Among their many health benefits, CBD products relieve depression and the various forms of anxiety disorders. The real cause of the current levels of anxiety and depression are not really known and in many cases a person’s circumstances are unique and cannot be standardized. However, scientists believe that anxiety and depression may be linked to chemical imbalances in the brain or to inflammation in the brain and nervous system or both. For example, low serotonin has been linked to depression. Any remedy that works must therefore reduce the inflammation or restore chemical balance or do both. Luckily CBD is neuroprotective, meaning that it maintains and regulates brain health and it is proven to be effective against anxiety and depression.
The following are some of the ways in which CBD works:
First, CBD is anti-inflammatory so it will reduce any inflammation in the brain and the nervous system and restore brain function and normal chemical reactions. This leads to the relief from depression and anxiety.
Secondly, CBD has an indirect interaction with cannabinoid cell receptors and it has a unique ability to directly interact with other cell receptors such as serotonin and dopamine receptors. Therefore, when CBD is ingested it influences brain activity resulting in the release of serotonin and dopamine throughout the body. Serotonin is the happy chemical known for contributing to wellbeing and happiness and low serotonin is an imbalance that is linked to depression. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for many brain functions including regulating how a person perceives and experiences pleasure and it is released during pleasurable activities. Research has linked too little dopamine to depression, boredom and lack of motivation. Scientists have found that CBD encourages release of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, bringing about a boost of happiness, pleasure, calm and motivation to do things.
Since stress is one of the leading causes of depression, using CBD appears to stabilize the mood and alleviate stress. In a 2011 study that focused on the modulation of serotonin system through endocannabinoid signaling, scientists found plenty of evidence that endocannabinoids are vital regulators of stress responses. For depressed people, therefore, it can be assumed that CBD will regulate a user’s response to stressful situations and reduce depression as a result.
Scientists at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil and King’s College in London found that high concentrations of CBD directly activate the 5-HT1A receptor and provide relief from anxiety.
Another way that CBD works is by repairing the brain and the nervous system. Studies have led to the conclusion that cannabidiol quickly triggers a quick rise in the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that plays a major role in the repair of the neural circuitry which has been damaged in depression and the formation of new neurons in the brain. They also found an increase in the formation of synapses between neurons in the central nervous system. This repair work leads to normal brain and nerve functions and the lifting of depression.
CDB works by regulating sleep. One of the symptoms of depression is insomnia and insomnia leads to further depression and stress. CBD has proven to be effective in regulating and establishing normal sleep patterns, leading to lower stress and the lifting of depression.
Chronic pain and acute pain are causes of anxiety and depression as they limit the enjoyment of life. CBD provides pain relief and freedom from pain leads to the ability to get involved more in life and that alone can help to lift depression.
CBD research: It has only begun:
More research is required to understand more how CBD works to lift depression and reduce or eliminate anxiety. Research is also required on the dosages that will bring the desired relief. For now, it is wise to for users to work closely with their physicians and to look for high quality CBD products.
Leading the CBD industry:
About Terravidaonline: It is one of the largest CBD suppliers in the US and globally. The company focusses on ethical CBD production containing pure, natural ingredients and close to zero THC. As well as managing a large B2B supply chain at wholesale prices, with a strong CBD affiliate network, the company also sells directly to the public. The CEO, Eddie Mamane believes in supporting medical research. On the company website they aggregate information from prominent universities, to share knowledge on how CBD contributes to better health and the fight against various chronic illnesses. To understand more about the industry, this CBD infographic may be useful.