The 4 Things You Need to Know to get the Most out of Your CBDs
Share this Post
Did you know that you might not be getting all of the benefits of the CBD you’re taking?
CBD use is on the rise across America and it’s easier than ever to get your hands on. And with good reason! This magic medicine is being used to manage conditions from inflammation to Alzheimer’s in people to pain and separation anxiety in pets. It has even been FDA approved for an anti-seizure medication for children.
But, just taking something that says, “contains CBD” on the label isn’t enough to guarantee its effectiveness.
If you are taking CBD for your health then here are 4 things you need to know if you want to maximize its benefits.
1. Quality Matters
Not all CBDs are created equally. They are made from different plants and the cannabidiol can be extracted many different ways. Based on these variables there are a wide variety of products on the market that range from complete crap to highly medicinal.
And, because CBDs exist in a legal grey zone they aren’t exactly regulated. Therefore, it’s up to the consumer to do the research to ensure the potency and purity of the product they are using.
In order to ensure that your CBD is worth your money look for a product that has a Certificate of Analysis. This means that the product has been third party tested for purity and strength.
Also look for a batch number, a manufacturing date and an ingredient list. You should choose a product without preservatives, texturizers and artificial ingredients like, these ones.
Choosing a clean and pure product is important because:
- If what you are taking doesn’t have enough CBD in it, it won’t work.
- Certain methods of extraction can leave solvents in the final product leaving your organs to filter them out.
- Hemp is a bio-accumulator; it pulls heavy metals from the soil. Unless you want to contaminate yourself, organic is not just preferred, it is non-negotiable
2. Consistency is Key
If you want to see results you need to use CBDs consistently. This means that you need to take a set dose and do so regularly.
It may take time to determine what the right dosage and frequency of consumption are for you. It is best practice to start low and go slow. Once you’ve found the right balance, the key to achieving and sustaining results is to:
- Take it every day around the same time(s)
- Be patient and consistent. For some, results are felt in 30 minutes or less and for others it can take weeks
- Observe how it is affecting you so that you can adjust your dose accordingly. Using a journal or a spreadsheet can help you see how it’s working over time
CBDs have an effect on liver enzymes and can therefore change the way that other medications are absorbed. If you are taking any other medications, consult with your doctor before adding CBDs to your routine.
3. Get the Aggravators Out
Some people take CBDs for health boosting or preventative reasons. Others take them to combat conditions or to achieve symptom relief.
If you want CBDs to work harder for you, you need to do your best stop doing anything that is contributing to the condition that you are trying to treat or prevent.
For example, if you are taking CBDs for joint pain but eat an inflammatory diet high in sugar and dairy, you might as well be adding logs to the fire that you are trying to put out.
Cannabidiol may be indicated as a powerful treatment tool but if you don’t stop doing things that are making you unwell in the first place, its power will be limited.
4. You’ve got to Believe
Your mind is more powerful than you can imagine. What you believe, or choose not to believe, can have a direct effect on your experience of pain and discomfort, as well as healing and wellness.
The healing power of the placebo effect is so recognized that the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre/Harvard Medical School started a Program in Placebo Studies. This program is dedicated to what used to be considered a mere variable, but is now understood to support that what a person believes about their diagnoses and their treatment creates measurable changes in brain chemistry to support those beliefs.
For example, the research shows when patients believe they are being given a pain relief treatment but are in fact given a placebo, their brains still release pain relieving endorphins.
On the flip side, when people think they are given a placebo and don’t believe that it will have an effect, the medicine is less likely to be effective.
If you want CBDs to work for you, you’ve got to believe! If you think that it is just the latest hocus pocus from your local hippie, then do the research so that you can really get on board with what the science supports.
And, while we’re being mindful, remember that the power of your mind goes far beyond treatment for conditions. A consistent mindfulness practice such as meditation, deep breathing or journaling can go a very long way in helping convince you of your own wellness so that your body can follow suit.
Whether you are already on the cannabidiol bandwagon or are just thinking about trying it out, then know that its ability to support you starts with a quality product, consistent use, healthy habits and a positive mindset.