CBD products range from capsules, gummies, oils and creams that you apply directly to the skin to sprays and tinctures you hold under your tongue for quick absorption.
Research suggests that CBD could be helpful in alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms. Furthermore, it could aid with pain management, sleeping difficulties and digestive issues.
Stress and Anxiety
CBD interacts with receptors in the brain that may increase serotonin signals, improve mood and decrease anxiety levels. Furthermore, CBD antagonizes alpha-1 adrenergic and u-opioid receptors; inhibit synaptosomal uptake of noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin; block TRPV1-2 vanilloid receptors; reduce low voltage-activated calcium channels and stimulate activity of inhibitory glycine receptors; as well as antagonize alpha-1 adrenergic and u-opioid receptors; antagonizes alpha-1 adrenergic and u-opioid receptors. Additionally it antagonizes alpha-1adrenergic and u-opioid receptors; antagonizes alpha-1adrenergic and u-opioid receptors; antagonizes alpha-1adrenergic and u-opioid receptors; inhibit synaptosomal uptake of noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin; blocks TRPV1-2 vanilloid receptors; reduce low voltage-activated calcium channels; stimulate activity of inhibitory Glycine receptor.
Studies demonstrate the benefits of CBD can help decrease social anxiety. One such research experiment demonstrated this finding, showing participants who took CBD 90 minutes prior to public speaking felt less nervous than their placebo-treated peers.
CBD products come in many different forms, but sprays offer the quickest route to taking advantage of its many benefits as they quickly absorb through the lungs into the bloodstream. When beginning with CBD therapy it’s also beneficial to start with broad spectrum products before moving onto isolated ones to ensure you receive maximum effectiveness for your specific condition. Studies are currently being conducted into its effectiveness against anxiety disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as pain management.
Pain Relief
CBD helps relieve pain by activating brain receptors to tell your body it is time to relax, not hurt itself. CBD may also work to decrease nerve ending sensitivity and ease chronic discomfort from conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis and others.
Studies suggest that CBD could help to decrease nerve-related pain. Furthermore, its topical application to joints and muscles could provide some relief.
Keep in mind that CBD can interact with certain medications, including antidepressants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Before trying a new supplement – particularly one not FDA approved – seek advice from your physician first.
CBD products vary greatly in potency and effectiveness, making the search for your ideal product an arduous one. Tinctures that you consume orally often have more variable results than oils used topically; while others can create an intoxicating “buzz” when inhaled via vaping pens.
Digestive Health
CBD interacts with receptors located throughout your endocannabinoid system (ECS), including those in your nervous and digestive systems. CBD may help alleviate digestive conditions like Crohn’s disease, IBS and constipation by reducing inflammation, balancing gut bacteria levels and modulating bowel movements.
Studies indicate that CBD could help alleviate IBS symptoms by decreasing your stress levels and aiding digestion, which has an intricate relationship with overall mental wellbeing (known as the brain-gut axis).
Some CBD products come in the form of tinctures, edibles or sprays to quickly enter your system via absorption through your bloodstream and enter faster than capsules or chewables. But they could contain other ingredients which might not be ideal – like sugar – so be mindful when taking these forms of CBD products. Furthermore, some can potentially interfere with how well your body absorbs certain medications; such as increasing levels of blood thinners, antiepileptic or immunosuppressant drugs in your system.
Sleep
CBD interacts with receptors in your body known as the endocannabinoid system to alleviate stress, which often contributes to poor sleep. Furthermore, CBD has an impactful sleep-wake cycle modulation effect, helping you feel more alert in the morning while sleeping more soundly at night.
One study included 103 adult patients treated with CBD for anxiety and sleep issues in addition to their regular psychiatric medications, and monthly documentation of anxiety and sleep scores using validated tools was recorded. Anxiety decreased during treatment within one month; sleep improved but results differed over time.
Kolla advises consumers when selecting a CBD product to choose one free from THC and tested for contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals. He further suggests using hemp grown domestically due to strict agricultural regulations which makes for safer product and better for the environment.
