Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has been gaining popularity as a supplement due to its potential health benefits.
While there are many possible benefits of CBD, it's important to be aware of any potential side effects before taking it.
In this article, we will discuss some of the known side effects associated with CBD use.
By understanding these side effects, you can make an informed decision on whether or not CBD is right for you.
Drowsiness
CBD may cause drowsiness--nodding off and feeling tired. One of the most common side effects of CBD is a tendency to feel sleepy or drowsy after taking it. This sensation ranges from mild feelings of fatigue to an urge to take a nap, and in some cases people have even reported falling asleep unexpectedly shortly after using CBD.
It is believed that this is caused by the way that CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate sleep-wake cycles. Taking CBD at nighttime can be beneficial for those who struggle with insomnia, as it can help them get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer. However, if taken during the day, users should be aware that they may become drowsy afterwards and should consider avoiding activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery until they have had time to fully wake up again.
Loss of Appetite
You may experience a decreased appetite when taking CBD, so be sure to eat nutritious foods if you feel your hunger diminish. Appetite suppression is one of the most commonly reported side effects of CBD. While it can be beneficial for individuals looking to lose weight, it's important to monitor your caloric intake and overall health while taking CBD. If your appetite decreases significantly, it could put your body in a state of nutritional deficiency.
It's also important to note that not all people will experience this side effect. The amount and type of CBD taken can impact whether or not an individual experiences appetite suppression. For example, certain concentrations of full-spectrum CBD are more likely to cause drowsiness and loss of appetite than others. Additionally, some people may find that their body gets used to the effects after a few weeks and their appetite returns back to normal levels with continued use.
Studies have yet to determine the exact mechanism by which CBD affects hunger levels but research suggests that it has something to do with how cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for regulating homeostasis within our bodies, including hunger and satiety signals sent from the brain to our digestive tract. By interacting with receptors in this system, CBD may alter how we process hunger signals leading to either increased or decreased feelings of hunger depending on the individual's unique biology.
Changes in Mood
Mood changes are among the most commonly reported reactions to taking CBD. Some people report feeling more relaxed, while others may experience heightened alertness. Anecdotal reports suggest that CBD can also have an antidepressant-like effect in some users. However, it's important to note that these effects may not be uniform and could vary from person to person.
CBD has been linked with both positive and negative mood changes. For example, some studies indicate that CBD could help reduce anxiety levels in those who suffer from conditions such as PTSD or social anxiety disorder.
Other studies suggest that CBD could increase feelings of happiness and well-being, even improving sleep quality in some individuals.
On the other hand, there have been cases where people have experienced irritability after consuming high doses of CBD oil or edibles.
Ultimately, it's difficult to determine how any individual will react to taking CBD due to the wide range of possible responses associated with its use. Therefore, it's important for anyone considering taking CBD products to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before doing so in order to ensure their safety and well-being.
Diarrhea
Unpleasant digestive side effects, such as diarrhea, can be an unexpected consequence of taking CBD. Although there's limited evidence to suggest that CBD is the direct cause of this symptom, it has been reported in several cases.
Studies have found that in some instances, CBD can interfere with the absorption of certain medications and supplements. This could lead to indigestion or diarrhea if taken together. Even though this may occur rarely, it's important to be aware of the possibility when taking any type of medication.
In addition, a recent study by the American Academy of Neurology suggests that high doses of CBD may cause gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomiting in some individuals. While these symptoms are usually mild and pass quickly after stopping use, they can still be quite uncomfortable for those affected by them. It's also important to note that these higher doses aren't recommended for most people without a doctor's approval first.
It's always best to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplement or medication so they can monitor your progress over time and make sure you're not experiencing any negative side effects from them. Additionally, it may be helpful to start small with a low dose so you can gauge how your body reacts before increasing the amount taken at one time.
Dry Mouth
Experiencing dry mouth after taking CBD is a common occurrence. It's caused by the active ingredient in CBD, which stimulates saliva production, resulting in less moisture in your mouth. This side effect is not dangerous, but it can be a bit uncomfortable and inconvenient.
Here are three ways to help manage the dry mouth associated with CBD:
1. Drink plenty of fluids - Staying hydrated helps keep your mouth moist and also encourages salivation. Try drinking water or sugar-free drinks throughout the day if you're using CBD products regularly.
2. Chew gum - Sugarless gum or mints can stimulate saliva production and help keep your breath fresh during times when your mouth feels particularly dry.
3. Avoid alcohol - Alcohol consumption has been shown to reduce saliva production even more than normal, making your dry mouth worse if you use CBD products on a regular basis.
You may find that these simple tips help relieve some of the discomfort associated with dry mouth from taking CBD products, while still allowing you to enjoy their benefits.
Low Blood Pressure
If you use CBD products regularly, you may notice that your blood pressure drops, leaving you feeling lightheaded or dizzy. This is one of the known side effects of CBD, and it's important to be aware of it before using any product containing this ingredient.
Low blood pressure can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms like nausea, fatigue, blurred vision, and fainting. It's also important to note that low blood pressure can be dangerous if it becomes too low or lasts for a long time.
It's not always easy to tell if you have low blood pressure from using CBD products because the symptoms are often subtle. However, if you experience any of the above symptoms after taking CBD products, it's best to stop using them and speak with your healthcare provider about ways to manage the issue. In some cases, they may recommend adjusting your dosage or switching brands.
It's also essential to remember that everyone reacts differently when taking CBD products due to its individualized effects on a person's body chemistry. That said, by being mindful of potential side effects like low blood pressure and listening to your body when taking these products, it can help ensure safe usage in the future.
Interactions with Medications
CBD products can interact with certain medications, so it's important to be aware of potential interactions before taking them. It's important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any medication you're currently taking and if it might interact with CBD. Medications such as blood thinners, benzodiazepines, calcium channel blockers, antihistamines, and some types of antidepressants may be affected by CBD.
Additionally, CBD may increase the levels of certain medications in the body which could lead to increased side effects or even toxicity.
It's also important to discuss any over-the-counter supplements you're taking with your doctor or pharmacist as well since these can interact with drugs too. Some supplements like St John's wort can increase the breakdown of a drug by the liver leading to lower levels in the body than expected. On the flip side, some herbs such as echinacea can decrease drug metabolism which would result in higher levels of medication being present in the body than expected.
Therefore, it's always best practice to consult a healthcare provider before starting on any new supplement including CBD regardless of how 'natural' they may seem. This will help ensure that any risks from potential interactions are minimized and that no unexpected reactions occur when combining different substances together.
Conclusion
You should be aware of the potential side effects of CBD. Drowsiness, loss of appetite, changes in mood, diarrhea, dry mouth, and low blood pressure are all possible.
It's also important to remember that CBD can interact with some medications. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you're considering using it as a supplement.
Ultimately, you should weigh the risks and benefits before starting any new treatment or supplement. Educate yourself on what's known about CBD so that you're informed when making decisions about your health.
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