The Benefits of CBD for Senior Citizens
CBD is currently one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States because of products like CBD infused oils and edibles which can deliver remarkable benefits to users of all ages and backgrounds. Senior citizens, in particular, have become a loyal base for CBD products as they have begun to trade their conventional medications for naturally-derived CBD.
But, what exactly is CBD? And why are senior citizens turning to this hemp-derived product?
THE STATUS OF CBD IN 2019
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound found in hemp. Despite its close relation to psychoactive cannabis (better known as “marijuana”), hemp and hemp-derived products don’t make you “feel high.” As a result, hemp-derived CBD is legal in the United States. With the recent passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD products can now be purchased in stores or online nationwide.
CBD OIL BENEFITS
Research suggests CBD can have an extensive array of health benefits as a result of its natural analgesic properties. Over time, CBD can help promote wellness by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors located throughout our immune and nervous systems. Among many things, endocannabinoid receptors are responsible for regulating vital biological functions such as pain sensitivity, sleep cycles, and anxiety levels.
Here are some reasons CBD has become such a popular supplement for senior citizens:
Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety disorders are often more common and severe in older adults. There are many triggers that manifest as they get older. In many cases, anxiety disorders in the elderly can turn into more serious conditions like chronic panic attacks and depression.
When it comes to our mental health, studies suggest CBD can be particularly beneficial because of its ability to boost levels of the neurotransmitter anandamide. Anandamide promotes feelings related to happiness and relaxation; however, in many individuals, anandamide is rapidly degraded by the enzyme FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase). CBD inhibits FAAH enzymes slowing down the degradation process of anandamide and allowing it to stay longer in our systems.
There is also conclusive evidence that CBD helps activate the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor. Serotonin receptors play an important role in mental health as they modulate anxiety and mood which is why serotonin receptors are usually the primary target of antidepressant medications.
Fitness and Mobility
Muscle and joint pain can drastically change the everyday routine and overall lifestyle of people as they get older. Simple tasks like playing with grandchildren, walking the dogs, or going for a swim may be difficult to enjoy due to excruciating chronic pain in the back, hips, and other parts of the body. Over time, limited mobility can influence our sense of independence and lead to severe consequences for our physical endurance and immune functions.
Because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil for pain can be an effective treatment for pain and physical discomfort. When it interacts with our nervous system, CBD helps generate pain-resisting responses from cells, thus increasing our pain threshold. That is why professional athletes, like UFC champion TJ Dillashaw, are using CBD to aid them in their daily workout routines for recovery purposes. Whether you are looking to stay committed to an exercise regimen or just trying to spend more time playing with your grandchildren, a daily dose of CBD oil for pain can help you stay active and independent well into your golden years.
Better Sleeping Patterns
Another common reason seniors are adding CBD products to their daily routine is to balance their sleep and wake cycles. As we age, medical conditions and common sleep disorders can prevent us from getting quality sleep at night. In the long run, lack of sleep in older adults can lead to serious medical conditions such as heart disease and significant weight gain.
Because CBD can reduce anxiety and pain, thousands of users across the country choose to use CBD as a nighttime sleep aid. Some CBD products for sleep even contain melatonin which is the hormone responsible for regulating sleep in humans. A nightly dose of CBD and melatonin can be particularly successful for patients with recurring sleep problems as their combined effects produce a relaxing and calming effect that can improve overall quality and quantity of sleep. There is a segment of people out there that CBD and melatonin will not work that is why we created our CBD Sleep Aid Nasal Inhalers.
A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE
Probably the most important reason CBD has become a popular alternative for seniors is that it produces no significant side effects and is non-addictive as opposed to many pharmaceutical drugs. CBD also gives users a wider range of options as it can be found in a wide variety of forms such as CBD oils, CBD edibles, and even CBD coffee.
If you are over the age of 50, CBD can prove to be an excellent ally for your health and wellness needs. If you are considering CBD for your daily routine, make sure extracts are obtained from industrial hemp grown in the United States. Most importantly, look for CBD products formulated by licensed pharmacists and tested by independent labs to ensure they meet all industry standards and regulations.