What side effects can CBD have when taken by elderly people who often complain of sleeping disorders, generalised pain, joint inflammation and anxiety?
The answer may seem obvious, but CBD oil taken by the so-called Third Age can only be beneficial. Obviously, if you have particular health problems it is always advisable to consult a doctor.
CBD for the Elderly
According to a study published earlier this year, the proportion of adults aged 65 and over reportedly using marijuana has almost doubled in the last five years.
With the CBD market expected to grow to 22billion in value by 2022, it's no surprise that many seniors are adding CBD supplements to their daily routine. Although human research is still in its infancy, CBD may provide a range of benefits to senior citizens.
This piece will outline all the current information regarding CBD for the elderly.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 chemical compounds derived from the cannabis plant. These compounds are known as cannabinoids and have a similar molecular structure to the endocannabinoid hormones produced inside the human body.
CBD binds to our endocannabinoid system, assisting with the regulation of vital biological functions such as inflammation, mood, pain-response, appetite, and sleep.
How can CBD Help the Elderly?
As scientific research continues, more uses and benefits of CBD are being revealed. CBD may provide therapeutic benefits for people of all ages. Below are some of the most commonly treated issues amongst the elderly.
- Problems Sleeping: CBD can alleviate some of the symptoms associated with insomnia and the anxiety that sleepless nights can cause.
- Pain Management: CBD has shown promising results in the treatment of chronic pain. This includes rheumatic pain caused by arthritis, and inflammation-induced pain caused by sciatica.
- Depression and Anxiety: Studies have revealed that CBD may provide mood-regulating effects that could help treat some forms of depression. There is also evidence to suggest that CBD could be beneficial in the treatment of OCD and PTSD.
- Side Effects of Chemotherapy: Cancer patients were one of the first groups to experiment with medical marijuana to treat chemotherapy side effects such as vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite. Recent studies have shown that CBD can effectively relieve some of these symptoms.
- Dementia: Research suggests that CBD treatment may help to slow down the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's and Dementia.
Is CBD Safe?
Studies show that CBD is safe and effective for the majority of people. Although, we recommend that anyone thinking of using CBD should contact their doctor and discuss this in detail. Additionally, we don't recommend substituting CBD for any prescription medications without permission from a healthcare professional. As with all substances, CBD could interact with certain supplements or medications, so you must have a candid discussion with your doctor before supplementing with CBD.
Tips for CBD Safety Amongst the Elderly
After securing approval from your doctor, here are some helpful first steps to take:
Firstly, make sure that you thoroughly research the CBD company from which you are interested in purchasing products. CBD is a vast global market, with many companies selling untested, sub-standard products.
Many companies sell fake products containing potentially toxic chemicals, with little or no CBD added to the product ingredients.
Reputable brands submit their products to third-party laboratories for testing. This helps to verify the purity of the products and ensure there are no contaminants present. Additionally, the best CBD is sourced from organic hemp, so be sure to check the CBD product's origin.
We also recommend buying your CBD from a reputable company that has positive customer reviews available.
Here at Enecta, we pride ourselves on the purity of our products and the transparency of our customer feedback.
CBD Oil Dosage for Seniors
CBD oils and capsules tend to be the most popular with elderly CBD users. This is because they are easy to take, and it's a straightforward process working out individual doses.
While medical professionals will be able to offer expert guidance for your personal situation, a general safe starting dose for seniors is around 2.5mg. This is half the recommended dosage for adults.
That said, everyone is different, and CBD's effects vary in accordance with your genetics, weight, metabolism, and any other medications that you may be taking.
Another essential piece of advice is to 'start low and go slow' when it comes to taking CBD oils. Increase your dosage gradually over a week, going up in 2.5mg increments until you feel the desired effects. Note that physical symptoms tend to respond more quickly than psychological symptoms.
If you are currently researching CBD usage for the elderly and require some professional advice, click here to contact the Enecta customer care team. Our team will do their best to offer expert advice and clarification surrounding any queries.
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