CBD Blog

The ACE in the hole

 

Over the last few months, there has been much frantic scurrying to find potential treatments to use against the Novel -V.  One such potential treatment that has garnered quite a bit of interest is CBD (cannabidiol), in this article we look at why this cannabinoid may be the ace in the hole.

 

Disclaimer! 1111CBD LLC does not advocate the use of any of its products for the treatment of any infection or terminal illness, without the advice of your registered medical practitioner. The FDA has not approved or tested CBD for coronavirus or Covid19.

 

The reason that CBD is being investigated is evident when we understand how this virus spreads, gains entry into our cells and how some folks recover, whilst others head into critical territory at increasing speed.  A clear understanding of how the immune system works is fundamental as the immune system’s power to save your life is only equalled by its power to abruptly end it.

 

After the 1918 Spanish flu, which is known as the mother of all pandemics, due to it infecting a third of the world’s population and claiming as many as 50 million lives, research into the culprit mechanism responsible for mortality, revealed that while trying to destroy flu-infected cells, the immune system also destroys many perfectly healthy cells all over your body. The virus’s destructive impact on the cell triggers the immune system to overreact, as the virus spreads through the cells triggering apoptosis (cell death), the greater the immune response.  This is how a virus can overcome its host; it uses the body’s own defense against itself. As the viral load increases the immune system responds with a reaction so destructive it can be fatal, the stronger the immune system, the greater the ferocity of the storm.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/flus-lethality-is-attributed-to-immune-systems-overreacting-to-the-virus/2011/11/21/gIQA76GpWP_story.html

 

The Novel virus gains entry into our cells through the ACE II receptor, these receptors are located in the nose, mouth, throat, lungs, arteries, stomach, small intestine, colon, beneath the outer skin layer, lymph nodes, thymus, bone marrow, spleen, liver, kidney, testes and in the brain. These are all integral components of the immune system. Once a viron particle gains entry into the cell via the ACEII receptor, it hijacks the cell’s own machinery and uses it to make copies of itself in a process known as viral replication, this eventually leads to cell destruction (apoptosis). These copies of the viron particles are then released into the body to find and invade more healthy cells, resulting in a cascade of cell destruction, causing the immune system to panic and a Cytokine storm ensues.

 

Cytokines are molecules used by immune cells to pass messages between each other; these molecules direct the immune system to the site of infection by identifying specific viral cells it should be attacking. Cytokine storms can cause serious damage in the body particularly in the lungs, as a result of the cellular destruction not only from the virus, but even more so from the immune cells overacting.  T Cells considered the Generals of the immune cells, Macrophages which literally eat the viruses and should be excreted and the NK cells or natural killer cells, all rush into battle.

Manufactured-T-cells-Attacking-Cancer-Cell

The fundamental approach of the immune system is to detect infected cells and initiate apoptosis, notably this process is partly under the control of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is tasked with promoting balance through a process of Immunomodulation, characterized by its ability to influence control over the following:

 

  • Endocrine system – hormones
  • Nervous system -neurotransmitters
  • Immune system – cytokines, macrophages, T Cells

As the virus infects more and more cells and the viral load increases exponentially, soon making its way into the lungs where it becomes particularly dangerous. Once the virus has made its way into the lungs, gaining entry into the lung cells through the ACE II receptors it causes apoptosis and triggers massive damage due to the resulting immune response.  This critically damages the cell tissue and causes fibrosis thereby permanently inhibiting the person’s ability to absorb and metabolise oxygen. This is why ventilation is required as it is used to open up the airways. Part of the immune systems innate response to a viral attack involves the agents characterized above and arrives in the form of mucus and inflammation, packed full of these immune cells. When however the lungs are concerned, considering the impact of the fibrosis, the additional formation of mucus can inflate the severity of the condition even further and the condition of acute respiratory distress syndrome occurs.

 

The ACE II receptor is responsible for the conversion of angiotensin proteins, hence their name Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). ACE2 specifically helps lower blood pressure by catalysing the hydrolysis of angiotensin II (a vasoconstrictor peptide) into angiotensin (1–7) which is a vasodilator.

 

It is important to note that ACEII receptors counter the activity of the related (ACEI) by reducing the amount of angiotensin-II, by hydrolysing it into Angiotensin (1-7).  Therefore if our ACEII receptors are compromised by the virus, it leaves little option for converting angiotensin, only one pathway is available and as we have discussed it leads to the development of inflammation and ultimately fibrosis. Here is a diagram depicting the pathway and consequence of each, courtesy of Dr. Mike Hansen who specialises in pulmonary medicine, critical care medicine and internal medicine.

As you can see, without the ACE2 receptor pathway, Angiotensin 1 and Angiotensin 2 will not be able to be converted into Angiotensin 1-9 or Angiotensin 1-7 which would result in vasodilation and is anti-fibrotic, instead Angiotensin 1 is converted into Angiotensin 2 and then into either AT2R which is good, but it will also convert to AT1R which can be catastrophic for someone with respiratory distress already struggling to breath due to the effects of the cytokine storm and cellular necrosis (functional damage due to structural deformation).

 

CBD on its own, without THC is bidirectional, meaning that its action on the CB1 receptor changes dependant on the need of the system. THC pushes in one direction on the CB1 receptor and is immunosuppressive regardless of the system’s needs. This amazing characteristic of CBD makes it a powerful tool for immune system modulation, either influencing it in a stimulatory or if necessary an inhibitory manner. The following quote from a recent study illustrates this point and additionally reveals its potential for use as a powerful tool in the fight against this novel –V.  

 

“Modulation of ACE2 levels in these gateway tissues may prove a plausible strategy for decreasing disease susceptibility. Cannabis sativa, especially one high in the anti-inflammatory cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD), has been proposed to modulate gene expression and inflammation and harbour anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Working under the Health Canada research license, we have developed over 800 new Cannabis sativa lines and extracts and hypothesized that high-CBD C. sativa extracts may be used to modulate ACE2 expression in COVID-19 target tissues.”

