Can CBD Help Stabilize Mood?
Dec 29, 2022
The research is happening, and we can no longer ignore what’s coming forward about the benefits of CBD in health in wellness. One of those benefits is that of mood imbalances. In fact, it is recently being investigated in several neuropsychiatric diseases. We’ll explore why it works in this article and if it might be for you or someone you care for. We will also look at answering the question “Can CBD Help Stabilize Mood”?
For starters, what is CBD exactly? It is a non-psychoactive component that contains a natural chemical called cannabinoids. It comes from the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are a “feel good” natural chemical that our body naturally makes on its own. Please read What Are The Benefits of CBD and Why Does it Work to learn more about where it comes from and the many other benefits CBD offers.
CBD as Treatment for Mood Disorders
There are many studies suggesting that CBD may reduce the symptoms of anxiety, mild depression, and other mood disorders. Pub Med is one of those studies. This study shows that CBD was associated with significantly decreasing subjective anxiety and SAD. Many individuals who have been followed in these studies are currently taking medication for mood disorder conditions. And, they were able to reduce dosage or eliminate the drug altogether. This is excellent news, considering the side effects of many of these pharmacological treatments. CBD is considered to be a very safe alternative to prescription medication.
So why is it so effective? We have receptors in our body within the endocannabinoid system that CBD binds to. Cannabinoids are naturally made in our bodies. They assist with feelings of relaxation and joy. CBD binds to these receptors. These receptors are being utilized by the body, offering the same effect.
CBD Effects on Serotonin
If you’re familiar with talking about anxiety and depression, you’re familiar with serotonin. Let’s recap for a moment what serotonin is. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter that carries messages from our brain to our nervous system and other systems in the body. It also acts as a hormone. It assists in telling your body what to do. You will likely experience a shift in mood when your serotonin levels are out of balance.
Scientific studies have shown that CBD can affect serotonin levels, which helps manage mood disorders. CBD does not help produce serotonin but influences the brain’s response to its availability. Frequently, with mood disorders, the problem is not the amount of serotonin in the body. But, the ability of the body to utilize it effectively.
5-HT is a specific receptor in the brain. This is the specific receptor that serotonin binds to. When CBD binds to this receptor, it allows more serotonin to remain in the brain. When a depleted amount is causing a mood disorder, this is desired. (1)
What Symptoms Are Most Alleviated?
Let’s take a look at how it affects mood. One or more of the following symptoms may decrease by consistent use of CBD:
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Mild depression
- Nervousness
- Physical pain
- Other symptoms of PTSD
- Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Irritability
- SAD
- Other cognitive disorders
In this study, ninety-two percent of people experienced some relief. And, 68% reported that feelings of nervousness were “much better” with CBD. CBD also performed well at relieving panic attacks, mitigating mood swings, and quelling feelings of agitation, irritability, and sadness. (7)
Let me start by saying not all CBD is equal. Quality is essential to your success in usage. I explain what to look for in CBD products and include which company I recommend in my article, What Are the Benefits of CBD. I also discuss use in this article. In addition to quality, consistency is vital for your success.
Forms and Dosages For CBD
There are a couple of different options as far as forms and dosages. All of the following come in various dosages. I would recommend starting low and going slow. Of course, the dosage depends on the usage and the person’s height, weight, etc. Recent studies show up to 1500 mg per day is well-tolerated. And with little or no side effects. There is minimal risk of toxicity with CBD.
CBD Isolate – isolates only CBD from the hemp plant. The product has had all other compounds separated.
Full Spectrum– all available natural compounds of the hemp plant are included. THC may be present, but no more than 0.3 percent.
Broad Spectrum CBD– has all the plant’s naturally occurring compounds but no THC (or only trace amounts).
Nano-Enhanced Jellies – are great for those who do not want to take the liquid supplement. Nano refers to the product having naturally occurring compounds, similar to a broad spectrum. The only downfall is the added sugar and glycerin to create the gummy. However, if there is no worry about that, then these will be great choices.
In Conclusion
CBD is to be a promising new agent. It will help treat anxiety and other mood disorders. Given the available research and safety profile. If you have any questions about CBD please feel free to reach out. Or, if you would like to learn ways to manage your anxiety and mild depression, I would love to help!
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