Anxiety: The feeling of dread, fear and uneasiness
Anxiety is amongst the most common reasons people use cannabidiol (CBD) products today. Over the past number of years cannabinoids such as CBD have become a staple of a well regimented mental health care routine for many around the world. There are countless studies, testimonials and mountains of research that conclude CBD has therapeutic benefits for treating anxiety in an alternative therapy context. Although we all experience anxiety at different levels of intensity, and cope with the symptoms in a variety of ways, I think we can all agree……it sucks!
At first glance, anxiety seems to be becoming more prevalent in our younger generations. Is the world a more stressful place than ever before, or have anxiety related conditions always existed to the same extent, but are becoming more recognised in the medical world as a diagnosable and treatable condition? Why is CBD oil such a good option for Anxiety, and can it stand up to our current medical paradigm of prescribing selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with a whole host of undesirable side effects. Keep reading to find out more! If your new to CBD, don’t forget to check our handy guide to CBD for beginners.
So what is anxiety exactly?
Anxiety is defined as “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.” It’s a perfectly normal human reactions to threatening or worrying situations. It’s a big part of the fight or flight response that keeps us safe by preparing the body to deal with danger. Stress is the body’s reaction to a threat, whereas anxiety is the body’s reaction to the stress. Sometimes anxiety is classed as irrational, and sometimes rational, but the effects are usually the same, and can both become overwhelming, resulting in anxiety disorders that can play havoc with your daily life and overall happiness!
Is anxiety on the rise?
According to the Global Health Data Exchange, approximately 4% of the worldwide population is currently affected by an anxiety disorder. In 2019, 301 million individuals globally were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, making it the most prevalent mental health condition. That’s a massive 50% increase when compared to the same statistical indicators from 1990. Despite the availability of effective treatments for anxiety disorders, only around 27.6% of those in need receive any form of treatment. Barriers to accessing care include a lack of awareness regarding the treatability of this health condition, insufficient investment in mental health services, a shortage of trained healthcare professionals, and societal stigma.
CBD and Anxiety: The Science
CBD primarily functions by engaging with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a complex network of endocannabinoids and receptors that impact mood and focus. By consuming CBD, naturally occurring cannabinoids can persist in the body for an extended period, potentially fostering a sense of calmness. When effective, this can lead to heightened feelings of relaxation and reduced anxiety. As previously mentioned, CBD could interact with serotonin receptors in the brain. While CBD itself does not directly elevate serotonin levels, it can influence how these receptors react to existing serotonin. Consequently, utilizing CBD may serve as a viable method to enhance mood and alleviate feelings of anxiety.
Types of CBD product for anxiety and stress
Oral tinctures/oils
Sublingual CBD oils are the cornerstone of any good CBD routine. They offer a wide range of flexibility in terms of dose and come in all shapes sizes and strengths. While there are flavoured oils on the market, high quality full spectrum oils tend to have a earthy taste which can be off putting for some users and interrupt their dosing schedule. Broad spectrum oils are a great alternative if taste is an issue, they offer many of the same benefits as full spectrum oils but have had some of the unnecessary components of the hemp extract removed which are also responsible for much of the negative taste.
Vapable CBD
Whether its disposable CBD bars, or CBD E-liquids added to an ecig, inhaling CBD is the fastest and most bio-available method of consuming cannabinoids. This makes vaping CBD especially useful for those prone to sudden anxiety or panic attacks. While the effects are short lived, they can last long enough to have a very calming effect and pair very nicely with longer lasting sublingual oils.
Gummies
CBD gummies have quickly become one of the most popular (and tasty!) ways to consume CBD. These are great for those who can’t stand the taste of traditional CBD oils, but still want to get the longer lasting effects of consuming CBD orally. Available in a never ended variety of flavours, and strengths. CBD gummies are pre-dosed, making it easy to control and monitor your CBD intake. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who are new to CBD and want to start with a lower dosage. They are also a more discreet way to consume CBD without drawing attention, as many of them just look like regular sweets. Overall, CBD gummies offer a convenient, tasty, and discreet way to incorporate CBD into your daily wellness routine. Check our ultimate guide to CBD gummies to find out more!
Capsules:
Much like gummies, CBD capsules offer a more discrete and pre-dosed way to take CBD. They are a little less cost effective than traditional CBD oils but have the added benefit of having no taste at all and can easily be added to daily supplement regiment. The CBD brother’s blue edition capsules are some of the best on the market and a really popular and cost effective option.
Tops tips to help alleviate anxiety
Conclusion
In summary, anxiety is something we all experience from time to time, and it can often be very easy to let it get out of control and let disrupt your day, your thought process and ultimately your overall mental health. Cannabinoids such as CBD and CBDA have demonstrated conclusive improvements in anxiety reduction through countless clinical trials and endless anecdotal evidence of the thousands of regular CBD users all over the world. Here at Nature’s Alternative, our goal is always to find the right product for the right person, and we appreciate that each customer has individual needs and a unique situation, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like advice or recommendations tailored specifically to you. Most importantly, don’t let anxiety get you down, there are brighter days ahead, and you’re most certainly not alone!
Email: contact.naturesalternative@gmail.com
Telephone: 02891225330
Thanks for reading!
Article by Kyle McAteer
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