How CBD Helps Create Homeostasis In The Body

More people in the wellness world are turning to CBD for its powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects, but just as many are confused about the nature of the compound. The basics are simple enough: CBD is derived from hemp and marijuana plants, but unlike THC, it’s completely non-psychoactive (meaning it won’t make you high). Years ago, the therapeutic pr operties of CBD were brought to light when a little girl, Charlotte, went from having hundreds of seizures a week to virtually none after dosing with the substance. It’s since gained a cult following, with thousands of people taking medical tourism trips to Colorado to experiment with the plant’s healing powers.

What are the physiological health benefits of CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a “smart” molecule, an adaptogen, a regulator, and a modulator. CBD acts in a comprehensive and dynamic fashion, depending on the situation and location in the brain or body. There is a plethora of physiological benefits. CBD will generally act to promote homeostasis (i.e., balance), situationally reducing inflammation, decreasing blood pressure (if it is too high), “killing” cancer cells through various apoptotic and anti-angiogenic mechanisms, just to name a few examples. Colloquially, some researchers have even referred to CBD as the “boy scout molecule,” meaning it always does the right thing in any given situation. Research has revealed upward of 50 mechanisms of action; CBD is a “multi-target” therapy that can do many things, as opposed to an analgesic pain medication, which reduces pain and nothing else. CBD can do many things in many different situations.

One of the most common uses of CBD is for anxiety and insomnia. Has it been studied to actually make a difference for that? How does it work?

Research reveals a close and dynamic relationship between CBD, the central nervous system, ECS (endocannabinoid system) and various neurotransmitters. Although CBD is not intoxicating, it can positively affect mood, acting on serotonin receptors (5HT1A), regulating GABA (involved in anxiety) and glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter), and more! It not only acts on the ECS and respective receptors, especially CB2 but also affects the systems that control the aforementioned neurotransmitters. CBD has, again, a plethora of psychological benefits; research has revealed antidepressant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and general mood-regulating effects.

How is CBD actually interacting with the brain and body to create homeostasis?

Although CBD interacts with many receptors found in the brain and body (CB1, CB2, 5HT1A, TRPV channels, other G coupled protein receptors etc.), it mainly interacts throughout the brain and body via the Endocannabinoid system. The ECS is a system of receptors found in the brain and body (bones, GI, skin, organs etc.). The ECS is intriguing and important because it is the body’s “master regulatory system.” It communicates and interacts with virtually all other bodily systems (CNS, organs, autoimmune system, GI tract etc.) to keep the body in a healthy state, i.e., homeostasis. While research is advancing rapidly, it has already implicated the ECS as a crucial component of health; it is a system that is active, to some extent, in almost all disease states. Since CBD, and cannabis in general, targets this ubiquitous system through various mechanisms of action, cannabis has potential applications for many diseases.

Now that research is moving forward all over the world, we believe that new evidence leading to greater understanding of mechanisms of action will be published almost weekly for the next several decades. This is an exciting time for the discovery of the many benefits of this misunderstood plant. It is also important to note that significant research has already been done on the safety of various cannabinoids, including CBD. Thus far, the safety/toxicity profile for CBD appears to be more in line with everyday foods and vitamins rather than being accompanied by the daunting side effects of many conventional drugs.

What effects can a person expect upon immediately taking CBD?

The effects vary based upon the condition of the person taking CBD. Some people report the alleviation of conditions that have more visible symptoms, such as seizures, while others report a feeling of general wellness, such as sleeping better or lower stress levels. Each person is different and will have a unique response to any new botanical supplement. It is important for people to be objective in observing the effects in order to find the right individual dose and whether CBD can be helpful.

Want to try CBD for yourself?  Visit us at www.vitaflowsport.com to find the product that is right for you.  If you have any questions, we would love to here from you.  Visit our contact us page and let us know what you need! Here’s to Living Life In The Flow!!