Whether it’s for an exam, a public speaking engagement, or a change in our lives… We have all experienced anxiety. Stress and anxiety are normal mechanisms of the human body, their role is to stimulate us during a potential danger. However, when these emotions are frequent and cause mood swings, phases of depression, or even a depressive state, it is important to fight them. For this, CBD (cannabidiol), a natural anxiolytic, is a real ally. CBD, a molecule that makes Zen? Explanations.
ANXIETY, STRESS … WHAT IS IT?
Anxiety and stress are emotions caused by the body when it feels in danger. These emotions allowed our ancestors to recognize danger and adapt to the situation. They are often expressed by an accelerated heartbeat, trembling, sweating, the tension in the muscles, doubts, anxiety…
Today, anxiety is not only a sign of a real threat but also appears when new events, changes, or upheaval in our daily life. That said, learning to live with stress and anxiety also allows us to excel and evolve.
Unfortunately, it happens that these emotions take over our lives and plunge us into a state of deep anxiety that can cause various disorders and ailments that can be extremely distressing and blocking on a daily basis:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD)
- Social anxiety disorders (SAD)
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
As a result, each action can become very anxiety-provoking and affect psychological and physical health.
CAN CBD HELP FIGHT STRESS AND ANXIETY?
If many drugs exist to soothe and fight against anxiety disorders, they are often very concentrated, addictive, and can have serious side effects on the body.
Contrary to them, CBD is a natural solution that does not present any undesirable effects, or addiction. Numerous studies and surveys are emerging on the subject and highlight the effectiveness of this wellness molecule, particularly in reducing nervous disorders related to stress.
CBD and serotonin, how does it work?
Serotonin or “happiness hormone” is a neurotransmitter that acts on sleep, mood, libido, or depression. It is created from amino acids found in our food, particularly in fish, dairy products, and meat. It is synthesized by a group of specific neurons called serotoninergic.
To act, serotonin must be released by a neuron in a synapse, that is, the contact zone between two neurons. It is then recaptured by a neuroreceptor called 5-HT1A, before being degraded.
Low serotonin levels are often associated with anxiety disorders. Thus, traditional medications act by blocking the reuptake of serotonin to increase its quantity in the synapses. This is the case of Prozac which is part of the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI).
CBD acts on serotonin in the same way as an SSRI: it inhibits the reuptake of the happiness hormone by the 5-HT1A receptors so that it is more concentrated in the synapses. Two studies were able to show this phenomenon in 2008 and 2016.
And that’s not all…
CBD also acts on the hippocampus…
The hippocampus is located in the temporal lobes of Man, it acts on navigation in space, memory, and inhibition of behavior.
Researchers have noticed that the hippocampus of patients suffering from anxiety or depression was smaller than in other patients. This small size would be due to the fact that the hippocampus would not be able to create new neurons (neurogenesis). As a result, the behavior of patients is directly impacted and their state is modified, resulting in phases of depression, stress or depression.
Thanks to the endocannabinoid system and its receptors, in particular the CB1 receptors present in the nervous system, best cbd oil uk can act directly on the hippocampus by promoting neurogenesis. Thus, according to a 2013 study conducted on mice, the action of CBD on neurogenesis would reduce anxiety and depression.
