CANNAHEALTH Digestive Health | Page 26

Through research we now know there are roughly the same number of neurons within the stomach and digestive system as there are in the brain area, and the two are in constant discussion. But there is also a third party in this conversation which is the immune system chatting away as well. The stomach and digestive system houses approximately 80-90% of the bodies immune cells which are in defense from potential pathogens that usually sneak in with the foods we eat, specifically processed type foods.

Since I now must take CREON prior or with every single meal, processed foods are out. Many of the sweets that I had become accustomed to eating are out, water has replaced most of the drinks that I use to devour and fruits, grains, proteins along with some starches, carbohydrates complete my food wheel these days and anything gluten-free is more than helpful. Having a nervous stomach, butterflies and “gut feelings” are more than just funny little sayings, they can be reality (Haven, 2017) reveals. They may also express a neurological reality that maybe we are just beginning to understand that Cannabis/ marijuana has a powerful role to play in our digestive health.

-Carole Shelton-Toney MS, LMMC, BA

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