 

The following tables demonstrate the ability of CBD to work bi-directionally, table 1 demonstrates in some cases immunosuppressant effects are achieved whilst in other tests an immunostimulatory effect was observed. Table 2 study of mice influenza, demonstrates that CBD stimulated the immune system. Additionally in many of the diseases involving the pulmonary system, CBD improved lung function whilst reducing cytokines, inflammation and Leukocytes, whilst THC aided in viral replication and even increased air resistance.

 

Therefore THC should be avoided during a viral infection as it produces immunosuppressive effects which promote viral replication and can cause additional stress on the already compromised pulmonary system. CBD howeverer exhibited interesting results and warrants further scientific investigation into how it can be used to strengthen our bodies’ defences and assist us in mitigating the effects of viruses once we have been infiltrated by them. Modulation of the immune system using CBD ISOLATE may just be the ACE in the hole we need at a time like this. When a virus invades a strong immune response is most favourable, however if the viral load becomes too great before the immune system has eliminated the threat and a Cytokine storm results, the immunosuppressive effects of CBD may prove particularly useful.

11:11 THE GOLD STANDARD CBD oil

 

 

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In the wake of the FDA crackdown that occurred in the last quarter of the year in 2019, which saw many CBD companies receive a letter from the regulatory body, instructing them to have to pull their products from the shelves, due to their products either not stacking up to FDA quality standards or because they made unsubstantiated medical claims. Fifteen of the largest and most popular CBD companies received such a letter, which in the interest of promoting higher standards, prompted us to develop a standard by which all other hemp oils could be measured. This standard of measure of quality is known as THE GOLD STANDARD. This standard is the standard that all our full spectrum oils must meet before they are deemed fit for sale to the customer.

In recent years the CBD market has grown exponentially with consistent growth projected right through into 2024, where experts believe it will start to plateau. This surge in market growth has led to many unscrupulous operators racing to get in on the action and flooding the market with substandard and in some cases toxic products, which tarnishes the industry and produces mistrust amongst users and causes skepticism over the effectiveness of a high quality CBD oil to relieve many serious health conditions. To illustrate our point some hemp product producers have even used the term THE GOLD STANDARD as a brand name, whilst not able to meet even the first criteria for a gold standard level oil.

The first criteria of a gold standard oil as Mr Daniel Huerter, the chief operating officer of Pure Spectrum, a well-known organic CBD company said in an Article, on why it was so hard to find USDA organic certified brands, is “The USDA certification is basically the gold standard of verifying a farm’s organic growing practices”.

We agree with Daniel Huerter, that this certification is an effective measure by which we can gauge a farms organic growing practices, however when considering the end result of a product in terms of quality, many other factors not adequately addressed by this certification have an important role to play in the quality and effectiveness of a finished hemp product. This is why we have defined the gold standard into a five star rating system for hemp oil, consisting of the five main things we believe produces superior hemp products and definitely important indicators to consider when buying any CBD product.

The Gold Standard CBD oil

  1. USDA certified organic (or equivalent authority certification)

Did you know?  USDA certified means, not only clean organic (non-GMO) sustainable renewable practices are involved in the production of a product, but also indicates that the following criteria has been met before a brand can be considered eligible to lodge an application with a third party certifier to obtain USDA certification. Therefore it is clear that whilst this is an indicator of an organic product, it does not account for many brands who may operate under strict organic procedure but do not qualify for certification as they are lacking in one of these criteria. Whilst this is true, we also believe that a certification like this, demonstrates a brands particular commitment to produce a consistent level of quality and to their customers who can then rest assured as each product label must by law bear the official USDA seal.

To legally produce hemp, you must be licensed and or authorized under either one of the State hemp programs, Tribal hemp programs, or the USDA hemp program itself.  Which program you are licensed under is dependent upon the location of your hemp growing facility. If the State or Tribe does not have approved or pending hemp production plans, you can apply for a USDA hemp production license.

USDA certification requires that growers and handlers produce and sell more than $5000 per year; many small cultivators aren’t able to meet that sales threshold to qualify.

Another hurdle many companies face in the pursuit of USDA certification is that the land that they produce from cannot have had any prohibited substances in the last three years applied to it. Therefore those who wish to change from conventional practices to Certified Organic methodology will have to invest a few years of work before they can apply.

Why is it three years you may ask, well this is due to the special ability of the Hemp plant to clean the soil it grows in by sucking up any toxins present in the soil, through a process called Phytoremediation.  This important characteristic of the hemp plant means that inferior preparations of hemp oil may contain trace elements of unwanted potentially toxic chemicals that may have been present in the soil. Furthermore these synthetic chemicals are introduced into the environment, which may be related to the proliferation of toxic algae in the oceans due to global warming and fertilizer run-off.

Another indicator of the quality and safety of a product containing cannabinoids, the USDA organic certification serves to ensure is that no product which bears the seal may contain any GMO ingredients. Many inferior oils contain synthetic cannabinoids which are dangerous and unnatural to our bodies’ endocannabinoid system.

Only hemp produced in accordance with the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program and or the 2014 Farm Bill may be certified as organic, as long as it is produced in accordance with USDA organic regulations.

  1. Certified Organic By Organic certifiers.

Organic Certifiers are our third party Organic certifier. Going with a third party certifier often means a stricter standard of organic certification must be achieved to obtain accreditation. Our Products are certified Organic by Organic Certifiers of California, thus ensuring a high level of certification. California is well known for its stringent control and superior levels of organic certification. Organic Certifiers is California’s third largest certification agency and was one of the first accredited by the USDA in early 2002. You can visit Organic Certifiers of California for more information.

