CBD Questions Answered

Over the last couple of years, I have had many questions presented to me concerning CBD products and their benefits and usage. I thought I would share the most common questions I receive regarding CBD along with my answers.

Q: What are the most common symptoms CBD is used for?
A: Although there are many benefits and uses of CBD, the most popular uses I see in my clinic are for pain (acute or chronic), sleep, and anxiety.

Q: Why is there so much hype about CBD and how can it have so many benefits?
A: One of the body’s amazing regulatory systems is called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of substances in the body called cannabinoids, out of which we produce endocannabinoids. The ECS touches nearly every physiological system and orchestrates communication throughout the day.

Due to various factors such as exposure to stress, toxins, poor diet, etc., some people may not produce enough endocannabinoids to properly support their ECS. This results in a lack of regulation and balance of many important body systems.

CBD contains Phyto-cannabinoids, which are plant-based cannabinoids the human ECS can utilize. Phyto-cannabinoids support and balance a person’s ECS, especially when they are not producing enough endocannabinoids on their own. This is why a properly grown and produced CBD product can have so many widespread benefits to one’s overall health.

The following are my criteria, and what we hold to at Total Health Nutrition Center when selling CBD and using it for clinical use.

• Must be organic/non-GMO (not-genetically modified).
• Must be monitored through the entire manufacturing process, from seed to bottle.
• Must be extracted with non-toxic substances.
• Must be proven by independent lab analysis to be free from toxins such as chemicals and heavy metals.
• Must be full-spectrum, meaning it has all the phytonutrients, natural oils, and bioactive phytochemical metabolites that nurture the ECS, as proven by independent lab analysis.
• Must contain some THC, as proven by lab analysis. The legal limit is under 0.03% THC.
• Must be medical or pharmaceutical grade, meaning all the manufacturing processes are followed per FDA pharmaceutical regulations.

Q: Are there any factors that can hinder how CBD may work for me?
A: Yes. One major issue that, if not corrected, could hinder the effectiveness of CBD use is polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) deficiency. PUFA’s, which are mostly found in foods like fish, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, are good sources of omega 3s. These oils are precursors and homeostatic regulators of the ECS.

Maintaining proper levels of PUFA’s are key to maintaining the health of the ECS. It is also key to how effective a CBD oil product will work. There are two types of PUFA’s: Omega 3 and Omega 6. Maintaining proper ratios of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids is important. The American diet tends to be very heavy in omega 6 fatty acids, and people are commonly deficient in omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 6 fatty acids are found in corn, safflower, sunflower, grapeseed, soy, and peanuts.

The ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 should be closer to 4:1. Many people I have tested are as high as 18-20:1. This puts them at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, memory issues, and chronic inflammation. It is estimated that only 2% of the population has adequate omega 3 levels.

* I suggest a simple lab blood test that can be done at home with a finger prick to determine where your omega 3 blood saturation rate is.

Q: What dose is best for me?
A: This is a tough question because each individual responds in their own way. However, I usually like to start people on higher doses at first. Then, if it’s working well for their symptoms, I have them lower it in small increments until they discover a threshold of what dose works best.

Q: What is the best product I can combine with CBD to help with my sleep?
A: There are several different products that can be combined with CBD to help with sleep. The best product to choose depends on the root cause of your sleep issue. I wrote a book entitled “Is CBD a Good Option for Me?” in which I go into detail on potential root causes and which products to choose.

For the purpose of this article, I will mention a product called Gaba Calm. Gaba Calm helps elevate a neurotransmitter in the brain called gaba. Gaba helps slow down overactive brain activity, allowing for deeper sleep. CBD helps to keep gaba elevated by inhibiting the enzymes that normally clears gaba from cell receptors. When combined, these two supplements can pack a powerful punch in calming the brain and promoting deeper, more restful sleep.

Q: What is the best product to combine with CBD for anxiety?
A: I have found that a product called AnxioCalm is excellent to combine with CBD for anxiety, due to its natural alkamides from a specific part of the Echinacea plant. These alkamides plug into the same cell receptors as THC, having a calming effect on a person’s central nervous system without the psychoactive effect of THC from marijuana. Combining the effects of these alkamides with the effects of CBD can calm overactive brain activity and be a great non-drug solution to anxiety.

Q: What is the best product to combine with CBD for pain?
A: As mentioned in my book, “Is CBD a Good Option for Me?” there are many options depending on the root cause of the pain. However, the most common option I recommend is a concentrated form of turmeric called Curamin Extra Strength, along with a trademarked black pepper product called bioperin. The synergy of CBD, bioperin and curamin works well, as they all have mechanisms that optimize each other to dull pain and reduce inflammation.

I hope this Q & A series was helpful in answering some of your questions. If you wish to ask more detailed questions regarding your specific health concerns, please take advantage of our no-charge, no-obligation 15-minute phone consultation with one of our four practitioners. See if we may be the right fit to help you take back your health!