CBD to fight stress

Stress is an emotional, mental, physical and behavioural response of an individual to environmental stimuli – stressors that trigger a stressful response, e.g. an unpleasant event, injury, mental stress, distress, stressful work environment. A stressor is a situation that an individual experiences as dangerous, whether the threat is real or not.

Each individual experiences different stressors differently, some of which present severe stress, while others present a welcome challenge or joy (e.g. noisy music).

Types of stress

There are two types of stress: short-term stress, which can also work as encouragement, as it increases dynamism and motivation and long-term or chronic stress, which is harmful to health and can lead to the development of various diseases. Diseases that may arise as a result of prolonged stress are:

metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, elevated triglycerides,

decreased immune response,

mental health problems: irritability, insomnia, anxiety, depression, burnout, tension, lack of willpower,

cardiovascular diseases: heart disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, arrhythmia,

menstrual problems

gastrointestinal problems: gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastric ulcer, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome

Stress physiology

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulates the stress response and activation of this axis triggers the processes necessary for survival; “fight-or-flight” response. Corticoliberin production is triggered in the hypothalamus, which stimulates the release of corticotropin in the pituitary gland, which affects the release of glucocorticoids in the adrenal glands.

The main representative of glucocorticoids in the stress response is cortisol, which raises blood sugar levels, raises blood pressure and suppresses the immune system. During chronic stress, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is constantly activated, which leads to a constant secretion of the stress hormone cortisol.

Symptoms of stress

Symptoms of stress can manifest on an emotional, physical, and behavioural level such as lack of energy, constant stiffness, muscle aches, changes in appetite, superficiality at work, lack of interest, decreased health and hygiene concerns, decision-making difficulties, pessimistic thinking…

What can we do on our own?

Quality and sufficient amount of sleep, varied diet and regular and moderate physical activity are extremely important for our health. In addition, we can also try to eliminate the source of problems ourselves, e.g. we change jobs, learn to say no, increase the organization of our work. Relaxation techniques also help reduce stress, as they improve well-being and increase the feeling of peace.

CBD and stress

CBD works by calming the hyperactive nerve endings in the brain and redirecting blood flow to that part of the brain. This relieves anxiety and gives a calming feeling. It also stimulates the neurotransmitter system and the regeneration of neurons:

– Serotonin: CBD acts on 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, which are thought to play a major role in anxiety attacks. The active substance buspirone, which is used in medicines to treat anxiety, also binds to the same receptor.

– Endocannabinodides: The body naturally produces endocannabinoids, which regulate the balance in the body. Chronic stress can result in an unbalanced endocannabinoid system, and CBD helps to restore and increase the body’s own production of cannabinoids. Studies in rodents have shown that CBD reduces anxiety-related behavior through its action on the endocannabinoid system.

– Neuronal regeneration: Chronic stress can damage neurons, but some areas of the brain are capable of regeneration, and CBD is thought to stimulate this process. Several studies have shown that CBD primarily promotes regeneration in the hippocampus.

The importance of sleep during stress

One of the many consequences of stress is also insomnia, which manifests itself in difficulty in starting sleep, waking up at night, and lower quality sleep. The resulting lack of sleep causes even more stress to the body.

Numerous studies have shown that CBD helps improve sleep and lower cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone and people who suffer from insomnia often have elevated levels at night. Scientists have found that 300 to 600 mg of CBD oil helps lower cortisol levels and consequently improve sleep quality. An additional three-month study of 103 participants found that 66.7% of participants improved sleep when they took 25 to 175 mg of CBD.

Conclusion

Stress can significantly lower your quality of life, so it’s important to reduce the amount of stress that badly affects you. You can do this with proper diet, sleep, physical activity and relaxation, and CBD can also help you fight stress. CBD restores balance in the body and helps in the regeneration of neurons. It also alleviates problems that arise as a result of stress, e.g. insomnia and loss of appetite.