Mental health is as critical as physical fitness. It’s not something people used to pay much attention to, but it’s more important today than ever before.
With research on the medical benefits of cannabis and marijuana becoming legal in many states, mental illness has become a big topic of discussion.
People realize how valuable it can be for treating depression and anxiety-related disorders – along with several other conditions. As a result, they’re quickly embracing this new option for treatment.
The article will continue by discussing some of the ways that CBD can enhance your mental health.
Contents
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis Sativa plant- just like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which creates the “high” feeling.
However, unlike THC, CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive properties, and it doesn’t cause you to feel high because of its non-intoxicating nature.
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Full spectrum CBD is one of three types of CBD that’s the most popular, and it comes from the whole plant, including the leaves, stalks, and flowers. The other two types of CBD are isolate and broad-spectrum CBD.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD works by directly affecting neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood. Specifically, CBD interacts with serotonin receptors- which regulate your emotions and social behavior.
When you have enough serotonin in your body, it’s easier to maintain a positive mindset throughout the day. Additionally, CBD also binds to dopamine receptors responsible for our feelings of pleasure and happiness.
So, What Are the Benefits of CBD for Mental Health?
Let’s take a deep look at some of the benefits that CBD has on mental health:
Reduces Anxiety
One of the most well-known pros of CBD is its ability to reduce anxiety. It’s even been proven effective in treating people who suffer from extreme social anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Consequently, CBD could enhance your mood by making you feel good. The calming effect comes after taking CBD orally because of its time-release function through liver metabolization.
This means that results are felt gradually over time instead of immediately like other medications for depression treatment used today, such as Prozac or Zoloft.
Thus, this makes it easier to maintain focus throughout the day without experiencing adverse side effects when using prescribed medication for anxiety relief. Patients with PTSD may find great success by using CBD to treat their symptoms.
Reduces Depression
Depression is a common mental health condition. It’s characterized by feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness that can last for weeks or months at a time.
Unfortunately, countless individuals suffering from depression don’t get the help they need because they’re afraid of being judged or labeled as “crazy.”
CBD has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression due to its ability to increase serotonin levels in the brain. When you have more serotonin available, it becomes easier to feel good about yourself and your situation- which helps to break the depressive cycle.
CBD oil may also be used with other treatments such as therapy and antidepressants. Using multiple forms of treatment together often proves to be more effective than just using one.
Increases Neurogenesis
CBD can help you feel good and maintain a positive mood by increasing the amount of neurogenesis in your brain. With regular use, CBD has been found to promote new neurons and neural development- which is beneficial for those experiencing depression or anxiety.
Neuroplasticity refers to changes that happen to synapses as they communicate with each other throughout different parts of our brain. When we experience stress, negative thoughts, or trauma, it causes inflammation within the body and mind.
This inflammatory response inhibits communication between these cells. It makes us more susceptible to mental health disorders like PTSD because we can’t process information correctly without healthy levels of inflammation – among other things such as neurotransmitter activity.
Increases Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress
The endoplasmic reticulum is a part of your cell responsible for metabolizing fats and proteins. When a cell becomes over-stressed, the ER can’t keep up with its workload because it’s already working at total capacity.
This causes the cell to become stressed and can eventually lead to its death. CBD has been shown to help protect cells from ER stress by increasing the number of enzymes that break down these toxins.
CBD is also known for its anti-inflammatory nature, reducing the overall amount of inflammation in your body (and mind). Chronic inflammation is a leading contributor to mental health disorders.
Balances Hormones
Hormones are chemical messengers that play a vital role in many bodily functions. When they’re not in balance, it can lead to all sorts of problems- including mental health disorders. CBD has been shown to help regulate hormones and keep them in balance possibly.
This is especially beneficial for women who suffer from hormonal imbalance or PMS symptoms.
CBD oil may be used to help treat conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more. It may be a safe and natural alternative to prescription medications with harmful side effects.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health disorder, CBD may help. There are numerous ways that CBD may benefit your mind, making it one of the best natural remedies for anxiety and depression today. However, consult your physician before consuming CBD.