Resources: https://organiccertifiers.com/organic-certification-resources-2/guides-and-resources-for-organic-certification/

https://organiccertifiers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Guide-to-Organic-Certification.pdf

Now that we have the organic aspect established, we then look at other factors impacting the quality of a hemp product.

  1. Full Spectrum

A fullspectrum CBD oil is a product that contains all the cannabinoids that hemp has to offer. For other products, like broadspectrum or isolates, the specific cannabinoids have been targeted and isolated to produce a pure isolate of a particular cannabinoid. The very reason a full spectrum product is superior to an isolate is that it offers what is known as the entourage effect. This effect is well documented in scientific journals where isolated and broad spectrum preparations have been compared to full spectrum oils and were found to be less effective in that they exhibited a “bell curve” affect. In summary the bell curve effect is an affect associated with CBD and or other isolated cannabinoids which when tested for their effectiveness to treat or relive many symptoms such as pain and inflammation on their own, exhibit a curve in effectiveness as the dosage is increased, shaped like a bell, that is to say that isolates are effective at medium dosages, but tend to taper off at lower or higher doses, whereas full spectrum oils will become more effective with increased doses. For a more comprehensive look at full spectrum vs isolate see this article.

  1. Whole Plant

To ensure that all the many fragile specific terpenes and cannabinoids are retained and to promote efficacy and quality, we employ CO₂ extraction as the method by which we produce our full spectrum products. Strict control over the entire processes throughout production establishes the integrity of the final product, and how much of an “entourage effect” you expect. The entourage effect is critical for boosting the natural therapeutic properties of CBD oil. Our Farmers have bread strains of hemp Cannabis Sativa plant, that have the optimal cannabinoid profile for the production of hemp oil. This allows us to make use of the whole plant during the extraction process which means you get the full delicate profile of all the cannabinoids together with all its many healthy terpenes ensuring maximum entourage effect and potency.

  1. Third Party Laboratory tested.

The rationale behind having a third party laboratory test your products is that it promotes trust in your product and brand as a whole, for the fact that a third party laboratory will seek to conduct an independent analysis of the sample provided, compiling a detailed report on the quality, purity, and potency of a CBD sample. An independent third party authority has a reputation and license to maintain, making it less likely to manipulate results. The rapid growth experienced in the hemp sector has unfortunately demonstrated that many brands are willing to market their brands falsely or hype an inferior product as a GOLD STANDARD OIL in order to capitalise on the demand. This is where testing conducted by a third party is particularly useful. Third party testing will help a customer understand exactly what they are buying, as any thorough test will provide important data on the Cannabinoid and Terpene profile and their concentrations, the amount of heavy metals and if there are any organic solvents or other known biological contaminants. 11:11CBD is committed to producing the highest standard of hemp CBD oil available on the market, which is why we have made our test results available to our customers on our website. Our results speak for themselves; each product can be traced back to its batch test, conducted by a trusted third party Laboratory.  We are proud to claim that our full spectrum products excel in all these five criteria, which is why we are known as THE GOLD STANDARD.

The role of ECS modulation in homeostasis

Considering that regulation can be expressed as the management of complicated systems within the body, then modulation is the influence of control over that system of management which occurs as either a stimulatory or inhibitory effect.

 

The Endocrine System.

 

Of all the many complicated interlinked systems in the body the endocrine system stands out as the prominent regulatory system involved in the management of homeostasis.

Consisting of a network of glands which produce the various hormones that regulate tissue function, growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, mood and the list goes on.  This system acts like a chemical messenger (signalling) system consisting of various feedback loops of each of the hormones released by the many internal glands.

Interfacing the endocrine system with the part of the brain responsible for its own regulation the hypothalamus, is the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system  is a complex signalling system made up of neurons, neuroendocrine cells, hormones and glands relaying messages from the brain and the nervous system to the glands which respond by making and releasing hormones.

 

Homestasis.

 

Can be defined as a set point of balance within the systems responsible for proper functioning of the body. Various systems work to promote stability in the body by releasing stimulus when the hormone levels increase or decrease, a stimulus is generated which causes the cells to act accordingly to maintain proper functioning inducing a state of equilibrium. Homeostasis is controlled by three main processes osmoregulation [1], thermoregulation [2] and chemical regulation [3], with the systems that regulate these processes being mostly the nervous system, respiratory system, endocrine system, urinary system and the reproductive system. The endocrine system is directly involved in the regulation or control of these systems via the release of hormones which produce stimuli which produces changes in the system  that lead to balance and proper system functioning.

 

ECS the grand modulator.

 

The Endogenous Cannabinoid System is a primary modulatory system in the function of brain, endocrine and immune tissues. It appears to impose a controlling influence over the regulation of the secretion of hormones related to reproductive functions and response to stress. The key components of this system are: endocannabinoid receptors types CB1 and CB2, their endogenous ligands (N-arachidonoylethanolamide, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol), enzymes involved in their synthesis and degradation, as well as cannabinoid antagonists.

In short the endo-cannabinoid system modulates the regulation of the neuroendocrine system, which serves to regulate organ function and stress response helping achieve and maintain a healthy balance.

 

Modulate anxiety, depression, OCD, or PTSD.

 

As a result of the endocannabinoid system being intricately involved in stabilizing bodily processes, as well as the regulation of many functions of the brain that tend to be affected after a traumatic experience, such as those responsible for anxiety, fear, memory and sleep, modulation of the ECS is an important aspect in achieving and maintaining balance.

Brain scans from a small study conducted in 2010 on the impact of cannabidiol (CBD) specifically on people suffering with social anxiety disorder demonstrated significant changes in blood flow to the regions of the brain linked to feelings of anxiety. Several studies [1], [2], [3], since then have shown promising results for CBD as a viable treatment for anxiety, with the most promising case study concluded in 2016 on a child with a history of trauma in which researchers found that cannabidiol reduced the child’s anxiety and helped her sleep.

