Cannabidiol (CBD), which is found in the cannabis plant, has been shown to have immense health benefits. The best part is that prolonged use of this compound does not affect your body negatively. Further, CBD does not get you high because it is different from Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Most CBD products on the market are derived from industrial hemp, which contains low levels of CBD.
Research shows that CBD can provide relief for a host of conditions such as stress-related disorders, multiple sclerosis, and more. CBD also has the potential to treat the symptoms of various age-related diseases. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs which can have harmful side effects, CBD has only minor side effects.
CBD has been found to benefit people of all age groups, including the elderly. Let’s explore how CBD can help older people.
Improves Heart Health
The topmost cause of death among old people is cardiovascular disease, according to the American College of Cardiology. Recent studies indicate that CBD can help to treat high blood pressure. In one study, scientists gave nine male participants a single dose of CBD and discovered that the compound reduced the blood pressure of the participants.
Another study showed that the antioxidant properties of this compound can prevent oxidative stress-induced cell death and help alleviate cardiac inflammation.
Anxiety disorders are more common among seniors than you might think. Studies show that CBD can be beneficial for mental health because it can elevate levels of a neurotransmitter called anandamide. Aptly called the bliss molecule, anandamide produces a feeling of relaxation and happiness. However, in many people, an enzyme called fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) degrades the neurotransmitter. CBD slows down the breakdown of anandamide by inhibiting FAAH enzymes.
There is also evidence that CBD helps activate serotonin receptors which play a vital role in modulating stress and mood.
Enhances Bone Health
Falls are among the top causes of death for males above 60 years of age. Also, about 25% of males and 33% of females above 50 years of age suffer from osteoporotic fractures. Osteoporotic fractures are caused by osteoporosis, a condition in which your bones become weak due to a loss in bone mass and deterioration. Weak bones are at a higher risk of fractures.
According to research, CBD can help make the bones stronger and fasten the healing process if a fracture happens.
However, more clinical trials and research need to be carried out to validate these findings.
During sleep, the brain removes toxic and harmful materials, such as free radicals. As a result, sleep plays an indispensable role in improving your well-being and health. Sleeping rejuvenates both your mind and body. Moreover, quality sleep is essential to avert neurodegenerative diseases associated with age. Sleep problems commonly affect people as they become older.
Studies show that CBD helps reduce muscle spasms caused by neuromuscular disorders that can interfere with sleep. Cannabidiol relaxes your muscles and soothes your mind, thereby allowing you to fall asleep easily. It also has a positive effect on your sleep-wake cycle.
Deters Neurodegenerative Disorders
According to studies, CBD works better than antioxidants like Vitamin C in preventing oxidative damage due to hydroperoxide. Further, cannabidiol may play a significant role in treating cerebral ischemia and other oxidative neurological disorders. CBD has been shown to improve memory, mental health and cognitive ability in people with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders. According to a patent published by the US Government in 2003, CBD is effective in treating inflammatory diseases, age-related diseases, and autoimmune diseases.