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CBD is trending in the wellness world due to a variety of health benefits. As research grows, CBD is proving effective in common conditions like skin disorders, aging, disease prevention and mental health, too. But what is CBD? And, how does it work with your body to provide its’ benefits? Let’s breakdown the popular wellness aid, and explore CBD further.
What is CBD?
Simply put, CBD is short for cannabidiol which is extracted from budded flowers of the cannabis plant. Now, you might associate cannabis with CBD’s cousin THC or, the effects of ‘getting high’. But, that’s where CBD is different.
CBD is found in higher quantities in cannabis hemp plants. Conversely, marijuana plants produce both CBD and THC. At high levels, THC provides psychoactive or euphoric effects yet, CBD does not.
But why? It’s all in the compounds’ atom makeups. CBD and THC share the same structure but, the arrangement of atoms provides their varied effects.
In addition, CBD works internally with body systems to deliver a wide range of health benefits.
Signaling Systems
Primarily, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system contains cannabinoid receptors which are found in your brain, and immune system. Most noteworthy for CBD are the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
The CB1 receptors are responsible for handling coordination, movement, emotions, memories, appetite and other functions. CB2 receptors more so affect inflammation, and pain.
Consequently, the psychoactive effects of THC come from the compound binding with the CB1 receptor. CBD binds to the CB1 receptor less, and can even inhibit it. Meaning, CBD can actually reduce your feelings of ‘feeling high’ when combining the two.
Moreover, the CB2 receptor is responsible for promoting a variety of therapeutic effects. Instead of binding, CBD alters the receptors capability to bind to other cannabinoids. As a result, this influences natural levels of endocannabinoids, increasing your body’s promotion of positive wellness effects, in general.
Helping Health
As studies advance into how CBD works, so does the knowledge of the benefits it can provide. Like, how CBD interacts with the brain’s neurotransmitters or opioid receptors which are responsible for regulating pain. CBD even influences dopamine and serotonin receptors, which can regulate moods as well.
In addition, CBD is also anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic (relief of pain). This adds to its’ success in treating or preventing a variety of common health conditions.
Currently, the World Health Organization states that CBD can potentially treat the following –
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Psychosis
- Depression
- Cancer
- IBD, inflammatory disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetic symptoms
Overall, as trials continue, CBD is proving to be a legitimate health aid.
CBD is available in a wide range of products. So, which product you choose may depend on your preference, dosage or what you’re trying to treat. Tinctures and capsules are preferred by many but topicals are a great addition for skin conditions or additional pain relief.
Check out our top quality CBD tinctures, capsules and topicals all of which, you can integrate into your health routine. Or, need more advice on what product is right for you? No worries, our experts are here to help. Visit our advice center, for a personalized CBD recommendation fit for your wellness needs.
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