Cannabinoids particularly CBD, have been shown to play a pivotal role in assisting PTSD by helping to supress the retrieval of the underlying trauma, effectively preventing traumatic memories and associated nightmares, whilst promoting emotional wellbeing, making it a popular treatment for PTSD patients.

 

In Conclusion.

 

Modulation of key systems in the body responsible for the regulation and maintenance of proper bodily function regulated by hormonal and chemical changes, plays an important role in respect to the positive influence it produces on the 3 key biological processes responsible for the promotion of homeostasis, namely osmoregulation, thermoregulation and chemical regulation. Therefore the ability to modulate our systems can promote stability and balance and assist us in alleviating many conditions arising from overactive or inadequate production of hormones responsible for the regulation of bodily processes, including anxiety, depression, OCD, or PTSD.

The importance of a strong immune system in a contagious and carcinogenic world

In the new infectious reality we find ourselves in at present with the mass pandemic that is the Covid-19 outbreak,  many existing known medical treatments for unrelated conditions have been thrust into the lime light in the hopes that we may already have an existing unknown treatment against this sucker.

One such plant that has been garnering increased interest especially since the out-break began is Cannabis Sativa.  However of the few studies conducted and available from reliable sources it seems that Cannabinoids could be a valuable ally in the fight against many conditions not just viruses. What is important however is to understand how these cannabinoids work within the body and the effect they have on the effectiveness of the immune system’s ability to respond to an antigen. Indeed Cannabinoids can have a critical impact on the body’s ability to fight off infection, but not in a direct manner, rather in an indirect manner by means of providing support, regulation and optimisation for the immune system. The limited studies conducted on the ability of cannabinoids to combat several common viruses showed mixed results. As usual though there are those who would jump ahead and are already claiming that Cannabinoids can cure a Corona Virus. There is no valid scientific data to support this claim at present; however the concept of using Cannabinoids as a tool to assist in the fight against a virus is not totally without merit as Cannabinoids help promote immunocompetence.

Lets take a closer look at how Cannabinoids may assist the body in fighting against viral infection.

 

One System to regulate them all.

 

The Endo-cannabinoid system or ECS, that’s right folks simple regulation of the immune system by means of the ECS can have a major impact on the body’s ability to fight infection,  not just from viruses but bacteria and other forms of contagious pathogens as well. Cannabinoids help to regulate the Immune System by targeting cannabinoid signalling of the ECS and in this way deeply influence immune functions and thereby regulate autoimmunity, inflammation, antitumor and antipathogen immune responses. The ECS orchestrates both the adaptive innate immune responses.

Whilst the existence of CB1 and CB2 receptors has been widely acknowledged, there has been recent suggestion of a possible third receptor. Also in this system there are 2 orphan Gtype protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) GPR18 and GPR55 these in turn overlap the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Guanine nucleotide-binding proteins a family of proteins which act as molecular switches inside the cells, these G-proteins are intricately involved in the transmitting of the various signals from the various stimuli outside a cell to its interior. Both CB1 and CB2 receptors inhibit adenylyl cyclase via Gi and stimulate MAPK activity, the inhibition of adenylate cyclase reduces the second messenger cAMP leading to the dilation of rectifying potassium channels. CB1 is also responsible for the mediation of N-type and P/Q-type calcium signalling currents. CB1 receptors are distributed across a large portion of our tissues they are found in the cerebral cortex, olfactory bulb, cerebellum, and spinal cord as well as many peripheral tissues such as the adrenal glands, heart, bone marrow, thymus, tonsils, lungs, uterus, prostate, ovaries, and testes. CB1 receptors are expressed from the highest to the lowest levels in immune tissues such as NK cells, polymorphonuclear neutrophils, in B lymphocytes, CD8 T cells, and CD4 T cells, but particularly in the CNS making up about 1-10% of the CB2 content in immune tissues. CB2 receptors conversely are expressed in central nervous system but much more commonly in the immune tissues namely the spleen and thymus and in blood cell subpopulations such as CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes , B lymphocytes , monocytes, NK cells, and neutrophils.

 

Inflammatory response.

 

The anti-inflammatory activity of cannabinoids may in certain cases compromise host inflammatory responses to acute viral infections, but could be beneficial in persistent infections. Inflammation is essential for the recruitment of the innate and adaptive immune cells as it draws them toward the site of infection to help control virus production and limit spread and then to initiate recovery. The little data that exists that is available on the impact of the various cannabinoids on various common viral strains (mouse hepatitis C (a betacorona virus), human and simian immunodeficiency virus (HIV or SIV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and influenza viruses.) suggests that whilst on the whole the anti-inflammatory activity of cannabinoids could compromise host inflammatory responses to acute viral infections and in cases where innate antiviral  and pro-resolution responses incorporate the activation of NOS-1, inhibition of Ca2+ activity caused by cannabinoids, increased viral replication. There is however cause for further investigation as certain cannabinoids were in fact found able to inhibit the replication of a betacorona virus (MHV) in vitro.  See the following sources for reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2903762/

See table of the results of studies conducted on the effects of cannabinoids on various viruses.

 

What is a virus?

 

Researching the origin of a virus I was interested to learn that initially viruses were thought to be a poison as the Latin word virus translates into “poison”, considering the recent introduction and rollout of a massive carcinogenic pollutant, which I will discuss further on in this article. The timing of both this pandemic and the implementation of this invasive technology should not be ignored.

The classification of a virus has changed dramatically over the last 100 years, with the scientific community recently settling on defining a virus as a microscopic non-living organism, comprised of either RNA or DNA which cannot replicate on its own as they require the machinery and metabolism of the host for replication to occur.

