How Does CBD Work
CBD has become a widely popular substance that is used for a
variety of different emotional and physical health issues. It can be taken in
multiple different ways to receive medicinal effects. To better understand how
CBD works in the body, it’s important to know what it is.
What Is CBD?
CBD is a chemical compound that stems from the cannabis
plant. This substance can be used in oils, capsules, food, coffee and more.
Some people prefer oil tinctures or other methods of quick delivery.
The letters CBD stand for cannabidiol.
There are actually several types of cannabinoid molecules produced by the
cannabis family. Tetrahydrocannabinol, otherwise known as THC, is also an
element that can be found in the cannabis family. It is not the same as CBD.
CBD is a natural substance. Although it does come from the
cannabis plant, it is not psychoactive.
What Is The Difference Between Marijuana and CBD?
CBD comes from the hemp plant, but does not cause one to
feel “high”. This is because THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis,
is not part of CBD. CBD is a cannabinoid that is extracted from cannabis and
used for its own unique properties.
When most people think of marijuana, they think of the
effects that THC produces. Some of these effects are enjoyable, but
other people may feel uncomfortable when using it. Marijuana can cause a
relaxed sensation that can invoke curiosity and introspection. It can also
relieve physical pain.
Marijuana can also have many negative symptoms such as paranoia and intense food cravings. Some people may actually feel more anxious when using marijuana and their heart rate may rise.
Because THC is
psychoactive, it can cause some people to feel “stuck” inside their head.CBD does not come with any of these potential side effects.
Some research shows that CBD may be able to normalize brain
rhythms to help treat seizures. The Journal of Clinical Investigation shows
that CBD can help adults and children with this condition.
In addition to neurological issues, CBD is frequently used
for cramps, migraines, nausea and joint pain. While more research is needed,
CBD has even been touted to help with difficult conditions such as cancer and
Alzheimer's disease.
How Can CBD Help?
CBD can help with a wide range of issues. Some issues that are frequently
helped include:
-insomnia
-autoimmune diseases
-stress
-arthritis
-anxiety
-migraines
CBD helps calm the body and mind so that stress and anxiety
can be effectively lowered. This calming mechanism can help assist people in
falling asleep faster. It can also relax the mind from chronic stress and help
with panic attacks.
How Does CBD Work?
Cannabinoids can affect the mind and body in many different
ways. By using the cannabinoid, CBD, this can temporary change how we feel both
emotionally and physically. It's important to remember that CBD has no psychoactive
effects though.
The endocannabinoid system consists of neurotransmitters
and cell receptors. These are in charge of maintaining what is known as
“homeostasis” in the human body.
These receptors (cb1 receptors and cb2 receptors being the
most common) can be found throughout the body. They are especially concentrated
in the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system.
The endocannabinoid system is important for several
reasons. This system controls a range of functions. This includes sleep,
temperature, mood, pain perception, appetite, fertility and even the response
of one’s immune system. When CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system, it can
impact both pain and pleasure perception.
CBD is a complex cannabinoid. It can affect many parts of
the body including different cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
The Discovery Of The Endocannabinoid System
In the 1990s, scientists discovered what is known as the
endocannabinoid system. While researching molecules and cannabinoids, the
intricacies of this system were given a name.
By discovering the endocannabinoid system, scientists also
discovered how the body works together to keep harmony. Balancing environmental
changes and physical and mental stress is at the heart of this system.
It was once thought that the endocannabinoid receptors were
exclusively found in the brain and nerves. We now know they can be found in the
skin as well as the rest of the body. Scientists have found that CBD can block
the breakdown of these cannabinoids. This allows the body to take better
advantage of what it already has.
The Science Behind CBD
CBD works in a few different ways. Through serotonin,
vanilloid and orphan receptors, this substance can affect the mind and body.
Serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a widely known
chemical nerve. Most people have heard of the word “serotonin” through
antidepressant ads describing depression or anxiety. Serotonin works by sending
signals between nerve cells and is primarily entered through diet.
This chemical nerve can have a negative or positive impact
on the mood. Without enough serotonin, an individual may feel depressed,
anxious or have problems sleeping.
High concentrations of CBD can activate hydroxytrptamime, a
serotonin receptor that can counteract anxiety. By targeting this area of the
body, appetite, sleep, pain and nausea can change. By using CBD, many people
have noticed an improvement in their mood.
Vanilloid receptors. Vanilloid
receptors are actually ion channels. These are membrane proteins that allow
for ions to pass through. Ion can consist of sodium or potassium and their
channels are a prominent part of the nervous system.
CBD can interact with these ion channels to create a
therapeutic presence. By affecting the vanilloid receptors, CBD can calm pain
perception as well as inflammation in the body. This can be particularly
beneficial for those with autoimmune responses such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.
By binding to the vanilloid receptor, CBD can change the
way an individual experiences pain for a more positive outlook.
Orphan receptors. An orphan receptor is a protein that
represents a diverse part of the nuclear receptor superfamily. It is thought
that they impact the regulatory system. The G-protein known as GPR55
orphan receptor modulates blood pressure and other physiological systems.
Some studies have shown that CBD can effectively block the
GPR55 receptor which is associated with osteoporosis. This could mean that CBD
can decrease bone reabsorption, creating a preventative measure against
physical health issues.
Cannabidiol Health Benefits
CBD has been found to be effective in severe conditions and
chronic pain. Childhood epilepsy syndromes including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
and Dravet syndrome have been studied with the help of CBD. By using this
substance, seizures were also reduced in a number of studies.
In addition to some serious conditions, CBD can help with a
garden variety of milder issues. CBD helps address physical issues in a couple
of different ways. CBD can decrease inflammation and it can change the
perception of physical pain.
Reducing inflammation is particularly beneficial for
physical ailments such as arthritis or other autoimmune concerns. Some people
find that arthritis is worse during changes in the weather. By using CBD,
inflammation can be kept to a minimum.
CBD can also greatly impact the severity of anxiety. By
calming the body and mind, many people notice a reduction in their stress
levels. CBD can help with every-day stress or extreme forms of anxiety such as
panic attacks.
Conclusion
Whether CBD is used as an edible, a lotion, or CBD oil
tincture, CBD products can help physical and emotional stress. By impacting
various receptors through the body, CBD can help with issues such as insomnia,
anxiety, panic, arthritis and other ailments.
How CBD is taken often depends on the reason. For panic
attacks, a fast-acting formula is usually recommended to help ease anxiety in a
timely manner. For inflammation or pain, taking CBD in capsule form is often
recommended.
For other issues such as insomnia or depression, asking a
professional can help ease the decision making process. Depending on what it is
used for, a medical professional can help locate the proper dosage and
application of CBD. Some might need high levels of CBD while others just
require a small dosage.
Although CBD is a relatively new tool for dealing with
physical and emotional stress, it has been around for centuries. The hemp plant
has long been used for medicinal purposes.
CBD has become a popular health solution in the United States, especially since it was federally legalized by the farm bill. More and more human studies reveal the many benefits that pure CBD can bring. It seems likely that this amazing plant will only grow in popularity.
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