CBD and Seniors
While the world now increasingly accepts CBD for a plethora of health benefits, seniors are also turning to CBD for ease of use and optimum well-being. A survey shows that 51% of senior people have seen improvement in their quality of life after using CBD, and 89% of elders would recommend it for recurring health problems.
Out of more than 100 chemical compounds found in Cannabis, Cannabidiol or CBD is one of the primary compounds which is non-psychoactive. With a range of medical, therapeutic, and recreational benefits, CBD is considered to be safe as its consumption does not make the user’ high’.
With the legalization of medical cannabis in many countries, manufacturers are developing CBD products that address several health issues for specific age groups. Edibles, oils, tinctures, vapes, creams, and even weed, CBD can be readily available in licensed stores and online dispensaries. You can even check the online dispensaries in Canada for a variety of CBD products available.
Multiple health-related advantages make CBD the rising trend among users. Here are five benefits of how CBD can help to make the lives of seniors more comfortable and peaceful:
1. CBD Can Help To Alleviate Pain
Chronic pain is one of the most significant health issues with advancing age. Studies show seniors can suffer from various kinds of pain ranging from musculoskeletal pain to neuropathic pain. Illness-induced pain can also arise due to inflammation in diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis. CBD mainly activates the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). CBD manages these processes by stimulating cannabinoid receptors and hence playing an essential role in the body’s better functioning. CBD can thus help in subduing inflammation that is related to different health-related issues and provides relief to associated chronic pain to some.
2. CBD May Resist Neurodegenerative and Autoimmune Diseases
Research shows that CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities have potential neuroprotective properties. Moreover, it has shown promising effects on neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s disease. The animal study also finds that CBD suppresses inflammation by triggering specific useful cells called MDSCs (myeloid-derived suppressor cell) that can, on the other hand, repress highly inflammatory T cells. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can also help to reduce some symptoms of many autoimmune diseases like arthritis, colitis, hepatitis, and multiple sclerosis, thus, providing relief to aged patients.
3. CBD Can Help To Improve Heart Health
With the ageing processes the heart and blood vessels change. The muscles in the heart may degenerate, and valves may stiffen; and this can lead to weaker heart and cardiovascular disease. In a 2013 animal study CBD oil displayed promising effects on developing heart health by reducing stress and relaxing the blood vessels. CBD can help to reduce the increased blood pressure and also diminish the effects of decreased blood and oxygen flow in the heart. Thus CBD oil may help to lower the risk of dysfunction and damage to the heart that occurs due to stroke or diabetes.
4. CBD Help To Combat Psychological Problems
Ageing can often trigger various psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders. A 2019 study shows that CBD can be effective in treating psychological conditions like anxiety, psychosis, and disorders like PTSD, OCD, sleep, etc. CBD has demonstrated a therapeutic effect on substance use disorder, which is again familiar in ageing patients. Being an anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antipsychotic, CBD can thus help to reduce mental strain, boost moods, and promote relaxation.
5. CBD Can Be An Addiction Alternative to Medication
Opioids, antidepressants, and stimulants are prevalent prescription drugs for senior citizens. Apart from their targeted benefits, these drugs can have addictive properties. The therapeutic properties of CBD can reduce anxiety, stress, and moderate depression. Research shows that CBD can also help to prevent the relapse of addiction by reducing drug cravings. With its non-addictive properties and lack of side-effects, CBD is comparatively safer. Moreover, with the plethora of health benefits, CBD can be a universal drug for several health issues.
Conclusion:
Seniors form the foundations for coming generations. Their experience and comprehensive view of life provide immense knowledge for leading a good life. Therefore, it is obligatory to care and support them during the most challenging stage of life. As seniors are more susceptible to unexpected health complications, seeing a medical practitioner is recommended before taking any drug, or alternative medicine which includes CBD. But being natural, CBD may prove to be the most effective and safe drug for older adults when appropriately administered. The perfect dose is the key to achieve the desired results. It is advisable to start low and then increase the amount to avoid the innocuous side-effects. With abundant health benefits, CBD thus can be helpful in easing the lives of seniors by making them enjoy their lives to the fullest without compromising on their health.
