Should CBD Oil Be Taken on an Empty Stomach?

CBD oil is one of the most bioavailable and tolerable ways to ingest CBD, which is already used by almost 15% of the American population for sleep and managing pain, according to a recent Gallup poll. Although CBD oil is not tied to any major side effects, many wonder whether it should be taken before or after a meal. We’re here to answer that burning question: Should CBD oil be taken on an empty stomach?

CBD Oil  – Some Basics & Side Effects

The majority of CBD oil products instruct to take the product with food. However, it’s difficult to understand whether this means taking it before, during, or after a meal. The key here is to understand what the bioavailability of CBD really means. Let’s start by saying that CBD has to be absorbed into the bloodstream first (reaches your endocannabinoid system), then in the stomach and intestine, where it gets actively broken down. This concept is also referred to as bioavailability. Then, the product must remain in circulation long enough, so its health benefits are delivered to the needed tissues and/or organs.

The delivery method — how quickly the CBD oil enters the bloodstream — and the mechanisms the body uses to absorb and eliminate, alongside several external factors affect how you use and assimilate CBD. Note that we don’t absorb 100% of CBD compounds per serving rather than the amount possible according to the product’s bioavailability. This is why edible CBD products reign supreme as they first pass through the digestive system before they reach the liver. So dropping CBD oil under the tongue and giving it a minute or so before swallowing it will enable the cannabidiol in the CBD oil to act more effectively.

To help maximize the effectiveness of CBD oil, it’s paramount to prepare the digestive system before taking the product. This can happen with food intake, which also helps prevent unwelcome side effects such as diarrhea and nausea. This usually when taking CBD oil on an empty stomach or taking a higher-than-recommended dosage for a beginner. Remember that when your stomach is empty, and it only has to process CBD oil, it’s like forcing it to work overtime.

When to take CBD Oil?

According to a study conducted by the University of Nottingham, the best time to ingest CBD oil is between 30-60 minutes after having a meal to ensure the most comfortable absorption rate. This is also the time when CBD has the highest bioavailability, meaning it can best be absorbed by the body while losing very little of its efficacy. The same study confirms that taking CBD oil along with foods that contain medium-chain triglycerides, long-chain triglycerides, or fatty acids helps bypass the first digestion phase and enables CBD to be broken down immediately. This in turn gives CBD more time to digest. Some of these foods are eggs, avocados, fish, donuts, coconut oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, and olives.

Lastly, CBD oil becomes significantly more bioavailable when you place it under your tongue (sublingually) and keep it there for 60-90 seconds before you swallow it, as opposed to taking in a capsule form or smoking it. However, always consult your healthcare practitioner before taking any supplement, CBD oil included, for proper dosage and other details.