4 uses of CBD for hormone and metabolism regulation with evidence
When it comes to metabolism, CBD offers several key benefits that make it useful in managing long-term issues involving insulin resistance and weight gain.
This supplement is not sufficient on its own, but when combined with other dietary and lifestyle changes, it can offer substantial benefits to the overall metabolic system, which includes organs such as the pancreas (source of insulin), liver, digestive system, kidneys, adipocytes (fat storing cells) and brain.
The main benefits of using CBD for metabolism include:
- Regulates insulin production
- Reduces appetite and promotes weight loss
- Protects the liver, kidneys and pancreas
- Supports the effects of insulin
- Fights chronic inflammation
- May support blood lipid levels
1. CBD for diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder involving the hormone insulin. This hormone is responsible for moving sugar from the blood to the inside of cells where it is converted into energy. If there is not enough insulin (type I) or the insulin does not work properly (type II), it leads to diabetes.
CBD does not cure diabetes, but it offers useful benefits to support insulin function, alleviate side effects such as pain, and provide protective effects on the organs most affected by diabetes (such as the liver, kidneys and pancreas).
The benefits of using CBD for diabetes include:
- Helps curb appetite and reduce weight
- Protects the liver
- Relieves neuropathic pain
- Alleviates other side effects of diabetes
- Supports insulin function
- Promotes faster wound healing
- Protects insulin secreting cells in the pancreas
Evidence: CBD and diabetes
In a study involving 4 700 patients with prediabetes (elevated blood sugar levels that remain below the threshold for diabetes), patients were screened to measure the effects of cannabis on insulin sensitivity. The study found that people who used cannabis products had on average 16% lower fasting insulin scores (an indicator of lower insulin resistance).
In animal studies, overweight rats given cannabis extract for a prolonged period of time had heavier pancreases than rats in the control group. This study suggested that cannabis has a protective effect on the pancreas. A common side effect of high blood sugar levels is damage and destruction of the pancreas, leading to lower insulin secretion and worsening of symptoms as the disease progresses.
CBD also offers benefits in the form of appetite suppression. Obesity is a major contributing factor in the progression of type II diabetes. Achieving and maintaining an optimal BMI is one of the main goals of treatment for this disease.
2. CBD in fatty liver disease (steatosis)
There are two forms of fatty liver disease - alcoholic fatty liver disease (FALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). CBD is not a cure for either disease, but there is evidence that it can help slow the progression of both.
Steatosis is a serious medical condition that can usually be prevented if changes are made in diet and lifestyle (steps to control weight and sugar intake, giving up alcohol, regular exercise).
CBD offers supportive regulatory benefits endocannabinoid system - that is related to liver function. This compound may slow the progression of the disease long enough to allow for other necessary dietary and lifestyle changes.
The benefits of using CBD oil for fatty liver disease include:
- Regulates anandamide levels
- Limits appetite
Evidence: CBD and fatty liver disease
In an animal study, mice were given a high-fat, high-calorie diet for 15 weeks to induce fatty liver disease. Half of the animals were given a daily dose of CBD for two weeks to measure its protective effect. The researchers reported that blood lipids and body weight remained comparable in both groups at the end of the study. The CBD group, however, had better insulin resistance scores, reduced liver inflammation, reduced fibrosis in the liver, less cell death in the pancreas, and fewer signs of fatty liver disease overall.
Experimental studies suggest that the primary benefit of CBD in fatty liver disease is due to inhibition of cannabinoid receptor CB1. CBD is a modulator of endocannabinoid receptors, which means it can both increase and decrease receptor activity.
3. CBD in metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a complex disorder involving the way the body stores and uses sugar and fat to create energy. This condition is caused by lifestyle factors such as poor diet (high sugar and fat intake) and lack of exercise.
The only effective treatment for this disease is diet and lifestyle changes. To stop or reverse the progression of metabolic syndrome, it is necessary to eliminate from life foods high in sugar and fat, increased caloric intake, lack of exercise and the use of substances toxic to the liver, such as alcohol and nicotine.