Prior to entering a cell a virus exists as an independent particle of genetic material, RNA or DNA enclosed in a protective capsid or protein coat that protects and surrounds the viron, often with an outside envelope of lipids which helps it stick to surfaces. Outside the cell a virus is known as a viron and can be extremely small and can even infect bacteria.

 

The science of soap.

 

Indeed one of the most effective means of protection against this virus is the washing of hands with soap which contains a degreasing agent. Sanitizer is not effective unless it contains a degreasing agent and this is due to the fact that the virus has a protective capsid which is enveloped by lipids. The degreasing action of the soap combined with the action and duration of washing adequately disrupts the lipids and helps the water to lift and remove the viral particles.

Considering the aspects of defense and immunity against this current pandemic, I was persuaded to investigate outside factors which may be responsible for enabling this virus to out play the immune system and allow it to progress to the stage where it can overcome an otherwise healthy individual.

Viruses can be traced through antiquity it seems with even the ancient Egyptians recording cases of what seems to be described as a type of measles. However, with the introduction and acceleration of electromagnetic fields and associated frequencies which have steadily increased since the invention of the electric battery in the early 1800, radio in the 1900’s and now *****G, there is a hidden threat to cell function. A growing number of scientists are petitioning to stop the rollout of this weaponized technology as it has been shown to produce DNA mutations and cause cellular destruction as a result of the magnified radio frequency it produces. These destructive frequencies have a direct impact on cell permeability, causing the cells to proliferate, this is important to consider when dealing with a virus as all viruses require the entering of a cell for replication to occur. It is most interesting to consider where the corona virus has had the biggest impact. Wuhan, Italy and Iran all cities that were vying to be leaders in the *****G race, most notably though Wuhan being the pilot city for the roll out of this technology.

 

In conclusion

 

It is wise to invest in the strengthening of your immune system after all it is the immune system that is responsible for an individual recovering from a virus, not a vaccine or panacea, no! vaccines or antibodies produced from patients who have recovered from a virus will only serve to point your own immune system in the right direction to tackle the virus itself. Whilst scientific data suggests that it may be better to abstain from the use of cannabinoids when a viral infection is detected so as to ensure adequate inflammatory response by the body to fight the infection, considering that CBD can inhibit inflammation necessary for recovery.  However the consistent regulation of the ECS with cannabinoids promotes immunocompetence, inhibits cellular proliferation by mediating the effect of cytokines on increased permeability and increases apoptosis.  See the following sources for more regarding the effects of cannabinoids on cellular permeability [1].[2]. This is becoming increasingly more important in lei of the information regarding the impact of radio frequencies on cellular permeability and the need for a virus to penetrate the cell to survive. Wash your hands thoroughly it could be one of the most effective means of protection against this viral threat.

As always, but even more pertinently so these days, stay healthy and keep your immune system in tip top shape.

The impact of CBD on your Stamina

Athlete Stamina

 

How CBD can impact cardiovascular training and increase stamina

 

CBD has become the supplement of this millennium. CBD is included in exercise routines and health programs and is literally everywhere. But what can CBD do to improve your stamina? With all its celebrated effects, does CBD seem to be able to do more than enable faster recovery times and improved cardio?

 

Let’s take a look at the benefits that CBD can bring to your stamina.

 

 

Firstly, Is CBD a banned substance?

 

Since the beginning of 2018, CBD has been removed from the list of prohibited substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This has been monitored by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). In addition, buying federal CBD is now legal in the U.S., UU and also legally in the UK and across the EU. This means that more and more athletes have more access to CBD and can use it for recreational purposes and to help relax their nerves in the lead up to game day.

 

 

The effect of CBD on the heart.

CBD is known to have positive effects on a variety of diseases, including diabetes and Huntington’s disease. However, there is increasing evidence that CBD can also be very helpful for the cardiovascular system.

According to a study, CBD has a direct impact on the arteries that cause acute, time-dependent vasorelaxation. This can improve blood circulation and relieve high blood pressure. And when your heart is working at it’s best, you know that your stamina will improve as well.

 

 

CBD and stamina

CBD has a direct effect on the brain’s 5-HT1A receptors, better known as serotonin receptors. Now  you might be familiar with serotonin  as the substance responsible for our happiness, but, Serotonin is likewise linked to energy stores in the body. When the serotonin decreases, the energy decreases accordingly, and soon afterwards physical and mental fatigue occurs. With CBD, you can continue your workout for longer.

 

If you seriously lower your serotonin level, you will feel sluggish and grumpy. It is a good idea not to exercise on these slow days. If you bail on workout, you are more likely to do it again next time. CBD can help you overcome these problems and promote relaxation after exercise.

 

 The magic of CBD on blood sugar

 

Maintaining healthy blood sugar is one of the keys to improving your overall stamina during physical activity. Inflammation in the body is known to be a major cause of insulin resistance and can lead to type 2 diabetes.

 

However, CBD has a strong anti-inflammatory effect on the body and can significantly support the body’s immune system. It also plays a role in promoting and regulating sugar metabolism. Proper regulation ensures, less insulin and less fat is stored in the body. Less fat means more muscles.

 

 

So does it work?

More and more research suggests that CBD can really have positive effects on the body. With so many supplements available today, it’s important to buy those that meet your needs, but every time you get your CBD make sure it is from a reliable source, then it shouldn’t be a problem. CBD can be an absolute game changer no matter what sport you play. Buy some certified organic full spectrum CBD today and experience the results for yourself.

 

CBD for Recovery from exercise

CBD Exercise recovery

Why should I use CBD oil for post-workout recovery?

 

Cannabidiol oil (CBD) has become incredibly popular and it is not difficult to understand why. This non-psychoactive compound found hemp supplements can assist with a variety of symptoms and conditions in a natural and wholesome way.

For example, many people use CBD oil to restore exercise, relieve pain, and heal injuries.

