Adding CBD into a wellness routine could potentially aid in easing pain, lowering stress and sustaining restful sleep.

CBD oil has gained popularity across the U.S. for medicinal uses. Doctors are prescribing CBD oil to alleviate stress, boost mood, combat fatigue, and treat pain. If you are wondering how to take it, how to compare products, and when to use it, here is everything you need to know.

WHAT IS CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a specific non-intoxicating chemical in the Cannabis Sativa plant.​​ CBD is a natural remedy many people use for common ailments such as pain, inflammation, stress and sleep difficulties. 

Highly concentrated CBD has varying levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the active compound responsible for mind-altering effects. The psychoactive compound of THC has a wide array of medical applications but has mainly been used for psychoactive usage. THC properties differ from CBD in that CBD does not have psychoactive effects. 

WHY CBD OIL IS PREFERABLE TO OTHERS?

Nicholas S. Calabrese, PhD, Assistant Professor of Botany, Director of the Laboratory for Invertebrate Pathogenesis and Biology at Oregon State University, and an international authority on medicinal plants explains, “There’s emerging evidence that supplemental CBD can have beneficial effects in some patients who do not respond positively to conventional treatments.” Several studies (readily available to curious readers) have demonstrated CBD oil as both a natural supplement and/or applied topically has produced improved results in common ailments. 

HOW IS CBD ADDED TO FOOD?

CBD oil comes in many forms such as gummies, lozenges, tinctures, pills, and creams. These products have been rapidly gaining popularity within the last few years. “CBD gummies, gels, lozenges, tinctures, pills, and creams are all liquid that come pre-measured and they’re simple to take,” says Jeffrey Parent, a California-based orthodontist.

Just as with other CBD food and drink products, there is research to support the positive health benefits products such as these have to offer. One review, for example, noted people who consumed one tablespoon of CBD oil daily for four weeks experienced reduced levels of cortisol (the hormone that’s responsible for elevated stress levels) and reduced muscle spasms associated with inflammation.

BRIDGING NUTRITION, WELLNESS AND CBD 

An animal study published in 2018, and followed up by additional research over the years, has found CBD to be an effective sleep aid. Research has shown that emotional processing during the night is the primary cause of poor sleep. Using sleep curtailment apps and quality CBD products can help to promote a state of relaxation resulting in better sleep. The simultaneous use of CBD and meditation can become your best sleep technologies. Not only does sleep benefit the body, but it is beneficial for the mind as well. Feeling tired during the day affects focus and clarity during waking hours. Using sleep curtailment apps and quality CBD products can help the mind to relax during the night, allowing you to avoid sleep disruptions. The day following true, restful sleep will generally be more productive. Giving your body a well-deserved break is a key to wellness.

With the integral role that sleep has on your health, it is important to take good care of your surrounding space. Foregoing luxuries will not only help you maintain healthy living habits but will also reset your body’s internal clock. By shutting off lights, keeping the environment as dark as possible, and limiting your screen-based entertainment, you can help ensure that your circadian rhythm gets the rest it needs to function optimally.

Continual sleep deprivation over a prolonged period of time can be linked to significant health problems. We can all attest to feeling lethargic and uninspired after a longer period of inactivity. This is thought to be due to a disruption in the circadian rhythm. How you feel impacts your health and can set the course for good or bad health. It is important to make certain lifestyle changes because bad habits can be hard to break.

PCOS, also known as a polycystic ovarian syndrome, is the most common endocrine disorder in both men and women worldwide. It is characterized by excess androgen hormones inside the body. Intermittent fasting is of particular interest for women with PCOS, as it can aid in both hormone balance and metabolism. According to William Hastings-Sayre, LCSW, there are important advantages to fasting as well. These include prevention of weight gain, reduction in risk of diabetes, lowering blood pressure, inflammation, depression, and eye strain.

Fasting also helps to restore natural sleep-wake cycles, resulting in better restorative sleep. To regain good sleep, there are steps you can take which include limiting the sugar in your diet. Insisting on no sugar for at least 12 hours before bedtime can help to balance out your natural rhythm and allow you to naturally reset your body clock.

All of these strategies can aid in a restful, consistent night sleep.

STRETCHING AND BALANCE

Stretching is a staple in our fitness routines. Physical activity without stretching can often lead to injuries. In 2015, a study found that athletic injuries cost American athletes $27.7 million per year. With so many injuries happening across multiple sports, it’s important to target the prevention and restoration of injuries first.

An injury causes inflammation in our tissues causing a disruption in cellular functions. As a result, blood flow, oxygen, nutrients, and minerals are impaired. The result? A compromised healing process and risk of re-injury.

In order to prevent future injuries, it is important to continually increase your flexibility in your lower body (lower back, hips, ankles, and feet) and strengthen your core muscles. The goal is to maintain or improve flexibility over time to allow you to strengthen your tissues at the cellular level.

By increasing flexibility, we are improving our tissue quality, and this is the foundation upon which cellular repair and regeneration can occur.

On rest days, aim to stretch a few times. You can focus on improving performance, targeting mobility, balance, proprioception, and posture improvement. Utilizing CBD on both rest days and active days can help maintain your body’s health and well being.