7 Health Benefits of Cannabidiol

The medical use of cannabidiol (CBD) preparations like the Every Day Optimal 2000mg CBD Tincture continues to gain more and more proponents. Contributing to the rise in popularity of CBD use are studies and research that confirm its viability in the treatment and management several medical and neuropsychological conditions. It is hard to deny, however, that the primary reason for CBDs recent popularity is that this cannabinoid is among the primary considerations in the discussion of marijuana legalization.

Cannabidiol is one of the approximately 100 chemical components of the cannabis plant. The most popular of these components is easily the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) because of its psychoactive effects. While marijuana or cannabis sativa does have CBD, a batch of it also contains some 5 to 30 percent of THC, which are the levels that give you a high. Another member of the cannabis family, the hemp or cannabis indica has high CBD content but negligible THC traces. Hemp CBD, therefore, will not make you high or cause you to fail a drug test, which is why it is nearly legal in all 50 states. While THC also has medicinal use, CBD is a better option for those who want to enjoy the medical benefits of cannabis without the high and hazy effects of THC. The following are some of the health benefits of using cannabidiol.

1. Stress and Anxiety Management

The Journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics published a study in 2015 that shows the effectiveness of CBD for the treatment and management of several anxiety disorders. These disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CBD works by binding with neurotransmitters, which in turn activate receptors, including the endocannabinoid receptors that are responsible for emotional behavior and fear responses to stressors.

The CBD stimulates these receptors to produce an anxiolytic or calming effect in response to the stressors that trigger multiple anxiety disorders. The 2015 study shows that in some cases, CBD is effective enough in counteracting fear responses. The same study likewise suggests that CBD administration may help protect you from the harmful effects of chronic stress. Users who attest to the effectiveness of CBD as an anxiolytic recommend wax vaporizer pens with CBD oil for faster and more convenient form of self-administration.

2. Pain Alleviation

Apart from affecting the endocannabinoid receptors to trigger anxiolytic effects, these receptors also impact the body’s physiological response and tolerance for pain. CBD helps in alleviating pain by inhibiting the body’s natural response to it. Several studies on animal models show that CBD shows a significant reduction in pain response in rats.

In human models, CBD has shown effectiveness in alleviating various forms of pain including migraine, back pain, muscle pain, neuropathic pain and pain associated with cancer. In combination with THC, CBD also show promise as treatment for pain in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis.

3. Chemotherapy Discomfort Mitigation

 

Even as CBD works well in helping make cancer pain tolerable, it also helps make the side effects of chemotherapy treatments bearable. Chemotherapy side effects, which include nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps, also show decrease in their intensity and duration with CBD treatment. As with pain alleviation treatment, the efficacy of CBD for mitigating the effects of chemotherapy is more potent in combination with THC. It is important to keep in mind, however, that more studies are needed to fully assess the safety of CBD in relation to cancer pain and chemotherapy side effect mitigation treatments.

4. Neuroprotective Properties

Still in relation to the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the 2015 study cited several other studies showing CBD’s neuroprotective properties. Among the other effects of CBDs on the ECS include its ability to reduce inflammatory response in the brain that is typical in neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis. While clinical studies on CBD’s neuroprotective properties are still underway, initial results from the studies that investigate its viability in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders show tremendous promise. Among these disorders are Alzheimer’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.

5. Sleep Pattern Correction

Another popular belief is that using marijuana helps patients who are suffering from insomnia. Again, this is only partly true. Studies point to CBD and its anxiolytic properties as one of the main factors that make marijuana an effective sleep aid. Since stress is behind most cases of insomnia, the calming and negating effects of CBD on various types of stressors can help those suffering from insomnia achieve better sleep quality. During daytime hours, studies show that CBD enhances focus and wakefulness. Even with these benefits, this same study also gives evidence that this cannabinoid does not interrupt healthy sleep-wake patterns.

The catch is that the THC component of marijuana, although having intoxicating effects, can actually cause or worsen existing anxiety and paranoia, which in turn can aggravate insomnia. THC likewise, decreases wakefulness during the daytime hours and thus disrupt normal sleep-wake patterns. These findings suggest that hemp derived CBD is a better choice for sleep pattern correction rather than marijuana.

6. Heart and Circulatory Health

A study has linked CBD as a major contributing factor in helping alleviate the symptoms of high blood pressure, which is a condition that can lead to stroke and various heart problems. The study shows that CBD has a relaxing effect that effectively reduces resting heart rates in subjects. The subjects were then asked to undergo stress test to increase their blood pressure. Despite the stress tests, the blood pressure of the subjects only showed a slight increase. The result of this particular study is indicative of the ability of CBD to alleviate hypertension and improve heart health. In a separate study on animal subjects, CBD was demonstrated to have antioxidizing properties that help prevent the onset of heart disease. While this finding is promising, further studies are needed to confirm the viability of CBD in treating and preventing heart and circulatory problems.

7. Other Health Benefits

Proponents and users of CBD oil and other derivatives attest to its effectiveness in curing or at least managing a variety of health conditions. These conditions include lack of appetite, diabetes, tumor growth, substance abuse and schizophrenia.

Even without the widespread discussion on marijuana legalization, CBDs can stand on its own merit when it comes to its contribution to the field of medicine. While it is a good idea to remain guarded, you can allow yourself to enjoy some of the benefits that long-time users and proponents have already proven for themselves.

This is a guest blog entry.

How to Eat Healthy while Traveling

The holidays are here already! A lot of people are planning to explore new places, go sightseeing, travel and soak up the vibes of Christmas and New Year festivities.

The relaxed vibes of Christmas makes it so easy to indulge in one too many snacks and Christmas treats.

And it's even worse for those traveling!

