Public curiosity around CBD has been on the rise for some time now, with millions of searches every month, but what does it do in the body and what are the effects it can provide? In this blog, we’ll go through how CBD impacts our bodies.
What is CBD?
CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol and it’s a compound found in the cannabis plant. Science tells us there are currently 113 known cannabinoids, each of which plays a different role in the endocannabinoid system in the body. Some of the most famous are THC and cannabinol, or CBN. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that doesn’t induce a high, and studies suggest it could provide benefits to our health and wellbeing. CBD can be found in a range of products from food supplements and topical treatments to CBD Isolate drops that can be taken sublingually.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
The body has a natural biological system known as the endocannabinoid system, which is complex and much of its function and processes are still unknown to researchers today. However, experts know that it does play a key role in many processes, from sleep and mood to memory and appetite. There are three components to the endocannabinoid system – receptors, enzymes and endocannabinoids – all of which function with or without CBD.
Receptors are present throughout the body and are what endocannabinoids bind to. Enzymes appear in several different forms and two specifically break down endocannabinoids. Finally, endocannabinoids keep internal functions running smoothly. To understand how CBD affects the body, we need to look at the relationship between receptors and endocannabinoids.
How does CBD work in the body?
There are two types of receptors, known as CB1 and CB2. CB1 are primarily found in the central nervous system and relate to coordination, pain, appetite, memory, movement and other functions. CB2, on the other hand, is located in the peripheral nervous system and impacts pain and inflammation.
Once the enzymes break the cannabinoids down, the endocannabinoids seek out receptors to bind to. Studies suggest that CBD doesn’t directly attach to receptors but rather it influences it in some form. Activating receptors is what allows for the impact CBD has on our health and it’s these benefits that people associate with the product.
Final thoughts
There are exciting developments in the world of CBD and the benefits it could offer to people with a range of different health concerns and difficulties. From easing stress and sleep disorders to pain and inflammation, understanding what CBD can do in the body is the first step to using this supplement responsibly and as a treatment for your health concerns. As with any supplement, it’s worth checking with your GP before you start using CBD to ensure it’s safe for your needs.
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