What are the Neurological Effects of Taking CBD?

The neurological system has a critical role in how we function each day, which is why various neurological conditions can inhibit everything from our speech to our ability to walk.  That being said, it’s critical to maintain neurological health as we go through life, supporting this system of the body to the best of our ability.

Neurological conditions like dementia and epilepsy are notoriously difficult to treat, but more and more people are turning to cannabidiol (CBD) in hopes of using it as a natural remedy for these relatively common issues.  We are going to uncover what it is about CBD that makes it so potentially helpful for neurological disorders and imbalances.

The Endocannabinoid System and Your Neurological System

Cannabidiol belongs to a class of compounds known as “cannabinoids”, which are found in the cannabis genus.  Cannabinoids are the only compounds that work with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to bring us into homeostasis, as this system of the body consists of cannabinoid receptors located every bodily system including the digestive system, immune system, cardiovascular system and nervous system.  Cannabinoid receptors in the brain pertain to neurological functions, and when they are provided cannabinoids like CBD, they gain the ability to balance these functions to create a state of equilibrium.

Cannabidiol is known to act as a neuroprotective because of its relationship with these cannabinoid receptors.  What that means is that cannabidiol has the unique ability to strengthen healthy neurological function by protecting neurons and neural pathways in the brain, and thus, stimulating neurogenesis to compensate for neuron death which typically occurs with age, or in those who have experienced some type of neurological disorder or injury earlier in life.

Dementia and Cognitive Decline

One area that is getting a lot of attention right now is the use of CBD for cognitive decline – primarily dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, which cause the neurological system to rapidly devolve, eventually leading to death.  Research has shown us that the neuroprotective qualities of cannabidiol can preserve strong neurological function as a person ages, and potentially reduce the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s by boosting cognitive functions like memory, concentration and alertness, all of which become compromised in patients who have these conditions.  Because Alzheimer’s is a tragic and incurable condition, researchers are extremely hopeful about what cannabidiol can offer.

In fact, CBD is being explored for its usefulness in treating all kinds of neurodegenerative disorders because its neuroprotective properties are extremely promising, and also can be applied in all kinds of ways.

Epilepsy

Another exciting area of research is the link between CBD and epilepsy.  Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which inappropriate electrical activity in the brain causes seizures, which can range in frequency and severity.  Again, CBD’s neuroprotective, neurological-balancing properties show a lot of promise when it comes to addressing epilepsy and its symptoms.  In fact, results provided by researchers have been so conclusive that the FDA has approved a CBD-based drug for epileptic children.

What Should You Know About Using CBD For Neurological Benefits?

If you’re seeking out cannabidiol specifically for its potential neurological benefits, then it’s important that you speak with your doctor, who then might refer you over to a neurologist, depending first if you have a neurological condition, and second, if you’re already taking medications (either for it or for something else entirely).  CBD may suppress the ability that certain drugs have to metabolize properly by limiting the level of CYP3A4, a critical enzyme, in the body.  If this enzyme is too low, certain medications can build up in the system rather than break down between dosages.

Another thing to keep in mind is that CBD is the most effective when it’s taken daily, to sustain an active level of cannabidiol in the body to be as useful as possible.  So, if you’re going to use CBD, think about working it into your once-a-day routine.

CBD: A Unique Approach to Neurological Balance

Overall, cannabidiol has a lot of promise when it comes to addressing all kinds of neurological issues, and generally maintaining good neurological function.  Studies on the topic are very conclusive, offering hope that the cannabinoid can be enormously useful to those struggling with conditions like epilepsy and various forms of neurodegenerative diseases.  Again, as we simply cannot stress this enough, you might speak with your doctor initially if you strongly think that tsking CBD can be a good choice for you when it comes to addressing neurological symptoms.