It may seem like the Covid pandemic is almost over, but the months of seclusion, stress and fear have taken their toll on us.
The number of people suffering from mental health problems has increased during the pandemic and remains high.
We all know that we need to look after our bodies and minds to avoid serious mental health problems, and different people find different strategies helpful. For example, some people may play sports. Others may read, but others like to keep a diary to help them find balance.
More and more people are interested in the impact of CBD consumption on mental health, as are scientists. As a result, more and more research on CBD and mental health is being published, and it seems that CBD is very promising.
Today, you can buy high-quality CBD Buds legally at the best online CBD stores and thoroughly enjoy their benefits.
If you’re curious about CBD and mental health, this review of the existing scientific evidence will help you better understand the issue.
WHAT IS CBD?
CBD is one of the essential compounds in the Cannabis sativa plant.
CBD is extracted from hemp – known for its high CBD content and low THC content.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a controlled cannabinoid known for its intoxicating properties, causing a high. CBD products must have undetectable levels of THC to be legally sold in the UK.
As CBD has no intoxicating effects, it is considered a dietary supplement and can be purchased in most countries without a prescription.
CBD has recently been incredibly popular due to its potential health benefits and the fact that CBD is now legal. In addition, early studies show that CBD can help manage the symptoms of various health problems.
But before we go any further, it’s important to mention that CBD is not a drug but a dietary supplement, just like magnesium, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.
WHAT IMPACT DOES CBD HAVE ON THE MIND?
CBD has the potential to influence both the body and the mind.
When studying the relationship between CBD and mental health, scientists are trying to identify the mechanisms in the human brain affected by CBD.
A 2021 study concluded that CBD could cause a significant change in brain activity and connectivity patterns.
These results applied to :
– healthy participants ;
– participants with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder ;
– brains in the resting state ;
– brains performing various cognitive tasks.
Scientists believe that CBD interacts with the brain through its cannabinoid receptors. Some also point out that CBD may activate serotonin receptors, which play critical roles in regulating mood and sleep.
CBD AND MENTAL HEALTH: WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
The mechanisms underlying mental health problems are very complex, and a very individual approach to treatment is required in many cases.
Many preliminary studies on CBD and mental health confirm that CBD should be further researched and considered a potentially valuable adjunct to standard treatments.
CBD has also been shown to help protect neurons from degeneration, potentially through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Much more clinical research is needed to understand the interaction between CBD and the brain, but there are strong reasons to continue exploring the CBD and mental health field.
CBD AND STRESS
When it comes to CBD and mental health, the main focus is on how CBD can help reduce stress.
Stress is your body’s natural response to a complex and intense situation.
It is not possible to avoid stress altogether, but it is possible to find strategies to manage it better.
Finding an easy way to relax or unwind at the end of the day can be a challenge, even if necessary. However, many of our customers report that CBD helps them relax and even improves the quality of their sleep.
Research has repeatedly shown that people who do not get enough sleep or whose sleep is interrupted suffer more stress.
According to the NHS, one of the top 10 ways to combat stress is to take time, focus on yourself, and do what you enjoy and find relaxing.
A nice bath followed by a CBD face mask, a night of puzzles, and a few squares of Naturecan’s delicious CBD chocolate may be just what you need to feel more relaxed.
CBD AND ANXIETY
Anxiety, the body’s response to prolonged exposure to stress, is nothing to worry about when it is occasional. However, if anxiety is your constant state of mind, you may have an anxiety disorder.
Here are some symptoms of a generalised anxiety disorder (GAD):
– Feeling restless and nervous all the time
– Feeling of apprehension
– Irritability, fatigue
– A noticeably robust, rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
– Stomach ache
– Feeling unwell
– Headaches
– Difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia)
Can CBD help anxiety symptoms?
An audit of nearly 400 patients in New Zealand who used prescribed CBD concluded that CBD is a well-tolerated and relatively effective supplement for people suffering from various pain and mental health problems, including anxiety-related mental disorders.
In several studies, CBD has also shown anxiolytic-like effects beneficial for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), but further research is needed.
CBD has also been shown to help people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, early studies show good reason to believe combining CBD with more traditional therapy can improve outcomes.
