Can CBD Oil Ease Common Ailments of Aging?
There’s been a lot of talk in the CBD space about whether or not CBD oil can actually reverse the signs of aging and improve overall health, but is the hype true? CBD comes in many forms, but oil seems to be among the most popular methods of getting a dose of the versatile compound, and the market is flourishing with options.
Here we’ll discuss whether or not CBD oil can actually help ease common ailments due to aging.
How Does CBD Oil Interact With the Body?
CBD is an incredibly versatile compound and interacts with the body in a very specific way to provide many health benefits. Our bodies have a system called the endocannabinoid system, which is a neurological pathway that controls several important functions. The main function of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis. This is essentially the body’s way of keeping things like body temperature in line.
CBD acts on the CBD1 and CBD2 receptors in the ECS throughout the body, and can help control things like pain, inflammation, and even some mental conditions like anxiety and stress. CBD is not the same as THC, which is psychoactive and causes different effects.
CBD is perfectly legal and readily available online and in stores all over the country. The federal government has finally removed hemp (and therefore, CBD) from its list of controlled substances, making CBD products abundant, affordable, and legal to use.
Aging
As our bodies age, certain functions begin to break down and lose their effectiveness. Organs and cells eventually age and break down. Skin cells are especially prone to aging, and as we age, our skin retracts and causes wrinkles and crow’s feet, among other things.
We’re always looking for new ways to prevent the inevitable declination of our bodies due to age, and CBD has shown great promise in this area.
Skincare
Skin is often one of the first organs to experience the effects of aging. CBD oil with no THC has been shown to be excellent for skin health, working to combat wrinkles and even treat conditions like acne. In addition, CBD has incredible anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce damage to skin from inflammatory conditions.
Some people also use CBD shampoo and other topical products to keep their hair healthy. While research is minimal, CBD does seem to be quite good for the skin overall.
Blood Pressure
There is some evidence that CBD may help reduce blood pressure, which can age the heart quicker. High blood pressure is dangerous and can lead to severe complications, and is especially prevalent in older patients.
CBD is a vasodilator, which means it dilates the blood vessels to allow proper blood flow to all of the major organs. Taking CBD regularly could potentially keep blood vessels dilated and reduce blood pressure, thus making for a healthier heart and body. Not to mention, healthier blood flow also keeps the brain functioning at optimal levels.
Anxiety
When you think of “anti-aging”, you probably don’t even consider anxiety as a factor, but in fact, anxiety can be detrimental to both brain and heart health. Too much stress can put strain on bodily functions, especially the heart’s functions, and can cause anxiety in the brain. The more anxious you are, the more cortisol and other stress hormones get released, and your body becomes accustomed to operating at high levels of stress.
CBD has been found to positively affect anxiety-related disorders, make relaxation easier, and even help manage conditions like depression. This amazing compound can also help with addiction, making it the perfect alternative to other stress-relief and addiction-relief medications.
Inflammation
As we grow older, our joints and muscles can become inflamed, and with conditions like arthritis, the pain can be intense. Some people have difficulty walking with arthritis, or playing a favorite instrument.
CBD not only helps reduce inflammation, but also helps to manage the pain in a safe and effective way. You’re getting both from one compound, so you can potentially reduce the number of medications you need to manage each condition. Of course, you should never completely stop taking any medications without speaking to your doctor first!
While CBD may not be the miracle compound it’s made out to be, it’s still certainly an effective tool for reducing the symptoms of aging, managing stress and anxiety, and promoting overall health. As more research is conducted, we’ll know more about this compound and how much it actually affects the body.
Should I Use CBD Oil?
Essentially, using CBD oil boils down to personal preference. However, CBD oil carries little to no risk, as the side-effects that it can have are both uncommon and minor. Some people report fatigue or at the worst, diarrhea. Give CBD a try in small doses to see how it can benefit your life!