CBD - What is the HYPE about?

Monday Morning! We meet again! 

The topic of the day ladies and gentlemen! Good old CBD (cannabidiol). 

So obviously there has been SO much buzz and hype around this product lately, especially over the last year and I figured it was about time that I broke down the whats and whys around it. What exactly is CBD oil, what are its benefits, and how do you use it? I'd like to talk about the basics of CBD and learn how you can incorporate CBD oil into your routine, or not. Mind you this is MY personal and professional opinion but I have done mas research on the product and I do use it myself. 

The WHAT

Let’s break it down — CBD is a phytocannabinoid derived from two varieties of the cannabis Sativa plant: hemp and marijuana. The main difference between the two is that the CBD oil in hemp comes from the large stalks and bark of the plant and has very little traces of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive chemical that causes a “high” feeling or mind-altering effects.

The WHY

Why is the health and wellness community talking about and using CBD? CBD oil is gaining popularity in the health and wellness world as a way to reduce anxiety and depression, support a healthy heart, alleviate chronic pain, as well as treat common symptoms related to cancer and cancer treatment. But some supplements also couple it with melatonin to help you sleep better. As the research continues to grow about the effects and benefits of CBD, we can paint a better picture of how to incorporate it into our daily routines and use it for specific medical purposes. But until then, here’s a brief breakdown of what we know so far…

• CBD could help treat arthritis by eliminating the inflammation that’s associated with it. People living with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis have used CBD oil to help treat chronic pain. You can apply CBD oil or cream to areas where you need pain relief.

• Taking CBD may help anxiety, anxiety-induced insomnia, and social anxiety disorder. If you suffer from insomnia or anxiety, CBD oil may help you sleep better at night. Studies have shown cases of people who suffer from PTSD and severe anxiety benefiting from the sleep-inducing effects of CBD oil. You can add a drop of CBD oil to your cup of tea or bedtime smoothie. 

• CBD may lower chronic pain and reduce inflammation by interacting with neurotransmitters. While most studies on the effect of CBD on neurotransmitters were done on rats, research suggests that sensorial and affective dimensions of pain can be toned down by CBD.

• CBD has also shown anti-cancer properties and may help fight cancer cells from forming as well as serve as a therapeutic agent for leukemia. Studies suggest that CBD can inhibit the progression and growth of breast cancer cells, but more research in humans is needed to confirm its abilities.

• CBD has also shown promise as support for a healthy heart, as well as beneficial effects on diabetes. CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects can help promote vasorelaxation, which means reducing the tension in blood vessel walls.

Are there any known side effects of taking CBD? While there are many emerging studies showing signs of CBD’s health benefits, research is limited on its long-term effects. The bottom line here is that we have a lot to learn about CBD and more studies are needed to determine its effects on our overall health and specific medical conditions. 

Like I mentioned previously, I personally do use it, especially when I am feeling extra anxious that evening OR am unusually sore from training as a way to help my muscles relax and ENSURE I get a good night's rest. That being said, like all else, time and further studies will tell us more! 

Remember ladies and gentlemen!!! CBD oil is just a supplement to a healthy lifestyle. You can reap the same anti-inflammatory, stress-reducing benefits by following a well-balanced diet filled with vegetables and fruits and a regular exercise routine. Because when you make time to take care of yourself, the rest of your health follows. Right?! RIGHT! 

Please have a fantastic week everyone! <3 

All my love, 

Coach B