What Does CBD Do To The Brain?
CBD's medicinal effects are constantly being studied, and new discoveries about its influence on brain health are encouraging. If you've heard a lot about CBD and want to know more about what it does to the brain, this article will answer all your questions.
What is CBD?
Starting with basics first. CBD, cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the cannabis Sativa plant. One common misconception about CBD is its effect and whether or not it causes high. CBD is non-psychoactive and contains less than 0.3% THC ( tetrahydrocannabinol - the psychoactive compound); therefore, it cannot cause high.
How does CBD work?
To understand how CBD works, we first need to know what ECS is. The ECS is the body's network of cells and receptors that regulates our internal balance. Simply said, it is the communication hub that regulates our brain's physiology, which subsequently influences our psychology. The ECS affects our brain in various ways, influencing everything from stress, mood, sleep, and hunger to cognition, memory formation, and brain growth.
The ECS is made up of two key receptors: cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2). CB1 receptors in the central nervous system play an important role in functions like coordination, appetite, memory, mood, etc. CB2 receptors - found in the peripheral nervous system and help regulate pain and inflammation. Understanding CBD's effects includes investigating the link between receptors and endocannabinoids. CBD, according to researchers, does not directly bind to the receptor but instead modifies it in some manner. Many health advantages associated with the chemical are due to the activation of these receptors.
How does CBD affect the brain?
Now that you understand how CBD affects the endocannabinoid system let's look at its precise effects on the brain.
1. Influences serotonin levels
Serotonin (the body's feel-good hormone) is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, digestion, sleep, and other functions. On the other hand, low levels might lead to sadness, anxiety, and sleep problems.
CBD binds to the serotonin 1A receptor, so experts believe it can help with pain, anxiety, and weight. Furthermore, studies have connected CBD's possible effect on disorders such as depression, chemotherapy, etc.
2. Protects the brain
CBD has also been discovered to have neuroprotective capabilities, which means it can protect the brain from the damage that is caused by oxidative stress and other types of injury. Oxidative stress is a normal process in which cells generate energy and produce free radicals as a byproduct. The body stabilizes these through antioxidants, but an imbalance permits free radicals to steal DNA particles.
CBD has been shown to have "high antioxidant behavior, stronger than vitamins C, A, and E," as well as the ability to "lower oxidative stress" within the body.
3. Boosts Anandamide
CBD delays the breakdown of anandamide in the brain, raising endocannabinoid levels at synapses, according to a 2016 study published in the journal Frontiers of Pharmacology. Anandamide, famous as the "bliss molecule," is a neurotransmitter that interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body. This increases pleasure and mental well-being.
This molecule is broken down by the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme; however, CBD blocks the enzyme, enabling anandamide to remain active in the ECS for longer and increasing its efficiency. Researchers observed a relationship between higher quantities of the bliss molecule and lower levels of psychotic symptoms.
4. CBD Lowers Blood Flow
In September 2010, a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology looked at the effects of CBD on a small group of people suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). The researchers discovered that CBD aided in how people's brains responded to anxiety. Furthermore, brain scans revealed changes in blood flow to areas of the brain linked with stress and worry.
Dosage
CBD dosing is a highly personalized approach dependent on your unique needs and treatment goals. Beginner CBD users can begin with as little as 5 milligrams (mg) of CBD per day. More experienced users can take up to 100 mg daily or even more.
Other than dosage, one more critical aspect of your CBD experience is the quality of the product. You must ensure you're taking premium CBD products from a reputable brand. The simplest way to determine whether the product is high quality or not is through third-party lab testing. Primabee's products have been through this testing, and they contain the highest quality of CBD. Start your CBD journey with Primabee's CBD oil tincture.
Conclusion
Finally, cannabidiol is one of the world's fastest-growing supplements right now. Consumers use CBD for conditions such as migraines, cognitive fog, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Although more study is required before making medicinal claims, the future of CBD is bright.
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