CBD: Mind and Body – Part II

Friends, there was too much information about the benefits of CBD for me to wrap up the conversation in one article, so here’s Part II.  Let me begin by dispelling the myth that cannabis destroys brain cells, and more specifically short-term memory. Here are the facts about CBD and its effect in our mind and body.

Positive Effects On The Brain

Cannabinoids are neuro-protective, meaning they can help maintain and regulate brain health — effectively removing damaged cells and improving the efficiency of the mitochondria. CBD and other antioxidant compounds in cannabis also work to reduce glutamate toxicity. Extra glutamate, which stimulates nerve cells in the brain to fire, causes cells to become over-stimulated, ultimately leading to cell damage or death. Thus, cannabinoids help protect brain cells from damage, keeping the organ healthy and functioning properly. CBD has also been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the brain.

As the brain ages, the creation of new neurons slows down significantly. In order to maintain brain health and prevent degenerative diseases, new cells need to be continuously created. A 2008 study showed that low doses of CBD and THC-like cannabinoids encouraged the creation of new nerve cells in animal subjects, even in aging brains. CBD also benefits the brain by helping to prevent other nerve-related diseases like neuropathy and Alzheimer’s disease.

Protects Against Bone Disease and Fractures

Cannabinoids facilitate bone metabolism—the cycle in which old bone material is replaced by new bone material at a rate of about 10 percent per year. This process is crucial for maintaining strong, healthy bones over time. CBD has been shown to block an enzyme that destroys bone-building compounds in the body, reducing the risk of age-related bone diseases like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. In both of those diseases, the body is no longer creating new bone and cartilage cells. CBD helps spur the process of new bone-cell formation, essentially speeding up the healing of broken bones and strengthening fracture callus. The increased bone strength, in turn, decreases the likelihood of re-fracturing the bone (study results showed – the bones were 35–50 percent stronger than those of non-treated subjects).

Anti-inflammatory

Cannabinoids have been proven to have an anti-inflammatory effect in numerous studies. CBD engages with the endocannabinoid system in many organs throughout the body, helping to reduce inflammation systemically. The therapeutic potential is wide-ranging, and it may be years before we see the full spectrum of its benefits in this area.

Maintain Heart Health

Recent research has linked CBD with several benefits for the heart and circulatory system, including the ability to lower high blood pressure. Studies indicate that CBD may be a natural and effective treatment for high blood pressure. One recent study treated 10 healthy men with one dose of 600 mg of CBD oil and found it reduced resting blood pressure, compared to a placebo.

The same study also gave the men stress tests that normally increase blood pressure. Interestingly, the single dose of CBD led the men to experience a smaller blood pressure increase than normal in response to these tests. Researchers have suggested that the stress and anxiety reducing properties of CBD are responsible for its ability to help lower blood pressure. Additionally, several studies have demonstrated that CBD may help reduce the inflammation and cell death associated with heart disease due to its powerful antioxidant and stress-reducing properties.

Treat Skin Ailments

As it is an anti-inflammatory, you may find CBD skin-care products helpful when applied topically. Some research even points to its efficacy as an acne treatment. In many cases, CBD limited inflammation in the glands, which caused breakouts. If you are not having luck with traditional acne-fighting ingredients (like salicylic acid), it may be worth trying.

Before using any CBD health or beauty products, always consult with your medical practitioner or dermatologist first. Until next time, stay irie friends!