Three benefits of CBD to protect the cardiovascular system with evidence (including CBD side effects)
The benefits of using CBD oil in heart disease include:
- Stabilizes blood sugar levels
- Promotes weight loss
- Reduces inflammation
- Lowers blood pressure
- Protects against oxidative damage
1. CBD and high blood pressure
Any value greater than 120/80 mm Hg is considered high blood pressure. The state of health of ‘hypertension’ is diagnosed when blood pressure exceeds 130/90 mm Hg.
Hypertension can lead to serious long-term consequences if left untreated for too long. It may increase the likelihood of developing other cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, diseases of the coronary arteries, or stroke.
CBD oil is a popular natural supplement that helps in the early stages of high blood pressure. However, you should always talk to your physician before using CBD products due to possible unwanted interactions between CBD and blood pressure medications.
The benefits of using CBD oil in hypertension include:
- Unblocks blood vessels
- Helps with anxiety
- Reduces inflammation in the arteries
Evidence: CBD and hypertension:
A randomized crossover study has found that a single dose of CBD (600 mg orally) in hypertension patients led to a decrease in resting blood pressure. This effect has been primarily associated with anti-anxiety supplements, which are a common cause of developing high blood pressure when at rest.
An experimental study using narrowed human arteries exposed to CBD extract has found a 40 % reduction in arterial pressure. Subsequent studies have found that the mechanism used by CBD to lower blood pressure depends on the modulation of the endocannabinoid receptors CB1 (found throughout the cardiovascular system). CB1 receptors triggered the release of nitric oxide, which is a powerful vasodilator(expands arteries leading to lower blood pressure).
2. CBD and stroke
A stroke is a condition affecting arteries that supply blood and nutrients to the brain. When blood vessels become blocked or rupture, blood cannot reach different parts of the brain. Within minutes, lack of blood flow results in the death of the affected neurons.
If a stroke is not treated immediately, it can lead to serious, long-term neurological damage. CBD is not a stroke treatment, but it offers benefits that can reduce the chances of developing one or increase the chances of survival and successful recovery.
The benefits of using CBD oil in a stroke include:
- Protects neurons
- Resists hypoxic damage
- Can improve blood flow to the brain
- Mitigates common root causes
Evidence: CBD and stroke:
There are no extensive clinical studies to demonstrate the benefits of taking CBD in stroke patients. However, several preclinical studies suggest that CBD may be a promising candidate for the role of a supportive agent in ischemic injuries caused by stroke.
Animal studies examining the protective effects of CBD on ischaemic injuries (injuries caused by lack of oxygen) found significantly less permanent damage in animals treated with CBD immediately after the injury.Hence, CBD seems to have a protective effect against ischemia.
Other studies on the benefits of CBD in stroke suggest that most of the effects come from its ability to modulate the CB1 endocannabinoid receptors. These receptors have been shown to provide neuroprotective effects by prevention of hyperexcitation of neurons, promote phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase–AKT pathway, and resist hypothermia.
3. CBD and atherosclerosis:
Atherosclerosis is characterized by the accumulation of fatty deposits on the arterial walls. These deposits are formed by cholesterol, various lipids, calcium, and fibrin. As the so-called plaque builds up, the walls of the arteries become thicker, causing reduced blood flow through the artery. This means that less blood, oxygen, and nutrients are distributed within the body.
This condition can go unnoticed for many years. If blood flow is too reduced, it can cause hypoxia of the tissue that the vessel supplies (lack of oxygen). If this blockage occurs in the large arteries that feed the heart, brain, or limbs, it can have serious consequences. Several examples include heart attack, angina, kidney failure, or peripheral artery disease.
CBD has been shown to offer strong preventive benefits for atherosclerosis by acting on several of its underlying causes.
The benefits of using CBD oil in atherosclerosis include:
- Stabilizes blood sugar levels
- Promotes weight loss
- Reduces inflammation
- Lowers blood pressure
Evidence: CBD and atherosclerosis:
There is no clinical research specifically examining the impact of CBD on atherosclerosis. Still, there are plenty of studies that suggest that CBD is a promising treatment option due to its effects on several underlying causes of the disease.
For example, CBD and other endocannabinoid regulators have been shown to lower blood pressure in rats with induced hypertension. High blood pressure has been proven to significantly increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease later in life.
CBD has also been shown to activate PPAR, which has several protective effects against the progression of atherosclerosis.
Chart of benefits of individual cannabinoids
CBD is not the only active ingredient that contributes to the overall health benefits of cannabis extracts. While CBD is the main component, other cannabinoids and terpenes found in the cannabis plant also contribute to the overall health benefits of full spectrum CBD oil.
Here is a brief list of the many health benefits of cannabinoids:
|
Health benefits |
(cannabidiol) |
(tetrahydrocannabinol) |
(cannabinol) |
(cannabigerol) |
(cannabichromene) |
THCV |
|
Adaptogenic effects |
✓ |
✓ |
||||
|
Analgesic |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Anti-inflammatory effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Anticancer effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Anticonvulsant |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Antidepressant |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Antidiabetic |
✓ |
✓ |
||||
|
Antiemetic |
✓ |
✓ |
||||
|
Antiepleptic |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Antimicrobial effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
|
Antioxidant |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Anxiolytic |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
|
Appetite stimulant |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
|
Suppresses appetite |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|||
|
Immunomodulatory effect |
✓ |
|||||
|
Neuroprotective effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Sedative effects |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
What are the side effects of CBD?
All dietary supplements and medications carry the risk of side effects. The severity of them depends on a specific substance.
Compared to other nutritional supplements, CBD has a very low risk of side effects. Most people who have experienced 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, diarrhea, or nausea, although this is very rare.Side effects are more common with high doses of CBD and when taking it along with other medications, supplements, or alcohol.
The most common side effects of CBD include:
- Low blood pressure
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash
Summary: 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 functions, cardiovascular health, immune functions, and many more.
This impressive molecule can offer all these benefits by interacting with a system responsible for regulating various processes in the body called the endocannabinoid system. By supporting this system, CBD can affect hormone production, neural function, inflammation, pain transfer, and more.
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