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CBD for Weight Management

The effects of CBD on weight loss or weight gain

Endocannabinoid System

We know that the human body has a built-in endocannabinoid system that responds to different compounds in the body through two cannabinoid receptors, called CB1 and CB2 receptors. Usually, the CB1 receptors exist mainly in the brain and the central nervous system, and are almost nonexistent in the rest of the body. In people with obesity, however, CB1 receptors become more widespread. This is true especially in fatty tissue. Because of this, researchers believe that there may be a link between the activation of the CB1 receptors and obesity.

CBD does not activate the CB receptors directly, instead influencing the body’s natural cannabinoids to either block off or activate the receptors. This may play a role in weight loss or other critical metabolic functions.

Food Intake and Metabolism

Preliminary research suggests that CBD may reduce food intake and boost metabolism, which could promote weight loss.

The endocannabinoid system stimulates other areas of the body involved in metabolism including the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine pancreas, and skeletal muscles, among others. CBD can assist metabolising compounds absorbed from food during digestion by prompting the two receptors.

Over stimulating the endocannabinoid system can lead to abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and increased energy storage in fat cells. CB1 receptor when over stimulated can increase odds of developing metabolic syndrome which is associated with adverse symptoms such as high blood pressure, excess body fat, and high blood sugar among others. It has been noted that CBD is a CB1 antagonist which may have the ability to treat such a condition and possibly others like it as well.

Surprisingly, cannabis use is associated with lower body weight

Using marijuana doesn’t cause sudden weight loss, but experts believe it may help with some of the underlying factors that can contribute to weight gain in some people. Some of these factors include:

It can increase mobility

Marijuana is believed to relieve symptoms of pain and stiffness. This means people with mobility issues may find that they are able to be more active when using marijuana, which would naturally contribute to weight loss or weight management.

It may cause people to drink less

Some experts have noted that those who use cannabis, tend to drink less. Alcohol, which has the highest calorie content next to fat, can be a significant factor to weight gain.

It can lower stress

Anyone who has ever dieted knows that stress eating is a very real thing. Studies have shown that people are more likely to overeat and choose high-calorie comfort foods when feeling stressed. If cannabis can ease anxiety and help a person remain calm, it enables them to make healthier food choices.

It may improve sleep

Evidence shows that poor sleep can be a major factor in weight gain. There’s also evidence that cannabis can improve symptoms of insomnia. Better sleep means better food choices.

CBD and Fat Cells

One study found that cannabidiol can promote the browning of 3T3-L1 adipocytes, in other words, the browning of fat cells.

Two types of fat – white and brown – exist in the human body

White fat is much more plentiful than brown, and is responsible for the storage of energy and production of hormones. However, it is also the fat most associated with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, when accumulated in excess.

Brown fat on the other hand, burns calories when stimulated. Scientists are studying brown fat as a potential obesity treatment if they’re able to find a way to stimulate it. Interestingly, research has shown that CBD may aid this process.

A recent study suggests that CBD plays dual modulatory roles in the form of inducing the brown-like phenotype as well as promoting lipid metabolism. Thus, CBD may be explored as a potentially promising therapeutic agent for the prevention of obesity.

In Summary

Though it’s not conclusive that CBD can aid in weight loss, the current research strongly suggests that CBD can help with maintaining weight. If weight loss is the goal, it would not do any harm in adding CBD to your current regime. Just do so knowing that the science is still new, and it may not help at all.

Find out more:

Crash Course on CBD

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21868374

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-for-weight-loss#weight-loss

A Crash Course on CBD (Cannabidiol)

August 25, 2018

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A Crash Course on CBD

(Cannabidiol)

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is all the hype these days. You’ve probably seen these three letters before, but what is it exactly?

CBD is a chemical compound known as a cannabinoid, which is extracted from the cannabis plant for its therapeutic benefits. A better known cannabinoid is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid responsible for that “high” feeling people experience. Unlike THC, cannabidiol contains very little psychoactive elements, which means it does not alter or change the consumer’s state of mind. This is the reason CBD is primarily consumed for medicinal purposes.

CBD Cannabinoid

CBD chemical compounds

How does CBD work?

All cannabinoids, including CBD, attach to the human body through receptors in order to produce effects. As mentioned earlier, the human body produces certain cannabinoids on its own, as well as having two receptors specifically for cannabinoids, called the CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are located throughout the body, but many are found in the brain. CB2 receptors are most commonly found in the immune system.

CBD Receptors

CB1 receptor and CB2 receptor

Methods of Consumption

Cannabidiol is most commonly consumed orally, topically, or vaporized. The preferred method varies depending on the ailment. For example, studies have shown that taking CBD orally (capsules or tinctures) does very little to help inflammation or joint pain. However, topical applications such as creams or gels infused with CBD have shown much more promising results.

Before trying CBD for yourself, it is always recommended to read the latest research publication for the best methods, or preferably, consult your family doctor.

When CBD is taken orally, it is absorbed through the digestive system and then metabolized by the liver in what is referred to as the “first pass effect”. This function actually reduces the concentration of CBD compounds that end up in the bloodstream.

While ingesting CBD is the easiest administration method, it is not the most efficient for high absorption levels. A recommended tip is to hold the CBD oil under the tongue for 60 to 90 seconds before swallowing. This will allow the mucus membranes in the mouth to absorb the CBD compounds and reach the bloodstream without being broken down by enzymes through the liver.

Topical

CBD applied directly to the skin never reaches the bloodstream, but it does interact with receptors near the skin surface to reduce inflammation and swelling. The application of CBD balms, creams, or lotions, must be applied liberally and often to overcome the skins low permeability.

Inhalation

When inhaled, CBD compounds are absorbed through the alveoli in the lungs, and then immediately transferred into the bloodstream. This method is the fastest method of absorbing CBD, as well as the most efficient.

How is it made?

CBD is made through an extraction process. This process usually includes a solvent (ideally a non-toxic fluid CO2, which is generally regarded as sage by the FDA and used extensively for extraction in the food industry) to separate and collect the essential oils and compounds from the cannabis plant. Generally, plants with low-THC and high-CBD are cultivated specifically for this purpose.

CBD

CBD for Weight Management-OLDFILE