Supercharge Your CBD: Combining CBD and Food to Enhance Its Wellness Power
CBD has become a go-to for many of us wanting natural solutions to a variety of health problems. Many people have found relief from pain, reduced stress, improved sleep, and even enhanced skin health, all from this one natural compound. It’s like finding a hidden treasure!
Did you know that what you eat can influence how your body processes and utilizes CBD? It’s like having a secret code that can unlock even more benefits from your CBD.
“Food can play an important role in the absorption and effectiveness of CBD in our bodies. When we understand this relationship, we can make more informed decisions about our diet and CBD use,” says Ty Storlie, Co-Founder at Pharmstrong.
CBD has some amazing benefits, and it’s clear that incorporating it into our routine can really boost our overall wellness. Pairing CBD with the right foods can make it even more effective and bring us even more health benefits.
Food and CBD Absorption
A study published in the journal Epilepsia states that taking CBD with food, particularly high-fat meals, can quadruple CBD absorption. The study involved eight adults who were prescribed CBD for epilepsy-related seizures. Even though it was a small study, the results were incredible. Four participants took CBD on an empty stomach, followed by breakfast four hours later, while the other four consumed a high-fat breakfast burrito within 30 minutes of taking their CBD.
The participants who ate the high-fat breakfast saw a remarkable 14-fold increase in maximum CBD levels compared to those who took CBD without food. Additionally, the total amount of CBD absorbed by their bodies quadrupled when taken with a high-fat meal. This suggests that the type of food consumed alongside CBD plays a significant role in its absorption and effectiveness.
CBD and Absorption
Think of CBD like a hitchhiker. It’s fat-soluble, which means it loves to stick to fats. When you combine CBD with foods that are high in fat, it’s like giving CBD a ride directly into your body. The fats help CBD travel through your digestive system and get into your bloodstream more efficiently. This means your body can use more of the CBD you take in, potentially making it more effective.
CBD and Hunger: According to the Research
The research on the relationship between cannabidiol (CBD) and hunger is ever-evolving. However, we do know that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in several physiological processes, including metabolism and appetite.
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis that activates the increased appetite commonly experienced after consuming marijuana. The effect of CBD, however, is different than THC. Research suggests that CBD has a more nuanced impact on appetite.
Recent studies have shown that CBD may have a paradoxical effect- with its potential to suppress and stimulate appetite, depending on various factors, such as the dosage of CBD, the individual’s metabolism, and how the CBD is used.
The research on CBD’s influence over hunger is still in its early stages, and many questions remain unanswered. At Pharmstrong, we always recommend consulting your doctor before starting CBD.
Cooking with CBD: A New Culinary Adventure
Adding CBD to food can be a fun and effective way to enhance its absorption. An important fact to note, however, is that when CBD passes through the digestive system, some of its potency can be lost due to a process known as the “first-pass effect.”
The first-pass effect refers to the phenomenon where the concentration of a compound is significantly reduced before it reaches systemic circulation. This happens because the liver metabolizes many substances, including CBD, during digestion. As a result, only a portion of the CBD you ingest orally makes it into your bloodstream.
Understanding the first-pass effect is crucial when cooking with CBD. To maximize the benefits, consider using CBD in dishes that don’t require high heat, as excessive heat can further degrade CBD and reduce its potency.
Understanding the Synergy Between CBD and Food
Now that we understand the connection between CBD and food, what specific foods amplify the potency of your CBD routine?
Here are some healthy, fat-rich foods to consider:
• Avocados: are packed with healthy fats and can help increase CBD absorption.
• Nuts and Seeds: are excellent source of healthy fats.
• Oily Fish: are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which also boosts the absorption of CBD.
Dark Chocolate: A Delicious CBD Companion
You don’t need to give up chocolate. Dark chocolate is known for its health benefits, healthy fats, and antioxidants. “Pairing CBD with dark chocolate can not only enhance absorption but also provide additional health benefits such as improved heart health and reduced inflammation,” notes nutritionist Lisa Richards.
Spices That Boost CBD Absorption
Certain spices can also enhance the absorption and effectiveness of CBD. Turmeric, for example, contains curcumin, which is a compound widely used for its anti-inflammatory properties. When combined with CBD, it’s like a wellness power duo, providing a powerful boost to your health.
The Power of a Balanced Diet
We know that a balanced diet is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, and a variety of nutrient-rich foods can support your overall health and enhance the absorption of CBD. Think of CBD as one tool in your wellness toolbox. It’s pretty great on its own, but it’s really effective when combined with a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet.
Adding CBD to Food
• Try adding CBD to your smoothies. Blend your favorite fruits, a handful of spinach or kale, a scoop of protein powder, and a few drops of CBD oil for a nutrient-packed start to your day.
• Use CBD in your salad dressing. Mix CBD oil with olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs for a healthy and flavorful salad dressing. The CBD doesn’t undergo any cooking processes, helping to maintain its effectiveness.
• Yum, CBD-infused Desserts. Consider a no-bake dessert where CBD can be added after the main cooking process. From CBD-infused chocolate mousse to CBD-enhanced fruit parfaits, the possibilities are endless.
Hydration and CBD: The Importance of Water
Water plays a crucial role in the absorption of nutrients, including CBD. Staying hydrated can help your body process CBD more effectively. It’s like giving your body the perfect environment to make the most of CBD.
CBD Supercharged
It seems like every day we discover new ways to enhance the benefits of CBD. From pairing CBD with fat-rich foods to incorporating it into our cooking, there are numerous ways to supercharge your CBD regimen.
“Your health is an investment, not an expense. The more you invest in nourishing your body, the more you’ll get out of your CBD regimen,” as wellness coach Maria Johnson wisely puts it. CBD has some amazing benefits, and it’s clear that incorporating it into our routine can really boost our overall wellness.
Everyone’s journey to wellness is a personal one, filled with discoveries and opportunities to learn more about what makes us feel our best. CBD has many potential benefits, and it’s exciting to learn how we can enhance these benefits by simply pairing CBD with the right foods. Combining the right foods with CBD can supercharge CBD’s health benefits. When you focus on nourishing your body, you’ll get the most out of your CBD regimen. So, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep investing in your health. After all, you’re worth it!
