With the FDA approving the use of CBD in dietary supplements in the last year, you’re probably seeing a lot more of it on the market, and are curious about trying it out. Studies have shown that it can help with everything from anxiety to cancer to high blood pressure, so many people have started using it as a regular supplement. However, even too much of a good thing can have its drawbacks. If you are interested in trying CBD yourself, what are the downsides that you should be aware of? We asked Dr. Matt Chalmers, owner of Chalmers Wellness, everything you should know about CBD supplementation.
First of all, what is CBD? Cannabidiol is a natural supplement found in the cannabis plant. However, it is not psychoactive, meaning it gives you all the health benefits of marijuana, without the effect of getting high. “CBD has been shown to help with inflammation, which can cause symptoms such as joint pain, foggy-headedness, IBS, headaches, sore muscles and a host of other pain issues. CBD also has calming effects on the mind and mood. It can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.” CBD can be a great resource if you struggle with any of these things, especially if you want to avoid prescription or over the counter medications.
However, anything that is strong enough to help is strong enough to hurt. One of the most important things to keep in mind when CBD is knowing what you’re using it for and choosing your type accordingly. “There are several different strains of cannabis and depending on the strain there are different turpins in the CBD oil that comes from cannabis. Different turpins act differently in the body; some are really good at reducing stress, while others are good with pain,” Chalmers says, “Taking the wrong turpin for your issues can create problems, or at best just not help with the issues you have. I have seen people take the wrong kind of CBD and take way too much because they thought they were going to get pain relief.”
Overall CBD is safe, even in larger doses, but it is possible to have an allergy or reaction to any supplement. When choosing the right kind for you, make sure you are working with someone who understands the turpin structures and then start off slow to make sure it doesn’t cause an adverse reaction in your body.
If you do have a negative reaction to CBD and need help with stress management or sleep, two of the main things CBD is supposed to help with, Dr. Chalmers has a few suggestions for changes you can make to your lifestyle. “The number one thing I have my patients do is meditation. Learning to calm down with the power of your mind is very important. I also suggest that for sleep, you should set a specific bedtime and stick to it,” he says, “Turn off all electronics 30 minutes before you go to sleep. The constant flashing and brightness of the screen can suppress your body’s ability to produce adequate levels of melatonin. I have even used castor oil packing with FIR infrared heating pads on the kidneys for many of my patients. In eastern medicine the kidney is the wellspring of life and can be the source of much of the anxiety or stress that we feel. And of course counseling is also a great way to deal with stress if things in your life seem chaotic.”
All in all, CBD can be a great resource when trying alternative methods of healing. However, it’s important to start slow and work with a certified professional before you make any major changes, as you could have a negative reaction.
