According to the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States. In fact, around 40 million adults, which make up around 18% of the population, are affected by anxiety. It’s also worth mentioning that high stress is also very common, especially among adults.
In today’s high-strung society where expectations are higher than ever before, a growing number of people are relying on medications in order to reduce anxiety, stress, and to keep them more balanced mentally. But what is there was a way to ease anxiety and stress without having to worry about a laundry list of risks and complications?
CBD-based products are more popular than ever before. Hundreds of companies have come up with all sorts of products, including tinctures, lotions, drinks, and even delicious gummy treats to help those who need a little bit more calm and relaxation in their life.
Here’s what you need to know about CBD gummies for anxiety and how the CBD
How Stress & Anxiety Are Related
There are many factors that contribute to one’s risk of experiencing anxiety. Genetics play a role, but for most people, the biggest source of anxiety is high levels of stress. When we’re constantly stressed, the brain is trained to be anxious and on-edge. Are you curious to learn about CBD is able to reduce stress and anxiety? Most of the action (and reaction), happens in the brain.
The fact of the matter is that neither our brains nor our bodies were designed to be in a constant state of panic. Having high levels of stress hormones on a constant basis wreaks all sort of havoc in the body, including an increased risk of heart disease, depression, fatigue, headaches, and a weakened immune system. High stress can also cause imbalances within the endocannabinoid system.
Thankfully there are many different ways you can reduce stress and anxiety. While you could try yoga, deep breathing techniques, and calming herbal teas, CBD gummies for anxiety can also be quite helpful.
What is CBD?
CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is extracted from hemp and cannabis plants. CBD oil is rich in cannabinoids, which react with certain receptors in the brain. What’s different about CBD, when compared to other cannabinoids such as THC, is that CBD doesn’t produce a high.
Most CBD products are processed and manufactured in a way that all traces of THC are removed. This way, users don’t have to worry about the possible side effects of a psychoactive substance. It also makes the substance safer for children and even pets.
How CBD Reduces Stress & Anxiety
There are many studies that have produced evidence that shows that CBD has anti-anxiety properties. While there’s still a long way to go research wise, there’s plenty of good evidence so far that has shown that CBD can be useful in treating not only stress and anxiety, but also anxiety disorders such as:
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
While THC is known to make people feel relaxed and calm, too much can actually over-stimulate certain receptors, which increases the risk of anxiety and paranoia. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive as well as non-intoxicating, and has only shown to decrease stress and anxiety levels.
Let’s Get Scientific
So what’s the science behind all of it? CBD targets over 65 different areas of the brain and body. In the brain, CBD is able to counter anxiety by stimulating neural regeneration and neurotransmitter systems.
Let’s look at serotonin. This hormone is often associated with happiness, but the fact is that serotonin is actually quite complex. Its effects are highly dependent on where it is and what it binds to. In terms of CBD, it specifically binds to 5-HT1A, which is said to have a strong role in anxiety disorders.
In order to understand how CBD impacts the brain, it’s also important to understand endocannabinoids. What most people don’t realize is that the body naturally produces cannabinoids. When the endocannabinoid system is under constant stress, it can become unregulated and imbalanced. But, CBD may be able to restore balance to the system by increasing the production of endocannabinoids.
Last, CBD gummies for anxiety may increase neural regeneration. Chronic stress not only damages neurons, it can actually shrink the brain. But, the good news is that many regions of the brain are capable of regenerating. Throughout life, we form new neurons and connections, and in turn our brains grain. CBD may be useful in boosting this process to counteract brain damage as a result of stress.
Why Gummies Are Ideal
If you’ve ever done a little research into CBD products, you likely found that there are tons to choose from. From lotions to tinctures to vaping liquid and more, there’s no shortage of products to choose from. But, one of the most popular CBD products to hit the market in the last few years is gummies.
Unlike other CBD products, gummies are quick, easy, and convenient to eat. You can take them anywhere, whether you’re driving, at work, or relaxing at home. What consumers like the most about CBD gummies for anxiety is that companies go above and beyond to make them taste delicious.
In its natural form, CBD can be quite bitter. But, if you take a look at some of the CBD gummies on the market, you’ll find that they’re crafted to be as tasty as possible. Most companies create fruity or candy-based flavors that bring you back to your childhood, giving you a sweet treat that serves a great purpose.
When taking CBD gummies for anxiety, it’s important to also conduct thorough research. Remember, the CBD industry is not regulated. This means that mislabeling and low quality products are a real risk. To ensure you’re choosing a quality company, always read customer reviews, look for certifications (ie. 100% organic), and take the time to do a little digging on the brand’s history.
Conclusion
For decades now, prescription medications have been the go-to option for treating stress and anxiety. But, with the passing of the Farm Bill, there’s an ever-increasing chance that CBD-based products may become an alternative method for treating stress and anxiety.
Have you ever taken CBD gummies for stress? What kind of results did you have? Let us know in the comments!
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