Is CBD Right For Me?
At least once a week we have a patient who comes in with the question, “Is CBD Oil right for me?”
CBD is certainly making headlines and while it has become trendy, it truly is an amazing form of natural medicine. The CBD/Hemp industry is already booming and is estimated to become a billion dollar industry in the next couple of years!
So what is CBD?
CBD stands for Cannabidiol which is just one compound of over 100 Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol can be found in hemp or marijuana plants but is NOT psychoactive and does not make you feel high.
How does it work?
Our bodies have an Endocannabinoid System which has receptors throughout our entire body and literally affects our immune system, nervous system and all of the body’s organs. This entire system was actually discovered when scientists were researching the effects of CBD on the body. We naturally produce cannabinoids and CBD can influence the body to better use our naturally present endocannabinoids. Scientist believe that the Endocannabinoid System exists in our bodies to maintain a sense of balance and homeostasis so that internal or external influences that may be causing something to be off can come into balance again. How cool is that?
There is so much research being done and the positive effects of CBD are proving to be amazing. Research has shown that people suffering with anxiety, arthritis, depression, PTSD, stress and so much more have been helped using CBD Oil.
CBD is a potent natural anti-inflammatory which is one of the reasons that it is helpful for so many people. Most modern day diseases have inflammation at its core so finding something that can naturally reduce inflammation is truly a gift.
CBD has been shown to stimulate serotonin receptors in the brain. This is huge because so many people today deal with varying levels of emotional symptoms and many medications that are available have scary side effects. Having a natural option to help control your stress and anxiety is wonderful.
CBD has also been shown to have neuroprotective tendencies and scientists are looking at the effects on Alzheimer’s and even with athletes who get concussions. In animal studies it provided short term protection and reduction of brain damage as well as more long term benefits of reducing and inflammation as well as oxidative stress in the brain. All of this was done with no negative side effects. (1)
It’s hard to believe that a single substance like CBD Oil could be touted as a cure all and that might be a bit of a stretch but check out this list of just a few things that CBD has been shown to do:
Antibacterial
Neuroprotective
Helpful for seizures
Relieves anxiety
Helps reduce blood sugar issues
Helpful for neurological conditions such as MS and Epilepsy
Reduces inflammation
Relieves Pain
Suppresses muscle spasms
Reduces contractions in small intestine
Helps with nausea and vomiting
Helpful for post concussion syndrome
Helpful for PTSD
Inhibits cancer cell growth
What’s even more amazing is it does so without causing dependence and without causing a need to increase dosage over time. It’s safe for kids and pets too!
It’s important that you choose a CBD Oil that is Full Spectrum, this means that the entire plant is used so that all the different Cannabinoids are in the product. Full Spectrum CBD Oil is believed to have more medicinal value than oils that contain only stems or isolated parts of the plant.
Dosage of CBD oil can be tricky. Since it is a supplement and not regulated by the FDA, there are not set recommended doses. We advise our patients to start low and go slow. Begin with a few drops twice a day and gradually increase each dose until you find the amount for you that helps with symptoms. Typical doses can range anywhere from 2.5 mg- 20 mg and we usually recommend taking one dose in the morning and one in the everning.
There are so many different products now on the market and you need to be careful that you know what you are really getting.
We researched many different companies and there is so much info to sort out. Ultimately, we chose to go with a company called CBD Biocare and here’s why:
Full Spectrum Oil- they use the whole plant
100% Organic and Non GMO
Grown and Manufactured in the United States
Extracted from the highest quality medicinal grade hemp in the U.S
CO2 extraction method to protect the integrity of the oil
Contains no THC so there is no chance of it interfering with a drug test
Legal in all 50 states because it contains no THC
Please visit our CBD oil page by clicking here to purchase.
While CBD is a natural product it can interfere with some medications so if you are on prescriptions you should check with your doctor before you start taking it. It’s possible that taking CBD could lead to a need for less medication but you would need to work with your doctor to determine any changes.
Got questions about which one to order please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Also, if you are already taking CBD and have a great success story comment below and let us know how it’s helped you!
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