Do you need to take CBD oil after your workout? How does this help control pain and improve post-workout recovery? Is there any evidence that it works?

 

Let’s take a deeper look into this organic nutraceutical recovery tool.

 

CBD and other cannabinoids produce their beneficial effects through interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This holistic system helps our body maintain a healthy state of equilibrium called homeostasis.

To this end, the endocannabinoid system controls the processes that are central to our well-being, such as metabolism, cognitive function, pain and inflammation.

In addition, CBD also works with other brain receptors and chemicals that regulate pain and inflammation.

Thanks to these combined mechanisms, CBD oil can promote regeneration after training in various ways,  for example by reducing inflammation, providing pain relief and improving sleep which when the bulk of recovery takes place.

 

Benefits of taking CBD for post-workout recovery

 

  1. CBD reduces inflammation

Inflammation can be the central problem in post-workout recovery, as it is often the cause of aches, pains, and persistent injuries.

Exercise causes inflammation in a variety of ways, especially when the muscle tissue has small tears that lead to late muscle pain (DOMS), which is a great advantage to all sports enthusiasts.

More importantly, acute inflammation can easily become a chronic problem if you exercise without sufficient recovery time, which leads to problems such as chronic pain, arthritis and any number of strains and tears, not just of the muscular tissue but also the connective and skeletal tissues as well.

CBD and other cannabinoids have strong anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown to be very effective.

 

For example, an animal study conducted on rats with arthritis in 2017 showed that CBD reduces inflammation and thereby prevents further development of pain and nerve damage in degenerative joint conditions.

More importantly, a 2006 human study reported that Sativex, a cannabis-based drug that contains CBD and THC, significantly reduced the inflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Interesting!

Similar anti-inflammatory effects have been reported in preclinical studies on CBD in a variety of inflammatory conditions, including multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), lung disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

 

 

  1. CBD relieves pain

Pain, aches, and general discomfort that lasts from a few hours to several days is a common consequence of rigorous exercise. Full spectrum organic CBD can help here as well, as several studies have demonstrated.

For example, a 2016 animal study showed that CBD gel administered to arthritis rats significantly reduced pain and inflammation in affected joints without causing side effects.

A 2012 study also found that CBD suppresses chronic pain in mice.

A 2015 human study of the combined drug THC and CBD Sativex also reported improvements in pain, mobility, and muscle spasms in people with multiple sclerosis.

 

 

  1. CBD improves sleep

In addition to a healthy diet, sleep is probably the most important tool to recover from training.

However, many people find it difficult to sleep well at night, especially if they stay awake due to physical and exercise related pains. There are indications that CBD can help provide relief for people who suffer from sleep disorders.

 

For example, a 2019 study by researchers at the University of Colorado analyzed whether CBD capsules could help 72 people with anxiety and sleep disorders.

The study reported an improvement in sleep in 67% of patients.

In addition, a 2017 review article on cannabis use during sleep showed that preliminary results suggest that CBD could be used to treat insomnia.

 

 

  1. Other benefits of CBD recovery

CBD also offers lesser known benefits during recovery from exercise. Most importantly, CBD has antispasmodic properties that can relieve muscle spasms and cramps that may occur after exercise.

In addition, CBD also has neuroprotective properties that can help treat brain damage and trauma.

 

These effects can be particularly interesting for people who practice contact sports, such as boxing and football. This is known in retired players with CTE, a neurodegenerative disorder caused by repeated head injury.

Moreover, CBD can indirectly promote physical recovery. For example, the analgesic effects of CBD can combat a racing mind that keeps you awake at night, while the regulatory effect of cannabinoids on the various other systems of the body such as the circulatory system can improve blood flow and oxygen to the affected areas, serving to accelerate recovery efforts and the time taken to heal.

Although more research is needed into the effects of CBD in humans, especially with regard to physical activity, the available results suggest that CBD has several properties that help with recovery from exercise.

 

 

How to use CBD oil for recovery.

 

Many people wonder if they should use CBD oil before or after their training. In general it is better to take CBD oil after your workout.

The reason for this is if recovery is your goal than take advantage of the benefits that CBD offers for recovery rather than performance and treat the effects of stress related activity when it presents and most problems related to exercise such as DOMS and sleep disorders occur after exercise.

In addition, it should be noted that CBD oil tinctures are not the only CBD product that can support recovery. Vaping CBD e-liquids and using topical CBD creams are also effective options.

A benefit of vaping CBD is the speed of delivery. This makes it a good choice when you need immediate relief, such as, if you have difficulty falling asleep after intensive training or from severe painful conditions.

 

However, the effect of vaping CBD only lasts 1 to 2 hours: the shortest of all delivery methods.

 

Meanwhile, Topical CBD products such as creams, massage oils and balms are ideal for localized muscle or joint pain because they have no systemic effect.

As such, they work best to relieve pain or inflammation after exercise in a specific part of the body, such as the knees, wrists, back or shoulders.

CBD oil is generally the best CBD product use for recovery after exercise, but it is most effectively used in conjunction with topical applications to increase the delivery to the affected areas from the inside and the outer superficial tissue.

 

If you are looking for a natural, safe and holistic way to improve physical recovery and overall well-being, certified organic CBD oil is an excellent tool to include in your healthy lifestyle.

The endocannabinoid system

Until recent years not much study if any at all has been conducted into the ECS, short for the endocannabinoid system and its role within the body.

As more information becomes available we are starting to realize just how important this system is to healthy bodily function. We are all familiar with the many other systems that exist within the body and just how important they are to our well being, such as the role of the Circulatory System or the Pulmonary System, the skeletal system or the muscular and nervous systems, but what about the ECS?. It turns out that the ECS controls and regulates them all.

