Understanding Long Covid and its impact on mental health: can CBD help?
19 October 2023The symptoms of Long Covid can be severe and have a significant impact on mental health; the challenge is that there is still no cure, but CBD might help. People with Long Covid suffer from fatigue, brain fog, or depression, in addition to many physical symptoms. They are significantly limited in their daily activities. In this blog, we explore what CBD Oil can offer in this regard.
The Symptoms of Long Covid: What Can CBD Do?
The Corona pandemic is already some time behind us, but many people are still struggling with the aftermath: Long Covid. A lot of research is being done into what exactly happens in the body with this condition, but unfortunately, much is still unclear.
There may be a disrupted immune system, damaged blood vessels, or the energy factories in the cells (the mitochondria) are not functioning correctly. Whatever the causes, they result in a multitude of physical symptoms, such as getting out of breath quickly, severe fatigue, quick exhaustion after exertion, palpitations, and joint pain.
But Long Covid often also comes with mental health issues:
- Depression
- Sleep disorders
- Memory and concentration problems (brain fog)
This disease can, therefore, have intense effects on mental health. It is not known whether these symptoms arise from the disease itself or from patients having to cope with extreme fatigue, the financial uncertainties that come with being chronically ill, or social isolation. It is probably a combination of everything.
As said, research is ongoing, but there is still little possible in terms of treating these physical and mental symptoms. But there is good hope that CBD can help with Long Covid.
Why CBD for Long Covid?
CBD is a plant-based and natural product derived from the hemp plant. Especially with the mental symptoms of Long Covid, CBD could have a positive effect. This is due to its influence on the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
This system’s task is to maintain the body’s natural balance (homeostasis). It works in conjunction with cannabinoids, which can send messages to the cells to work harder or slower, for example. The ECS influences sleep patterns, blood pressure, memory, and mood, among other things.
CBD is also a cannabinoid recognized by the body. Therefore, it can work with the ECS and help with the common symptoms of Long Covid. Much research is being done on Long Covid, but there are only a handful of studies on the role CBD could play, and most of them are still ongoing. So, it’s best to rely on the results of previous research for similar symptoms.
CBD for Depression
It’s no wonder that Long Covid often goes hand in hand with depression. From one day to the next, you lose your health and can no longer do what you used to do. Additionally, the course of the disease is still unknown. So you don’t know if there’s hope for improvement. That can quickly lead to feelings of depression.
CBD affects neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influence mood. Depression often goes hand in hand with low levels of serotonin. Research shows that CBD interacts with serotonin receptors, which can help reduce symptoms of gloom and anxiety.
Also, low levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) play a role in depression. CBD could potentially increase BDNF in the brain, which could have a positive effect on mood.
Another way CBD can help with depression is by ensuring the breakdown of anandamide is inhibited. Anandamide is also known as the “bliss molecule.” It makes us feel happy and content. If CBD can keep anandamide circulating in our blood longer, it can promote feelings of well-being.
Sleep Problems
Do you have Long Covid and trouble sleeping? That is a common complaint. Research shows that 40% of people with this condition also have sleep problems. These include insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and frequent waking at night. The downside, of course, is that sleep problems only make daytime fatigue worse.
Fortunately, CBD can help with a disturbed sleep rhythm. The sleep rhythm is regulated in the brain. Various hormones, such as melatonin and cortisol, play a role in this. CBD affects receptors and hormone production and can thus help rebalance the sleep rhythm.
And, of course, its calming and anxiety-reducing properties also come in handy here.
Brain fog
Brain fog is also a very annoying complaint that often goes hand in hand with Long Covid. If you suffer from this, you have problems with your memory and concentration. CBD can help with these symptoms. It affects the release of dopamine. This substance provides an alert and clear feeling and also affects your learning ability and mood.
Stress also affects your concentration. It is often assumed that Long Covid puts your body and mind in a state of permanent stress. Anxiety and depression also naturally influence this. When you are stressed, cortisol levels are very high. CBD helps regulate cortisol production, making you feel less anxious and stressed. That, in turn, will have a positive effect on your concentration and memory.
The Power of CBD for Long Covid
Would you like to use CBD for Long Covid? This natural remedy can mean a lot. Not only can it potentially help reduce mental symptoms because of its positive effects on mood, sleep, and concentration.
It could also help with physical symptoms. CBD also has a positive effect on the immune system, circulation, blood pressure (for palpitations and POTS), and your energy levels. So it’s definitely worth trying CBD. If you are already taking medication, do consult with your treating physician first. Check out our shop for various CBD products, such as CBD Oil and CBD Tablets.
