by Edie Horstman
It’s no secret that CBD — otherwise known as cannabidiol — has revolutionized the wellness industry over the past few years. And for good reason, too.
As versatile as it is targeted, CBD has been touted as a natural way to improve productivity and sleep quality as well as help manage stress and more. So it’s no surprise that wellness gurus, athletes and those interested in improving their overall health are turning to CBD for its multitude of therapeutic effects.
But what exactly makes CBD a super supplement? Read on to learn more about the natural supplement and how it interacts with our bodies to help you work hard, and play harder.
The Endocannabinoid System and CBD
What is CBD?
CBD is the non-psychoactive derivative of the cannabis plant. It is known to deliver mental and physical benefits without tetrahydrocannabinol’s (THC) typical side effects.
Furthermore, CBD comes in many forms: salves, capsules, tinctures, and more, each designed to support the body in different ways. And while every consumer requires a different CBD dosage (and absorption rates vary), choosing a high-quality version of this supplement is key.
How CBD works
In order for the body to maintain homeostasis, 11 major organ systems are constantly at work: circulatory, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic and digestive.
Combined, these systems do everything from circulating blood and filtering oxygen to promoting muscle recovery after a strenuous workout. However, in addition to these major organ systems, we also have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). While it is lesser-known, the ECS is involved in establishing and maintaining optimal human health.
Discovered in the 1990s, the ECS has three components: endocannabinoids, which are a chemical substance — made by our bodies — that are similar to cannabinoids; cannabinoid receptors, which are found on the surface of cells; and enzymes, substances that help break down endocannabinoids once they’re used. In essence, when the body is out of balance, the ECS uses cannabinoid receptors to initiate homeostasis.
Through these receptors, the ECS assists in regulating a variety of important functions, like digestion, memory, and sleep. Furthermore, when using CBD, the ECS is stimulated, aiding in pain reduction, memory improvement, and other therapeutic benefits.
Benefits of CBD
In other words, while the ECS responds to the endocannabinoids produced in the body, it also responds to external cannabinoids. The ECS and CBD go hand-in-hand.
And because CBD products — like FOCL’s capsules and tinctures — can stimulate ECS activity, they’re used to target problems like occasional sleeplessness, pain associated with hard-core workouts (or marathon work sessions), balance your mood and more.
It can also help with focus and productivity. Prioritizing quality, FOCL provides industry-leading, premium hemp CBD capsules, and tinctures. Unique in the marketplace, FOCL combines CBD’s therapeutic properties with the balancing qualities of adaptogens like Lion’s Mane and Ashwagandha into a supercharged supplement stack. Together, these powerful, plant-based ingredients help optimize focus, improve sleep quality, balance mood, and more.
That said, even without the added benefits of adaptogens, CBD is touted as a super supplement; it’s even known to help support the body in recovering from exercise-induced inflammation.
In essence, CBD can provide a natural solution to a whole host of things you may need support with. More than just a trendy ingredient, CBD can be incorporated into your wellness routine to help you perform, rest, and live better.
Edie Horstman is a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, wellness blogger, and freelance writer. She works with health-focused brands, co-creating content in the digital marketing space. She lives in Denver, Colorado.
