How CBD Affects Serotonin and Why It Matters for Anxiety?
Anxiety is not simply something that's "in your head." Anxiety comes from the way your brain and body are wired especially, how your brain and body work with a key chemical messenger called serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for basic mood stabilization, making you feel calm, and establishing emotional well-being. If serotonin is depleted, anxiety can be elevated. This is where CBD comes in.
What is Serotonin?
Serotonin
is a natural chemical that influences mood, emotion, and even sleep. It is
referred to as the "feel-good" chemical in your body since healthy
serotonin levels can mean less anxiety and an increased emotional
balance.
Serotonin
has also been linked to disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression,
insomnia, and chronic stress. For this reason, many traditional medications
like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are designed to increase
serotonin levels in the brain. But SSRIs don't work for everyone and often come
with side effects. That’s where CBD helps with anxiety.
Cannabidiol
(CBD), a compound found in hemp, has received much attention as a potential
natural support for mental health. Unlike traditional interventions like SSRIs
that directly increase serotonin levels, CBD acts primarily on the body's
endocannabinoid system (ECS)-a complicated neural network responsible for
maintaining homeostasis in the body including mood balancing.
The
ECS contains cannabinoid receptors positioned throughout the brain and the
body. CBD interacts at various levels at some of the ECS receptors, but it has
strong evidence of action at the 5-HT1A receptor, which is vital for fighting
anxiety and panic. While CBD does not directly act on this serotonin receptor, it
could act to activate or enhance the effects of the serotonin your body is
already producing.
So
in a way, CBD increases calmness and emotional regulation, along with
decreasing the episodes of panic and stress because it assists your body's own
utilization of serotonin.
How CBD and Serotonin Work Together to Enhance Your Mood?
1. Stabilize Anxiety
CBD
is considered to be well-tolerated by individuals with a variety of anxiety
disorders including generalized anxiety disorders, social anxiety, phobias, and
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Those with obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD), and panic disorders may also experience benefits from taking CBD in
addition to their prescribed medications.
2. Help Lift Depression
Because
CBD has natural interactions with serotonin and other hormones,
neurotransmitters, and enzyme systems, it can also affect and influence the
regulatory processes of the body. Also, there are lot of studies to show that
CBD not only helps to raise levels of molecules that tend to improve mood
directly, but it also helps to stop their faster destruction. Further, it
boosts the production of more secondary and tertiary source molecules from
which the "mood" molecules are derived.
3. Decrease Physical Pain
CBD
can help reduce physical pain whether it is a chronic disease like restless leg
syndrome or others. Also, it can lift someone's mood and allow them to be
active (another thing that can boost serotonin levels).
4. Support a Healthy Sleep Cycle
Most
people can't sleep or can't stay on a regular sleep schedule because of stress.
Whether or not you suffer from a diagnosed anxiety or depression disorder,
outside factors in your life such as work, family, relationships, and current
events can take a mental toll without you even realizing it. While CBD on its
own may provide some mental relief, it can be combined safely with other
helpful ingredients or as melatonin to better promote sleep.
How to Use CBD for Anxiety?
CBD
is available in different forms—tinctures, capsules, gummies, topicals. Finding
which form works best is entirely based on your needs and lifestyle. If you are
looking to for general anxiety, CBD oil or capsules work effectively, as they
provide longer lasting results, and allow you to take an accurate and consistent
dose.
As
always, it’s best to start low and go slow. Start with a small dose and slowly
increase its level, as needed. It’s better to consult with a Certified CBD
Consultant to help you find the best option for you and your body's health
goals.

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