Kanyi Okeke
Did you know that seniors are one of the fastest-growing demographics using cannabidiol (CBD) products? In fact, it’s projected that 50% of all CBD users will be 50 years or older by 2020, and this number keeps growing each year. CBD has been proven to benefit a variety of health issues in seniors, from chronic pain to anxiety and depression. Read on to learn about the effectiveness of CBD for seniors and its potential benefits.
Is CBD Effective for Seniors?
The simple answer? Yes. To ensure that CBD is an effective treatment, it must be high-quality and free of additives and preservatives. For example, hemp extracts that are sold as CBD capsules or small vials are an excellent option. Just be sure you buy from reliable sources such as HempFusion.
It’s also important to check with your doctor before using CBD, especially if you have a medical condition or take prescription medications regularly. The most common side effects of CBD include dry mouth, lightheadedness, and fatigue. Read on for four important benefits of CBD for seniors.
Health Benefits of CBD for seniors:
1. CBD Helps Relieve Pain
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can help relieve pain. In fact, a 2013 study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that when people with chronic neuropathic pain used a CBD-based topical cream, they experienced less pain and sleep disruption. Other research has shown that topical CBD may help reduce inflammation of certain kinds of chronic pain. For this reason, CBD can help people who suffer from seizures or other conditions in which anxiety may be an issue.
2. CBD Improve Your Sleep
CBD is also helpful in improving one’s sleep hygiene. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults over age 60 get seven to eight hours of sleep a night, but many people in their 60s and 70s are getting less. While other health issues might be contributing to poor sleep, research shows that CBD has been proven effective at improving sleep onset, duration, and quality for many different age groups.
3. CBD Acts as a Natural Relaxant
CBD acts as a natural relaxant for many people, which is why it’s commonly prescribed to help patients with anxiety disorders. CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system—which regulates everything from sleep and stress levels to inflammation and immune response—to help reduce overall anxiety levels. A healthy endocannabinoid system is crucial for helping keep chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and headaches at bay.
4. CBD Reduces Inflammation
CBD and other phytocannabinoids (plant-based cannabinoids) can offer a variety of health benefits for seniors like reducing inflammation. CBD can help manage chronic inflammation by reducing swelling and pain in the body. Research shows that CBD could be especially beneficial for those with rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia, making it an excellent natural alternative to painkillers like ibuprofen.
CBD has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which make it effective in treating pain, anxiety, depression, nausea, seizures, and more.
If you or an aging loved one are looking to use CBD for health benefits, keep this information in mind as you continue to learn about the transformative powers of CBD.
