Is CBD right for you?
The popularity of CBD has exploded in recent years, you can find an endless array of products infused with this seemingly miraculous compound. But what exactly is it and what effects does it have on your body? With so many different products of questionable quality out there how do you know what you are taking is safe? The CBD bandwagon is getting crowded and educating yourself on the pros and cons of this natural compound is the only way to make an informed decision about whether CDB products are right for you.
What is CBD? CBD stands for cannabidiol (can·na·bid·i·ol) one of over eighty identified cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant. While the most well-known cannabinoid may be THC, the effects of CBD on the brain are very different. CBD is non-psychoactive and does not make you high, though it has many other helpful benefits for the body. The properties of CBD include anticonvulsant, anti-anxiety, neuroprotective, antioxidant, analgesic, it has muscle relaxant and anti-psychotic properties. With all these benefits (and more being discovered as research continues) it becomes clear that this compound can be a useful tool in helping maintain wellness. Your body has an entire system of receptors called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) found throughout the body and is involved in regulating many of our critical biological processes. These systems and processes have a direct effect on sleep, memory, mood, metabolism, inflammation, and many other vital aspects of our health. There are two different cannabinoid receptors in our bodies: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system. This includes the brain, nerve cells, lungs, heart, spinal cord, and reproductive organs. CB1 receptors play a role in the regulation of mood, pain, sleep, and motor skills. CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune and lymphatic systems, which regulate inflammation, digestion, heart, and stomach function. Cannabinoids bind with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS throughout the body. CBD helps the ECS function optimally, which allows biological systems and processes in the body to function properly. This helps the whole body find homeostasis and allows us to maintain overall good health.
Precautions- Side effects CBD is generally recognized as safe for most people there are some groups of people who should exercise caution when introducing CBD products into their wellness routine. If you fall into one of these categories you should consult your doctor prior to using CBD
1. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid CBD. Not enough studies of CBD have been conducted in this group to determine if it’s safe or not for them to use. Until then, it’s best to be safe and avoid using CBD.
2. People taking other medicines may also want to avoid CBD. They tend to be the people most likely to experience side effects, due to the interaction between the CBD and the drug they’re taking. If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor first before taking CBD. They can advise you of any adverse reactions you could experience, based on their knowledge of your medical history.
3. Finally, as with pregnant women, not enough studies have been performed on the safety of CBD in children. One notable exception here is in cases of pediatric epilepsy. Dosages of medical CBD have been shown to help treat severe epilepsy. If you want to give CBD to your child, it’s best to speak first with your pediatrician to ensure it will be safe for them to use.
In some cases (though rare) there can be some mild side effects which including: • Tiredness • Diarrhea • Nausea • Changes in appetite or weight • Dry mouth • Low blood pressure With tiredness being the most commonly reported side effect, learning when to take your CBD will take some fine-tuning on your part. If you find tiredness to be an issue, take your dose at the end of the day just before bed to help you wind down and drift off to sleep. In cases where the dosage is higher (increasing the chance of digestive discomfort) splitting the amount into two doses per day can help reduce the (already small) chance of distress.
Dosage
Understanding how much CBD is right for you and be based on several factors, body weight, what issues are being treated, the severity of those issues, and the potency of the CBD product. The general guideline is for dosing is 2.5 milligrams per 10 pounds of weight. The chart below gives you some guidelines for what your dosages should look like.
The other main factor in getting your the right amount for you is knowing how potent your CBD is. To calculate the potency of your product, just divide the total number of milligrams of CBD in the bottle by the total amount of liquid in milliliters. Both of these numbers can be commonly found on the product label. To save you all of the math, here is a quick reference. As with any new medication it is always a good idea to start with a very small dose and increase until you get the desired relief. If there is any doubt as to how much you should take for your symptoms ask your healthcare provider for dosage recommendations.
Product purity
The sudden popularity of CBD paired with the evolving regulations around it have led to some less than scrupulous business practices. Counterfeit CBD products are out there and at the very least could be totally ineffective, and at worst could contain harmful compounds. So what should you look for in your CBD products? Seek out a company that produces organic oils, offers full transparency in its ingredients and methods of extraction, and has been reviewed by third-party labs to ensure what is in the bottle is what is on the label.
We are here for you
At Essential Mind and Body we carry an entire line of CBD products to meet the needs of your family. Whether it is a sub-lingual tincture, CBD for your pet, topical creams, CBD infused patches for nagging pains, or a luxurious bath soak to wash away your day. Our products are sourced in the United States and undergo rigorous third party testing and verification. As always Dr. Koch and the staff here at EMB are here to answer your questions and help you find the best path to health for you.
Yours in good health,
