February is American Heart Month, and more scientific research is focusing on the cardiovascular benefits of cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD. CBD is one of the main cannabinoids contained in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive and does not produce an intoxicating effect. It does, however, affect the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system regulates many of the processes inside our bodies, including our immune system, metabolism and appetite. The beauty of CBD is that it can have intensely medicinal effects on the body, without the side effects that come with most prescription medications.
Here are three ways that CBD can improve heart health:
- CBD Has Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
CBD has an especially high concentration of anti-inflammatory properties, even higher than antioxidants, Omega-3s, and vitamin C. CBD binds to and desensitizes receptors in the body that are responsible for pain and inflammation. Its power to fight inflammation may reduce autoimmune myocarditis (an autoimmune disease of the heart), lower oxidative stress, and even reduce pain. As an added bonus, CBD reduces inflammation without the blood-thinning or stomach-irritating side effects of conventional anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen.
- CBD Could Improve Stroke Recovery
A study conducted on animals that suffered a heart attack or stroke revealed that CBD lowered their resulting tissue damage. Rats that had been treated with CBD had the amount of dead tissue in their body lowered by an impressive 66 percent. The same stroke-recovery benefits could be possible in humans.
- Lowering Blood Pressure with CBD
High blood pressure (hypertension) puts you at risk for heart disease, and is very common among Americans. CBD can lower blood pressure by expanding blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily.
Talk To Your Doctor Before Trying CBD
If you’re curious about CBD and how it could benefit you, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or James K. Cardi, MD to learn more. You should always consult with a medical doctor before taking any new supplements or tinctures to make sure they do not interact with your current medication. In addition, a doctor who specializes in CBD will be able to make specific recommendations on dosage depending on your individual needs.
Want to learn more about how CBD can benefit you? Dr. James Cardi is highly experienced administering CBD oils to patients. In addition, he and his staff perform a wide variety of medical aesthetic treatments, from microdermabrasion to chemical peels. In order to get the fastest response to scheduling and clinical questions, please call our office. You can also request an appointment online!
