Why CBD is the Perfect Fit for your Health - Part 1

Why CBD is the Perfect Fit for your Health - Part 1

Ryan Rauch

What is CBD

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the hemp plant. Many people confuse hemp and marijuana, which are both derived from the cannabis plant. The key difference is that hemp contains very little THC, which is the psychoactive component associated with marijuana. While CBD and THC are very similar compounds, they have key differences in how they work in the human body.

CBD vs THC: Understanding the Difference

From a chemistry standpoint, CBD vs THC are identical compounds with the only exception being the placement of a single atom. THC and CBD are the two most common compounds in the cannabis plant, but there are actually hundreds more like CBGA, THCA, and CBDA. Each strain of cannabis has a unique makeup of cannabinoids that makes each strain unique.

Getting back to THC vs CBD, the key difference in how these compounds react in the human body is that THC provides the “high” effect, whereas the CBD does not. In fact, CBD actually works to reverse many of the feelings associated with the “high” effect from THC, which is why some CBD-heavy strains of marijuana do not produce that effect at all in users.

How CBD Works

Inside the human body, we have something called an endocannabinoid system (ECS). According to Dr. Ethan Russo, medical director at PHYTECS, the ECS is an essential regulator of bodily function. In short, it allows people to “relax, eat, sleep, forget, and protect.” Our ECS is a system of receptors that keep us healthy and active both physically and mentally.

CBD works with our ECS to promote healthy and functioning receptors, and to also increase the number of these receptors we have in our bodies. Basically, CBD keeps healthy people healthy, and improves the systems on a molecular level when certain issues in the human body arise.

Why CBD Will Help You

Whether you are healthy or not, CBD is a great option for just about anyone. Not only does it help to keep healthy people healthy by strengthening the receptors that control our bodies cognitive and mechanical functions, but it also helps with a range of common ailments we all experience.

The Nervous System

  • Helps to aid sleep

  • Helps to aid anxiety

  • Helps to relieve pain

  • Reduces seizures and convulsions

  • Suppresses muscle spasms

  • Protection from nervous system degeneration

The Immune System

  • Can suppress immune system (great for patients with autoimmune disorders)

  • Reduces blood sugar levels

  • Kills or slows bacterial growth

The Musculoskeletal System

  • Helps with bone growth

  • Reduces inflammation

The Circulatory System

  • Increases blood flow

  • Reduces artery blockage

The Digestive System

  • Promotes normal gastrointestinal function

  • Reduces “Leaky Gut”

One of the most exciting ways that CBD helps the human body is that it inhibits the cell growth in tumors and cancer cells. While we have a long way to go in terms of studying the effects of CBD and the human body, there is so much positive results we’ve found thus far.

Forms and Applications of CBD

CBD comes in many forms, such as drops, concentrates, topical creams and balms, gummies, and powder. CBD is most effective in the human body once it gets into your bloodstream, making options like oils and vaping the best ways to absorb the most CBD. However, there are some advantages that creams provide, as they can work to repair damaged skin cells when applied to certain areas of the skin. CBD creams are also great ways to treat targeted pain and inflammation when applied directly to problem areas like hands and joints.

CBD products come in a range of products and potencies. The best way to know which method and how much CBD is right for you and your condition is to talk to a doctor that is familiar with CBD. He or she can give you information about dosing, which form of CBD is right for you, and what to look for in terms of relief for your symptoms.

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