Since it was legalized in most US states, CBD has become the hottest ticket in the US health and wellness market. Hailed as a natural holistic treatment with the power to boost health as well as provide more acute relief from the symptoms of a whole host of chronic health issues, CBD is today recognized as one of the most exciting supplements out there.
An ever-growing body of scientific evidence is constantly being added to by new studies showing CBD to be an effective treatment for a lengthening list of both mental and physical maladies. In this post, we will go through 10 of the most common health benefits of CBD, so strap yourself in and off we go!
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1. Pain and Inflammation
Diseases like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy and fibromyalgia all involve chronic pain and inflammation. In many cases, sufferers struggle to relieve these symptoms by using pharmaceutical medications like painkillers and anti-inflammatories.
CBD is known to interact with receptors in a cell-signaling system in the body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system has been discovered to play an important role in regulating a wide range of essential bodily functions, among which are pain and inflammation.
2. Anxiety and Depression
Surveys carried out in the United States have shown that the majority of people taking CBD do so as a means of treating anxiety and depression. Although we still have a lot to learn about how CBD may be useful in the fight against these conditions, recent research has indeed shown that the cannabinoid may well offer a holistic solution which is free from the unwelcome side effects associated with anti-anxiety and antidepressant drugs.
3. Immune-Booster
As mentioned before, CBD interacts through the body by stimulating receptors in the ECS. Among the many bodily functions that are regulated by the ECS is immune function. Although research is continuing, early findings have revealed that the ECS may play a role in ‘notifying’ the body of immune responses that are disproportionate to the stimulus. In strengthening the ECS, CBD may in this way hold the key to improved immune function.
4. Neuroprotective
In recent years, sufferers of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s have been encouraged by the findings of studies into the potential of CBD treatment. These studies have thrown up new evidence that shows that CBD may be able to slow down the advance of cognitive decline. As a result, more and more patients are starting to find some relief to their symptoms.
In addition, people who are aware of their genetic predisposition to neurodegenerative diseases have begun to take CBD to prevent early onset.
5. Skincare
CBD’s well-known anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties have spawned an increasingly popular range of CBD skincare products. Like most plant-derived ingredients, the cannabinoid is also a powerful antioxidant as well, helping it to smooth skin and remove blemishes.
In addition to its incorporation in many cosmetic skincare products, CBD creams and salves also prove effective in combating chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne.
6. High Blood Pressure
One of the main causes of high blood pressure is anxiety and stress. Since CBD has shown itself to be effective in reducing anxiety, it may also work to reduce blood pressure. Studies have shown that participants experience a drop in blood pressure immediately after taking CBD, opening the door for its use in the fight against hypertension and heart problems.
7. Addiction
Substance addiction can be one of the hardest obstacles that a person ever has to overcome. Whether it is alcohol, tobacco, cocaine or opiates, the withdrawal symptoms experienced when a person abstains are often extremely difficult to deal with.
CBD is increasingly being used to combat substance abuse, particularly withdrawal symptoms. Not only does it relieve anxiety and get rid of headaches and other aches and pains, but it also may play a role in reducing the strength of cravings as well.
8. Diabetes Prevention
One of the biggest causes of Type I Diabetes is a condition called insulitis, which is known to damage and destroy pancreatic beta cells. Today, it is thought that CBD may be able to prevent the development of insulitis. However, for people who already have diabetes, CBD may also be able to reduce the side effects of the disease such as memory loss and neuroinflammation.
9. Combating the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Cancer patients often remark that the side effects of chemotherapy can be worse than the cancer itself. Fortunately, many of these side effects fall within the remit of what CBD is able to remedy. For this reason, an increasing number of physicians are prescribing the cannabinoid to post-chemo patients.
But this may not be the end of the story as far as CBD and cancer are concerned. Research is ongoing, but there is growing hope that CBD may have significant anti-tumor effects are well. Wherever the tumor is, CBD may be able to shrink its size and prevent it from metastasizing and spreading.
10. Antipsychotic Effects
Studies have shown that CBD can be effective in reducing the psychotic symptoms of a number of different mental disorders, including schizophrenia, PTSD and drug-induced psychosis. While research is still very much in its infancy in this area, there is much hope that CBD may play a central role in the treatment of these disorders going forward.
The list above is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the therapeutic potential of CBD. As time moves on and the big pharmaceutical companies move onto the scene, a lot more funding is set to be pumped into CBD research in the near future. This will inevitably lead to further breakthroughs in the treatment of other conditions. It is fair to say that the future for CBD is very bright indeed!
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