be combatted with certain types of foods. Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually not the best idea to take CBD on an empty stomach. A recent study discovered that taking CBD with medium and long-chain triglycerides, also known as fatty acids, can help stave off the first pass metabolism.
The Best Foods To Eat With CBD
The ideal foods to take with CBD are medium chain and long chain fatty acids (anywhere from 6 to 14 carbons) that are immediately metabolized into energy and serve as a binding agent for cannabinoids. The reason this works is because it allows the CBD to because the body is rapidly dissolving those fats and putting them to use, thus leaving less time for first pass effect to occur.
Studies show that the bioavailability off all cannabinoids is about four times higher when taken shortly after a small meal. Some of the best foods to eat with CBD include coconut oil, olive oil, soybean oil, sesame oil, fish, nuts, avocado, meat, and eggs. If you have any food suggestions that have benefited you while taking CBD, be sure to leave us a comment below.
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