Which is why we came up with these awesome proactive tips on how to eat healthy while traveling this Christmas.

1. Eat a Hearty Breakfast

https://pixabay.com/en/breakfast-healthy-hummus-spread-1804457/

I
t's no news that breakfast is the most important meal for the day. For holiday  travelers, breakfast becomes even more important because of the unpredictability of holiday flights.
This means breakfast may be the only meal holiday travelers have control over. These breakfast tips are just what you need this season:

• Load your Breakfast with Fiber - fiber has complex carbohydrates that are hard to digest. This characteristic makes  fiber rich foods the number one option for controlling hunger, and of course curbing the tendency to binge on sugary foods.

Fiber options for breakfast include: oats, maize and other grain cereal, and of course green vegetables.

• Don't forget to Add Protein - protein rich breakfasts are just as filling as fiber rich foods. They stave off hunger and of course provide the necessary amino acids to replenish worn out cells. Mix fiber foods with wholesome protein options like meat, fish, eggs and dairy. Vegans can opt for wholesome vegan options like soy, nuts and vegetables.

2. Travel with Home Made Snacks - Home made snacks are less in salt, sugar and fat than their fast food counterparts. With the rise in sales of happy hour fast foods this festive season, home made snacks make it less likely for you to fall for the processed snacks sold in most fast foods and restaurants.

Some snack options include; granola bars, dried fruits, fruit jerky, meat jerky, roasted nuts and seeds, chips, yogurt, fresh fruit, fruit juices, cheese and salad.

3. Eat Frequent Small Portions - it's no news that a cardinal law of healthy eating is to spread out meals into 5-6 portions a day. Eating frequent small portions controls hunger, stabilizes blood glucose levels, and reduces the urge to binge on sugary and over processed foods.

To space out your meals do these:

• The first portion is breakfast which is typically the largest portion for the day. The ideal breakfast is packed with fiber and protein for satiety, digestibility and nutrition.
• The second portion is a light snack which ideally includes; yoghurt, nuts, fruits or vegetable salads.
• The third portion is a carbohydrate lunch to fuel you through a busy day.
• The fourth portion is a light snack of dairy/vegan substitutes, vegetables and fruit snacks.
• The fifth portion is dinner with a large protein: carbohydrate ratio.

4. Plan your Meals 

https://pixabay.com/en/arm-hand-desk-notebook-pen-writing-write-1284248

Planning meals ahead of time saves you money and reduces the possibility of binging on unwholesome roadside foods when you travel.

A food journal may just be what you need to cut down on those excess calories, save money and prevent food poisoning.

5. Stay Hydrated

https://pixabay.com/en/breakfast-healthy-hummus-spread-1804457/

Water is life. Everyone knows that. But how many adults drink the recommended 2-2.5 liters a day?

Water maintains the internal environment of the various body systems.

This festive season, it's pretty easy to splurge on the numerous drinks available; whisky, soda, beer, eggnog, ice cream, yogurt and forget the most important liquid.

Here are some tips to help you stay hydrated this season:

• Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.
• Drink a glass of water with every meal.
• Drink generous amount of water if  you spend most times outdoors.

6.  Be Mindful of Food Allergens - as you travel far from home, be cautious of food allergens. Food allergens differ from person to person; lactose, peanuts, gluten, chocolate, eggs, the list is endless.
Simple tips like; crosschecking food items for food allergens, buying mostly organically grown foods and eating in good restaurants go a long way in preventing food allergens.

7.  Think Quality not Quantity - if you have to eat out, eat in quality restaurants known in that area for the type of food sold. If you are traveling on a budget it's quite typical to eat at restaurants that sell large meals for cheaper prices, for example most fast foods.

Don't fall for this trap. Fast food meals are loaded in sugar, salt and oil and have little nutritional value. These foods are quick to prepare, require less food ingredients with nutritional value, loaded with artificial flavors and sugar to make them tasty and therefore cost less than food with nutritional value.

8.  Eat Food while it's Hot - eat food while it's piping hot.  Hot foods contain less toxins and bacteria than cold ones. Be sure to preheat canned foods before eating.
Also remember to thoroughly heat leftovers before eating. When eating at restaurants request to have your meals heated and served piping hot.

9.  Think Fresh 

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1498579397066-22750a3cb424?ixlib=rb-0.3.5&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&s=bb9584870d1a92db5edfa01edfa4eae6&auto=format&fit=crop&w=750&q=80

A quick way to make healthy food choices is to eat foods while fresh. Fresh foods are rich in water and necessary nutrients required for your body.

Also, fresh foods aren't contaminated by bacteria, toxins and spores found in stale, spoiled and preserved foods. A quick way to eat fresh foods is to do your grocery yourself and prepare your meals yourself. 

10.  Don't be Afraid to Reject Foods you aren't Familiar with - as you  travel to new places, locals may try to persuade you to try new recipes and delicacies. Don't be afraid to turn down foods you are skeptical of their preparation, ingredients and source.

Local cuisine are always exciting to try. However be mindful of potential food toxins, allergies and other contaminants that cause food poisoning.

A  good option is to try local foods prepared at quality restaurants rather then eating them from road side vendors.

11. Hand Washing

https://pixabay.com/en/hands-soap-bubbles-hygiene-wash-soap-soa-2238235/

Most people hardly think of hand washing as a practice of healthy eating. A hand washing lifestyle reduces the transmission of feco-oral toxins and bacteria that cause food poisoning.

Wash your hands before every meal. Wash hands immediately after handling animals, after using the toilet and after handling objects and artifacts displayed by locals.

So there you have it, practical tips on how to eat healthy while travelling. Which of these tips do you plan to implement this festive season? We will love to hear your answers in the comment section below. You can get more touring tips from Dylan's Tours. Happy touring!

This is a guest blog entry.