CBD is booming these days, as people begin to notice the effects it has and the benefits it might offer. We’re so happy to see it! While you might know a lot regarding CBD, it’s still a good idea to go over the basics sometimes. It’s especially important when it comes to the interaction between CBD and your body! Let’s see how CBD benefits you the moment it enters our body.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and our Nervous System
The endocannabinoid system is a relatively new discovery from the 1990’s. Essentially, the endocannabinoid system exists throughout the entire body. It has CB1 and CB2 receptors that cluster together in areas like the brain, digestive system, and the nervous system. The way CBD, THC, and practically all other cannabinoids work is by binding with these endocannabinoid receptors. These bonds consequently produces the various effects of CBD that range from relaxing, soothing, and calming, to sometimes even invigorating. This is how CBD interacts with our nervous system and how it produces many effects that we praise it for. The ECS is important when talking about CBD because it’s what allows for the interaction between CBD and your body. So let’s see how it works on other parts of the body!
CBD and the Brain
When we talk about CBD and the brain, the endocannabinoid comes into play because it has neurotransmitters in the brain. CBD has become more popular over the years because of claims that it helps with discomfort, tension, or stress. Studies that have emerged lately provide proof for these claims.
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology attempted to analyze the effects of acute cannabidiol on cerebral blood flow (CBF) and how this is related to the parts of our brain responsible for storing memories. Researchers tested a group of 15 people who were given 600mg of CBD or placebo on separate days in order to see the activity of the cerebral blood flow. What they found was that CBD significantly increased CBF in the brain, especially in the hippocampus. The hippocampus is an area of the brain that’s primary association is with memory storage.
Apart from this study, plenty of others are being published and they sweep us off our feet. For example, this newest study that found a correlation between CBD and reducing beta-amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, an issue that is known as the leading cause for Alzheimer’s disease. While nothing is certain and more research is needed on the topic, we can definitely see that CBD proves itself to be highly beneficial more often than not, especially to the brain.
CBD and the Digestive System
Remember us mentioning that CBD is soothing? It’s also analgesic, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory, meaning that CBD can probably be a pretty good supplement to opt for to improve your digestive health. What one particular study published in 2016 tells us is that there are high levels of endocannabinoids and enzymes responsible for their synthesis in the gastrointestinal tract. This is due to the presence of the endocannabinoid system in all the parts of our bodies. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of CBD on the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and on the activity of the digestive system, including bowel movement. While CBD did help with acid secretion, it showed no visible impact on the motor activity of the digestive system.
CBD works by lowering cortisol levels – this hormone is the stress hormone that is harmful to the gut’s natural lining. By minimizing the impact of cortisol, CBD also regulates the amount of gastric acid released in the gut, which significantly helps with digestive issues. So, the takeaway from this is clear and simple – CBD might be quite beneficial to your gut health.
Benefits & Side Effects
We’ve already mentioned the benefits of consuming CBD that we consider incredible, but what about the side effects? CBD is legal and is unlikely to produce side effects, but some might appear if you take too much. With that in mind, here’s what we can say about the benefits and the side effects.
Benefits of CBD:
- Fantastic for discomfort and/or tension
- Helps soothe the body and mind
- Might even be helpful for stress/anxiety
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial
Side effects of CBD:
- Nausea and problems with digestion in general
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- May interact with other medications you might be taking (this is why consulting with a doctor before use is mandatory!)
Final Thoughts on CBD and Your Body
We’re very happy to witness the popularization of CBD and its properties! While these studies provide fantastic information regarding CBD and its impact on our bodies, more research will precisely define how CBD works and its effects. Until then, the information we have now is encouraging and exciting.
