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The Latest Science Behind CBD and Mental Health

31 August 2023

Our mental health is invaluable, and you can use CBD to support your mental abilities like concentration, mood, and cognition. CBD is a natural substance that interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). In this blog, we explore what current research tells us about the effects of CBD oil on our mental health.

 

How Does CBD Interact with the Endocannabinoid System?

To better understand CBD’s effects on mental health, it’s essential to know more about the endocannabinoid system. The ECS is a complex system that sends messages to cells and aims to maintain the body’s natural balance.

While not everything is known about it, it’s clear that it regulates various processes in the body, such as sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and the immune system. It consists of several components, including endocannabinoids and receptors.

Endocannabinoids are messenger molecules. The body produces these naturally, but it also responds to phytocannabinoids (plant-based), like cannabidiol (CBD), derived from the hemp plant. In this way, CBD can work with your body to restore balance.

CBD and other cannabinoids can transmit their messages to cells via receptors, which are found throughout your body. For example, CBD can influence a receptor in a nerve cell to relieve pain.

Research shows that the ECS can regulate the following processes:

• Chronic pain
• Inflammatory responses
• Learning and memory
• Mood
• Stress
• Metabolism
• Appetite
• Sleep

Through its interaction with the ECS, CBD can also influence mental health. We’ll delve deeper into this below.

 

CBD en mentale gezondheid: bescherming van de zenuwen

As we age, our nerves get damaged. Trauma or certain diseases can also cause damage to nerves and the brain. The ECS plays a role in the homeostasis (natural balance) and neuroplasticity of the central nervous system. Neuroplasticity refers to the formation of new connections between nerve cells.

In conditions like Alzheimer’s, neuropathic pain, and diseases like diabetes, nerves get damaged. They can send incorrect signals, causing pain, tingling, and muscle weakness. Cognitive issues also arise, such as emotional complaints and memory problems.

There aren’t many studies yet, but it seems that CBD can help protect nerves. One study on CBD’s effects on neuropathic pain suggests that it can relieve chronic pain and protect nerves after damage. There’s also research indicating that CBD can even promote the growth of new cells.

 

Cognition, Attention, and Concentration

Mental health also includes cognitive abilities and concentration. Cognitive skills encompass everything related to learning. Cannabidiol can support your learning process in various ways. This is because it has a positive impact on two fronts.

Firstly, it’s calming and relaxing. If you have trouble concentrating or learning, it could be due to stress, anxiety, or poor sleep. Taking CBD can make you feel much calmer and less distracted by anxious thoughts. It can also help you sleep better. The more rested and relaxed you are, the better you can focus and absorb new information.

Secondly, CBD can also help you feel more alert. This is caused by the neurotransmitter dopamine. Research shows that CBD can promote dopamine production. This molecule plays a role in your learning ability, concentration, and mood. It’s also important for the brain’s reward system and thus for motivation. In this way, CBD can support the learning process and cognition.

 

CBD for a Positive Mood

Your mood also greatly influences your mental well-being. When you’re anxious, stressed, sad, or depressed, you can be very distracted from what you want to do. Your performance suffers, your concentration decreases, and you find it harder to absorb information. CBD’s calming and anxiety-reducing properties can help alleviate these symptoms.

Research suggests that CBD could help with depression. There may be a link between low levels of serotonin and depressive symptoms. CBD affects how receptors in the brain respond to serotonin, which can have a positive effect on symptoms.

A 2018 review looked at various studies on CBD’s effects. The natural substance appears to have antidepressant effects and can improve mood and concentration when symptoms are caused by stress.

CBD can also help with anxiety. A 2017 review found that CBD can be used for panic disorders. At a dose of 300 mg of CBD, patients experienced a significant reduction in anxiety when speaking in public. In another study, people with social anxiety took 600 mg of CBD and experienced much less anxiety.

 

CBD and Mental Health: Restoring Balance

Would you like to use CBD for your mental health now? CBD is a safe substance with few side effects. However, if you’re already taking medication for anxiety or depression, consult your doctor first, as CBD can affect the effectiveness of some medications.

In our online store, you’ll find various types of CBD. You can opt for CBD Oil, but CBD Tablets are also a good choice. They’re easy to use and have a refreshing orange flavor. Would you rather take your CBD with a delicious cup of coffee or a mug of hot chocolate? That’s also possible. Your dose of CBD is already included.

Check out our range of CBD products