CBD cannot cure or prevent this condition, but it can offer support in combating several underlying processes associated with the progression of the disorder. The primary causes of metabolic syndrome are insulin resistance, obesity, fatty liver disease and chronic inflammation - all of which CBD has direct benefits in combating.
The benefits of using CBD oil for metabolic syndrome include:
- Reduces appetite
- May slow the progression of fatty liver disease
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Relieves neuropathic pain
- Protects insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas
- Reduces inflammatory load
Evidence: CBD and metabolic syndrome
A study conducted in Australia involving almost 1.5 million patients was used to establish a correlation between cannabis use and the incidence of metabolic syndrome. The study found that patients who used cannabis had a significantly lower chance of developing metabolic syndrome than those who did not.
Further research in the form of clinical trials is needed to fully understand the benefits of CBD in metabolic syndrome.
4. CBD for weight loss
Achieving and maintaining your ideal body weight (based on your body mass index, or BMI) is one of the best steps you can take to maintain optimal health and well-being. While being slightly overweight is unlikely to affect your health, obesity has been linked to a wide range of health problems over the long term.
By far the best way to lose weight is diet and exercise. In some cases, you may need to address other underlying factors that contribute to weight gain, such as thyroid dysfunction or hormones.
CBD offers several weight-loss promoting benefits, but alone it is not enough to lose weight. For best results, CBD should be used in combination with other weight loss methods such as calorie-restricted diets, exercise regimens, and alcohol or cigarette cessation.
The benefits of using CBD oil for weight loss include:
- Reduces appetite, helps curb eating habits
- Reduces chronic inflammation associated with obesity
- Supports optimal hormone function
- Relieves digestive disorders and inflammation
- Supports mitochondrial function (where sugar and fat are burned for energy)
- May reduce insulin resistance
- Relieves stress and anxiety
Evidence: CBD and weight loss
Research on the weight loss benefits of CBD is limited, but there are several good correlational and animal studies that suggest CBD is a promising candidate for weight loss programs.
Recent animal studies have shown that CBD can reduce weight by increasing metabolism and reducing appetite. This study found that the mechanism of action depends on CBD's interaction with the endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 - both of which play a role in both fat and sugar metabolism.
Table of benefits of individual cannabinoids
CBD is not the only active ingredient that contributes to the overall health benefits of hemp extract. While CBD is the main ingredient, other ingredients also contribute to the overall health benefits of full-spectrum CBD oil kanabinoidy and terpenes found in hemp.
Here is a brief list of the many health benefits of cannabinoids:
|
Health benefit |
CBD (cannabidiol) |
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) |
CBN (cannabinol) |
CBG (cannabigerol) |
CBC (cannabichromene) |
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) |
|
Adaptogenic effects |
✓ |
✓ |
||||
|
Analgesic |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Anti-inflammatory effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Effects against cancer |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Anticonvulsant |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Antidepressant |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Antidiabetic |
✓ |
✓ |
||||
|
Antiemetic |
✓ |
✓ |
||||
|
Antiepileptic |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
|
Antimicrobial effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
|
Antioxidant |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Anxiolytic |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Stimulant to the |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
|
Suppresses |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
|
Immunomodulatory effects |
✓ |
|||||
|
Neuroprotective effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Sedative effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
What are the side effects of CBD?
All dietary supplements and medications carry a risk of side effects. The severity of these side effects depends on the specific substance.
Compared to other dietary supplements, CBD has a very low risk of side effects. Most people who experience side effects report that the reaction is mild, most often involving fatigue or dizziness.
In more severe cases, CBD can cause a noticeable drop in blood pressure, diarrhoea or nausea, although this is very rare. Side effects are more common with high doses of CBD and when it is taken with other drugs, supplements or alcohol.
The most common side effects of CBD include:
- Low blood pressure
- Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash
Summary: The Benefits of Using CBD
CBD is a very useful supplement that offers a wide range of benefits across multiple organ systems. It is used to support neurological function, cardiovascular health, immune function, and much more.
This impressive molecule can offer all of these benefits by interacting with a system responsible for regulating various processes in the body called endocannabinoid system. By supporting this system, CBD can influence hormone production, nerve function, inflammation, pain transmission, and more.
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