More and more people are using C B D or cannabidiol products to aid in their recovery from depression. And though there is a lack of clinical trials, there is a substantial number of studies that show that C B D could help in recovering from depression.
While depression is linked to serotonin deficiency, it is also linked to other neurotransmitter imbalances. It is also connected to structural brain changes caused by chronic stress or trauma and conditions like inflammation – all of which could cause imbalances.
A wide range of influence could contribute to whether or not you are trapped by depression, for instance, physical illness, genetics, chronic stress, past trauma, social isolation, physical pain, stressful life events, and other emotional disorders.
Hence, with different avenues that could lead to depression, it’s no surprise that people are looking to do whatever it takes to combat depression, including using C B D oil. However, even so, whatever helps one overcome depression is highly individual, and using a multi-pronged approach is better than a single solution in terms of recovery.
How Does C B D Work for Depression
Boosts Natural Endocannabinoids
The human body has an Endocannabinoid System (ECS) made up of CB1 and CB2 receptors. Hence, cannabinoids naturally bind to these receptors and activate them. C B D increases the anandamide (the bliss molecule) by preventing its breakdown.
According to animal studies, anandamide activates both serotonin pathways and the endocannabinoid system, which helped reduce depressive symptoms. C B D blocks the enzyme that breaks anandamide, which produces the same effect. Hence, by increasing the body's natural compound, anandamide, C B D oil improves mood.
Enhances Serotonin Activity
Serotonin is famously known as the 'happiness neurotransmitter.' When you take C B D oil, 5HT1A, receptors for serotonin, are activated. Depression is caused by low serotonin activity in the brain. This is why antidepressants work to increase serotonin.
C B D works like antidepressants by blocking serotonin removal and enhancing serotonin effects instead. In mice, C B D quickly increases glutamate and serotonin levels in the brain's thinking hub (prefrontal cortex) and making sense of real emotions. 5HT1A blockers prevent this effect, which is why when 5HT1A is activated, mood improves.
Increases Birth of New Brain Cells
The birth, development, and regeneration of brain cells are promoted by the BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor). People suffering from depression have low levels of BDNF protein in their hippocampus (the hub for emotions and memory) and prefrontal cortex.
C B D works by increasing this protein and strengthening the connections between the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala regions in the brain that affect emotions, thinking, and fear memory.
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