Can CBD direct high cortisol levels?
Stress hormone, meet
Imagine a model situation. You have an important exam coming up and stress is starting to show. Your heart is racing, your chest is tightening, and you feel like your brain is doing one acrobatic stunt after another, dizzy, aching and foggy. You're unfocused and you feel a rush of energy.
The uncomfortable state you experience throughout your body is affected by cortisol. A stress hormone that functions as part of the endocrine system. It alerts the brain to any pressure or danger. But it is important to distinguish between stress and stress. While the one that plagues you before a tough sports match, an important speech in front of multiple people, before a scheduled surgery, a court appearance or during a training session does not harm the body and the mentioned hormone only supports the body in activity, chronic stress is toxic for the body. It can cause protracted health problems and hormonal imbalances that manifest themselves in a variety of complications such as irregular menstruation, hair loss, weight fluctuations, emotional instability, acne-prone skin, trouble conceiving, decreased libido or even excessive facial hair. However, unstable cortisol levels can also be caused by tumours of the adrenal glands (which produce cortisol) or the pituitary gland and by certain prescription drugs.
The stress hormone has other tasks besides reacting to stress:
- Control blood sugar
- Reduce symptoms of inflammation
- Improve memory
- Improve sleep
- Stabilize blood pressure
Once the adrenal glands start to produce cortisol, the pituitary gland (the hypothalamus) and the hypothalamus (part of the midbrain called the hypothalamus) encourage the hormone to bind to cortisol receptors throughout the body. If everything is working properly, the amount is in balance with the body's needs and proportional to the stressful situation. Fluctuations due to stress cannot always be prevented, but one must be able to work with elevated cortisol levels and reduce them to an acceptable level as quickly as possible. The following is a list of possible ways of working aimed at reducing cortisol production.
- Elimination of pro-inflammatory substances (especially semi-processed foods and refined sugars)
- Regular physical exercise (ideally three to five times a week)
- Meditation (time to think and perceive what is happening inside yourself and all around you)
- Adjustment of biorhythms and sleep (this makes cortisol rise and fall naturally and is more resistant to fluctuations and stress)
- Use of adaptogens, such as licorice root, basil, ginseng, cacao
- CBD intake
Why is large amounts of cortisol harmful?
After the stressful situation has passed, the hormone level should naturally decrease to its original value. If this does not happen, it puts a great strain on the body and in the long term can cause more serious problems such as cognitive decline, tingling in the limbs, a tendency to gain weight and develop insomnia, brain fog, high blood pressure and increased susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. This is because with higher cortisol levels, the body remains alert and mentally tense.
Just recall the feelings when you panic, can't find your keys, or are scared on a roller coaster, waiting for a diagnosis or dealing with trouble at the authorities. Even so, prolonged exposure to unpleasant and distressing situations is not good for the body and disrupts its smooth functioning. Problems begin with a sudden increase in heart rate and sweating, but can develop into chronic complications.
Relationship between CBD and cortisol
CBD is known, as confirmed by research and studies, to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. Cannabidiol can bind to receptors in glands such as the cortisol-secreting adrenal glands and can affect cortisol secretion.
For now, there is no direct link between CBD and cortisol, but some research suggests just a slight effect of cannabidiol on adrenal function. A study with eleven volunteers monitored cortisol levels before taking 300 mg of CBD and a placebo and two hours after. In those who took cannabidiol, the resulting hormone levels were lower.
Five ways CBD and cortisol work together
Research on the effects of CBD is ongoing and its beneficial effects on sleep, anxiety, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, sex and skin problems are being mentioned more and more frequently. The positive perception of this cannabinoid is also helped by user reviews.
CBD can be effective on at least the following four points, the fifth being a matter of regimen and timing. On the other hand, it is not possible to steer cortisol levels just by taking cannabidiol, one must embrace the changes and set up a regimen that benefits the body and in the long run enhances health and resists stress.
Sleep
Insomnia is one of the most common reasons people use CBD (the range of drops is constantly expanding). It is a condition where a person cannot fall asleep and even the sleep itself is poor quality, intermittent and shallow. The body does not regenerate sufficiently and all the processes that take place during the night, such as the "sorting" of information and stimuli in the brain, cannot take place. Cannabidiol helps you fall asleep faster as well as get through all the stages of sleep. This is what this study points out.
Equally important is regularity. Try to set bedtime and morning wake-up at the same time so that your body gets used to the regime and does not get unnecessarily stressed.
In shift work, the circadian rhythm suffers above all and sleep is unfortunately of poor quality. But there are ways to mitigate the effects of working at night. Cortisol is highest around 8am, and lowest just before bedtime around 10pm. But these are natural fluctuations that do not affect health and are related to the daily routine.
Motion
Five times a week, 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity is enough to oxygenate the body and awaken even small and deeply seated muscles to life. Regular exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle.
High levels of cortisol cause protein breakdown and gradual muscle loss, promote the deposition of visceral fat around the liver, heart or pancreas, inhibit calcium absorption in the intestines, retain sodium in the body, and reduce bone density and collagen synthesis, thereby damaging tendons and ligaments.
Dining
CBD reduces inflammation and can even fight infections that some antibiotics are resistant to. But you can greatly influence (and dampen) these problems with a properly adjusted and balanced diet. Careful selection of ingredients can suppress the development of inflammation, autoimmune diseases or skin problems.
Artificial sweeteners, preservatives, fizzy drinks, dairy products, peanuts, corn, bread or rice are particularly problematic. In contrast, you should increase your intake of anti-inflammatory raw materials, ideally forest fruits, walnuts and hazelnuts, almonds, fermented products (sauerkraut or bryndza), ginger or cinnamon.
Inner well-being
Nearly three quarters of a million people in the Czech Republic alone suffer from anxiety disorders, and more and more often these problems are also affecting children. However, only a negligible fraction of them seek medical help. Cannabidiol, when taken regularly and on a long-term basis, can alleviate mood swings, increase resistance to stress, and help better cope with stressful situations and emotions. This is what this study suggests. You can enhance the effects of CBD through meditation (for example, reiki or shinrin-yoku).
Many multinational companies (Google) follow a similar approach. Employees take regular breaks to reflect on themselves and what is happening around them. It is refreshing for the mind and as a result it increases work performance.
Gradually
It could be a big shock to the body to make all the above changes, such as exercise, diet, regular sleep and meditation. The body will react irritably in such situations and prevent improvement in the condition. These include fat storage, headaches and general fatigue, interrupted sleep and nausea.
Take your time. While you are taking CBD in reasonable amounts, gradually incorporate each life change and give your body enough time to adjust to the new regimen.
Summary
It is perfectly normal to experience stress and your body reacts to it. Everyone gets nervous and anxious at times. What is dangerous is chronically elevated cortisol levels, which can lead to a life-threatening condition. The good news is that there are many techniques to ease the effects of stress and relax the body and mind. CBD in this case is more of a band-aid that will amplify the effects of your efforts, such as adjusting your diet, sleep habits and regular exercise.
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