Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is gaining popularity among many segments of the American population. However, one group that is currently being left behind and not experiencing the benefits is seniors. In this article, we’ll chat about the many benefits of CBD products for seniors and give you the low down on why you should add them to your own routine.
But first, let’s get to know CBD a little better!
More About CBD
CBD is one of many compounds found in hemp plants. It does not create the high from THC, so it’s safe for seniors to use!
CBD is a compound known as a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are found in hemp plants, and over a hundred have been discovered so far. But CBD is definitely the most plentiful!
CBD works by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), partly made of receptors that can be found in the brain and the rest of your body. There are two kinds of receptors that we know about in this system so far: CB1 and CB2. When cannabinoid compounds are consumed, they connect with these receptors and produce beneficial effects. But, as we mentioned, CBD is non-psychoactive because it does not act on the same receptors as THC.
Benefits of CBD for Seniors
Seniors experience more health issues than individuals of other ages. They are also at an increased risk of developing health-related problems and being more severely impacted by them. CBD holds many potential benefits for seniors. Here are 12 ways that happen:
- Anti-Inflammatory: CBD is an anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce chronic pain that most seniors experience. It may also help with conditions such as arthritis and even dementia, as inflammation has been linked to it by some studies.
- Promotes Bone Growth: Another health benefit of CBD is that it stimulates bone growth. This is good news for seniors, who often have limited mobility and may suffer from osteoporosis. A recent study found that CBD can help promote the growth of bones in mice!
- Lowers Risk of Diabetes: Seniors are at much greater risk of developing diabetes than younger people. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 50% of Americans over 65 have diabetes or pre-diabetes. Interestingly, CBD can help lower this risk. For example, a study found that daily doses of CBD improved the proper function of insulin in mice and produced notable results!
- Promotes Cardiovascular Health: CBD is also great for cardiovascular health. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. And it also improves the way your heart beats! In fact, CBD can reduce the risk of stroke in seniors.
- Reduces Risk of Seizures: You probably already know that epilepsy is a condition common in seniors, especially among those over 65 years old. This condition is highly responsive to CBD, which can reduce the risk of seizures.
- Relieves Stress and Anxiety: CBD has been known for its anti-anxiety properties for many years now. This isn’t just because it helps produce an overall relaxed state but also because it reduces activity in the amygdala; that’s where our emotions get processed! As a result, CBD can reduce stress and anxiety in seniors by calming this region of the brain.
- Promotes Better Sleep: The need for a good night’s sleep is even more critical for seniors, as their bodies tend to get weaker over time. Unfortunately, it’s also common for them to develop problems with sleep-related to aging. Luckily, CBD can help stimulate the body’s natural production of melatonin and serotonin, two chemicals important for a great night’s sleep. According to a research study, 67% of patients experienced better sleep, thanks to CBD.
- Helps Manage Pain: Pain is something most seniors deal with to some degree or another. Fortunately, CBD can help manage this pain in multiple ways. Its anti-inflammatory properties help slow the progress of conditions that cause chronic pain, such as arthritis and dementia. CBD can also reduce pain caused by nerve damage in seniors; studies have shown it to be a powerful tool for managing neuropathic pain.
- Helps with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Seniors are much more likely to be affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than other age groups. Unfortunately, there is no cure for IBD, and it can cause many problems, including weight loss, fatigue, pain, and anemia. However, CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation of the digestive tract. It may even help with gut bacteria, which are essential for proper digestion and overall wellness!
- May Help with Hair Loss: CBD has been linked to hair growth in recent studies. According to the research, this is because CB1 receptors in the ECS can be found in hair follicle cells. After six months, there was a 93.5% increase in hair growth in alopecia patients in one
- May Improve Skin: CBD has been linked to healthier skin. It reduces the rate at which your skin produces sebum, the substance that causes acne. It is also rich in antioxidants, which promote better skin by fighting free radicals, which cause aging. CBD may also reduce cell growth and inflammation of pores, leading to acne and other issues.
- May Reduce Risk of Getting Sick: It may seem counterintuitive, but CBD can actually help you stay healthy! It’s a potent anti-inflammatory that is great for the immune system. So if you want to keep running around and staying active well into retirement (and beyond), CBD could be your best friend. Put simply, CBD boosts your body’s immune system to fight off infection and promotes homeostasis.
Ways Seniors Can Add CBD to Their Routines
There are many ways that seniors can benefit from CBD. They include:
- Taking CBD oil capsules.
- Adding CBD gummies to their diet
- Mixing some drops of CBD oil into a smoothie, tea or juice.
- Using a CBD cream, balm or lotion on achy joints.
Many seniors interested in starting to use CBD oil or other products are unsure of how to start. But CBD has many benefits that can make your life better when you’re a senior.
Not only does it improve health, but it also helps seniors stay on their feet and live active lives!