This system is involved in so many vital stress coping and or hormone and mood regulating processes, that often simple regulation of this system can improve ones health dramatically  and even alleviate severe debilitating symptoms from chronic illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease as we shall see in this amazing video I found, where in a TED talk Rachel Knox discusses the role of the ECS in the body and introduces a lady by the name of Jill, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, just watch as simple regulation of her ECS causes amazing effect on her ability to function without shaking, definitely worth a watch.

The ECS was discovered in the late 1980’s and is a biological system found in all mammals, consisting of endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors throughout the tissue, why are we are just beginning to discover its importance to homeostasis?

ECS-system
Endocannabinoid system

Losing weight with CBD

losing weight with CBD OIL

Many people are concerned with weight loss and the search for a panacea to reduce weight continues. You may have tried diets before or various pills and potions that claim to help you lose weight, the truth is there is no magic tablet or herb you can take to guarantee weight loss, this is because there are so many factors regarding an individual’s particular circumstances, lifestyle choices and calories in vs calories out to mention but a few.  However with that being said there are many supplements that we can use to effectively boost our efforts to lose weight, recent research into CBD has demonstrated incredible ability to help you lose weight. Cannabidiol is widely used today and is used to relieve pain and promote health but can you really lose weight by using hemp oil?

What is CBD?

You may have read a lot about CBD, but you may not have known what the acronym meant.

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis/hemp plant. The plant itself contains well over 100 of these cannabinoids and many terpenes.

The discovery in the 1970s made CBD more attractive to medicines. The first investigation was commissioned. Research has discovered the endocannabinoid system, also known as ECS, which became the basis for future research in the 1980s. Since then there have been several studies into the amazing health benefits and the many medicinal uses for this plant and the many compounds found within it. We are however still just scratching the surface and much more research needs to be conducted especially over longer time frames, to help us gather a wider picture from the data collected.

Can CBD Help You Lose Weight?

The question of whether CBD can really help you lose weight is yes it can and it does this in a simple but effective way.

Many people struggle with their weight. We see this every year when we witness countless offers that promise weight loss success.

CBD oil has recently been brought into the focus and is drawing much attention as it has been regarded as a natural way to support weight loss. But what goals can you we expect to achieve with CBD, since there is widespread belief that cannabis stimulates appetite and even causes food cravings?

 In contrast to CBD, THC another of the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant has an appetizing effect and often causes extreme hunger and junk food cravings.

Recent studies show that cannabidiol can also affect metabolism and the burning of fat. These physical processes are of great importance when trying to lose weight because without an active metabolism the body will look to store food as fat.

In a Korean study, CBD appeared to affect immature fat cells and stimulated certain proteins and genes that help improve the synthesis of body fat and turning it from white into Brown fat, which conversely, contains both smaller droplets and high amounts of mitochondria which make it more metabolically active and through a process of thermogenesis, promotes weight loss. At the same time, the increased number of so-called mitochondria increases the body’s metabolic activity and therefore caloric expenditure.

Essentially fat is broken down faster and more efficiently, CBD intake inhibits certain proteins that are involved in the production of fat cells further compounding the weight loss effect.

Certified Organic USDA approved CBD oil products are verified organic products that are generally classified as food supplements and are available freely in most countries.

Many people suffer from chronic hunger attacks and eating disorders, which can manifest themselves in different ways. These eating disorders can ultimately lead to obesity and a disturbed relationship with one’s self.

It is for this reason, that those who carry extra weight in particular, often suffer from depression, anxiety and other disorders. A change in one’s diet and activity is not always enough as the desire for food is often stronger than the will. CBD can begin to assist at this point and reduce appetite.

CBD not only helps suppress the appetite but also Cannabidiol reduces the release of stress hormones such as Cortisol which promotes greater mental relaxation and better sleep which will help combat depression and anxiety.

How to apply CBD oil

Each person reacts differently to natural remedies such as CBD. It is therefore extremely difficult to give a general dose recommendation.

Start CBD oil with just a few drops per day and gradually increase the dose step by step.

However, to successfully lose weight, the oil must be taken over a long period of time. You should regularly take part in physical activity, exercise and maintain a healthy diet in conjunction with taking CBD.

Apply the CBD oil with a supplied dropper. Then drop the oil under your tongue.

Healthy lifestyle with CBD oil

Without a healthy lifestyle, optimal nutrition and daily exercise, no product in the world by itself automatically burns fat. Even CBD oil will not make you lose weight in itself. However, cannabidiol can support and improve metabolism and does cause the browning of fat and increases fat burning.

To lose weight, you must use CBD for a few weeks, it is important to remember that everyone is an individual and each person’s sensitivity will vary. Careful handling of CBD products is therefore essential.

How can CBD help you lose weight?

The effect of CBD on fat cells that are not yet mature is particularly interesting in the context of possible weight loss. We have already seen that CBD can have the following effects:

  • Stimulation of proteins and genes needed to promote fat loss.
  • Increase in mitochondria and their activity.
  • Faster reduction in body fat thanks to active mitochondria
  • Inhibition of proteins necessary for the production of fat cells.

Another advantage is that CBD can also influence stress receptors, reducing stress. If you are generally much more relaxed, you are also more open to lifestyle changes and will have lower levels of harmful hormones causing damage to the body.

How to dose CBD during weight loss?

Dosage information cannot be universally validated. There are several reasons for this:

  • The proportion of CBD in the selected preparation
  • The desired goal
  • The reaction of your own body

In short, it is important to know that everyone reacts differently to CBD. Although a small dose is sufficient for some people to reach their goal, others may need higher doses.

You should start low and slowly increase your dose.  A good place to start if you have never used CBD before is with no more than five drops per day.

Consistent intake is important. CBD works effectively if you use it daily for as long a time as possible. After the first few weeks you will notice the changes. If you do not notice anything, you should increase the dose.

Healthy weight loss with CBD is based on several additional factors:

  • Drink enough fluids
  • Maintain a lean healthy diet
  • Get Enough Exercise

A balanced diet is paramount; eat lean protein combined with carbohydrates, enough fruits, vegetables and fiber,

Keep increasing the level of exercise intensity so as to ensure that the body always has to adapt and improve.

Conclusion

CBD is a great ally in the quest to lose extra weight, it is not only an appetite suppressant but also a powerful tool to help slow white fat cell production, increase fat browning and accelerate metabolic function. Another advantage is that it helps reduce stress and lowers the levels of harmful hormones found in the body as a result.

Always remember check the dose carefully, listen to your body and consult your doctor if you choose a diet in combination with CBD.

How CBD can impact strength training to support muscle growth.

If you are an athlete or a fitness enthusiast who has heard about the many health benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), you may wonder if CBD oil can help build muscle. There are a growing number of people looking to CBD oil, not only to build and strengthen existing muscles, but also to help muscles that have been compromised due to illness or injury recover fully.

Although more research needs to be done, current science seems to suggest that CBD oil has properties that can help build muscle.

Benefits of using CBD oil to build muscle

The importance of muscle mass is twofold. CBD oil contributes to muscle development, in that it regulates hormones and fat burns more easily due to the increases levels of brown fat and the energy needed to build and maintain muscle. This in turn speeds up your metabolism. The combination of muscle building and fat loss leads to a leaner and stronger figure, which is ideal not only for people who engage in physical and recreational activities, but also to maintain a healthy body mass index and in turn reduce the risk of excess weight related  diseases, like diabetes, cancers and heart disease…etc

Muscle development can also help improve bone density, which is especially beneficial for older people who may have elevated risk of the development osteoporosis. The use of CBD oil can help some of these vulnerable populations to more easily develop muscles and whilst relieving the inflammatory pain associated with more intense levels of training, helping them avoid further health risks.

Strength training in combination with a high calorie, balanced, protein-rich (lean source) diet is required to produce and support muscle growth. Unfortunately, building muscle is not easy and requires dedication and commitment. No matter whom you are and how often you train, you run the risk of hitting a wall in your progress. Or you may have a condition that prevents you from pushing your body to the extent necessary to develop your muscles.

When people have problems developing or maintaining their muscles, testosterone and human growth hormone supplements are sometimes prescribed. This is especially common in people with sarcopenia, which is the natural loss of muscle tissue that occurs with age.

Unfortunately, there are negative side effects associated with these treatments, which include nerve, muscle and joint pain, high cholesterol, aggression and changes in the reproductive system. Due to unwanted side effects, testosterone and human growth hormone supplements are not ideal treatment options and as supplements they will produce results but with those come many health risks.

Using CBD oil to help build muscle is a much more natural approach, without the negative side effects of hormone use. Always contact your doctor as a precaution before using CBD oil, as this may interact with other medications you already use.

How effective is CBD oil in muscle building?

The first thing you should know about the effects of CBD oil on muscle growth is the role that catabolic hormones play in the human body.

Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone” because it is released in stressful situations, is a catabolic hormone that plays an important role in many parts of the body, including the immune system and the liver. However, it can also reduce protein synthesis and prevent the growth of new tissue, two important basic components of muscle development..

CBD oil is an anti-catabolic, which means that it helps regulate the levels of hormones like cortisol in your system. When taking CBD oil, the cortisol level is kept in check, which ensures more muscle growth and protein synthesis occurs during the day.

In addition to the role that CBD oil plays in regulating catabolic hormones, CBD oil also provides restful sleep. During sleep, your body does most of the work required to build and repair muscle tissue. Unfortunately, up to 25% of American adults have problems achieving the deep REM sleep that the body needs to do the repair and build muscle.

By taking CBD oil, you not only reduce cortisol fluctuations during the day, but also help your body rest deeply at night, increasing your effectiveness at building muscle day after day.

How to use CBD oil to build muscle

Bodybuilders and sports enthusiasts can use CBD oil to lower cortisol levels during a high-intensity workout. This can lead to better muscle tissue growth while preventing the retention of fat and other negative side effects associated with cortisol. And there is the added benefit of a deeper, more restful sleep, which also means better conditions to support and facilitate muscle growth whilst sleeping.

Older people, people with health problems, or people recovering from an injury can use CBD oil not only to get the benefits mentioned above, but also to find possible relief from pain, Inflammation and even fatigue, which promotes a more active lifestyle or increased exercise intensity levels.

Whatever the reason you want to use CBD oil to build muscle, ultimately the way you take it is a personal decision. If your focus on fitness, CBD gummies  or vaping a CBD vaporizer may not be your first choice.

Organic CBD Tinctures and capsules can be a good place to start if you want to use CBD oil to support muscle growth. Both are discreet and work for hours (easily long enough to last and entire workout). At the end of the day, it’s up to you to try different CBD oil products and decide which one best suits your needs.

Always follow your CBD product recommendations for dosage

The standard for serving CBD oil is 25 mg of CBD, taken twice a day.

If you don’t get the results you want, increase the dose by 25 mg every 3-4 weeks until you find the right amount for you.

If you are an athlete you may benefit from a personal and scientific approach to creating your CBD oil diet, in this case you should speak to your sports doctor who may need to reach out to other sports science professionals.

Is CBD oil legal for athletes?

The simple answer is yes, CBD oil is legal for athletes. However, there are some exceptions, so CBD oil products must be carefully selected.

Although CBD oil is legal in most states, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another cannabinoid in cannabis, has a different set of restrictions. The anti-doping rules of USADA mention THC as a prohibited substance.

Although many CBD products are sold as completely THC-free, the lack of regulation in the industry means that some manufacturers can allow THC to slip through. If you are an athlete who wants to use CBD oil to build muscle, choose a non-THC CBD oil isolate from an accredited company that issues test certificates so you know exactly what it is or what it is not in your CBD oil.