CAN CBD CURE OR STOP YOUR HANGOVER-min

CAN CBD CURE OR STOP YOUR HANGOVER?

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CBD has well-documented therapeutic properties for many conditions, from chronic pain and inflammation to anxiety. CBD is the non-psychoactive component of cannabis that researchers have explored its possibility of combating hangovers in the past few years.

No one wants to throw up or wake up with extreme headaches. And CBD will allow you to enjoy the medicinal benefits of medical marijuana without the intoxicating part. Experts clarify that CBD can cure or stop your hangover because of its therapeutic potential in managing pain, anxiety, nausea, and discomfort. That said, let’s discuss the possibility of using CBD oil to cure or stop hangovers, including the science behind it.

What is a Hangover?

A hangover refers to a combination of symptoms that occur to an individual due to drinking excess alcohol. This set of symptoms may include headaches, thirst, nausea, fatigue, sensitivity to light, among others. A hangover could originate from a variety of factors, but the main culprit is alcohol consumption. Alcohol, especially too much, is considered toxic and can wreak havoc on your organs.

Causes of Hangovers

If you opt to try out CBD oil to manage symptoms related to hangovers, then it would be best to understand how hangovers come about. That said, exactly how a phenomenon like a hangover happens is a bit complicated than simply stating that it is caused by alcohol. The key chemical that brews up a hangover is acetaldehyde, a highly toxic compound that your body absorbs when you consume alcohol.

Acetaldehyde is extremely reactive and toxic to the body. And to eliminate it, numerous chemical reactions are required to break it down effectively before it can be excreted from the body. While this particular compound is being broken down, your body redirects most of its metabolic energy and resources towards this process. The products of this toxic metabolic process are dumped on your body, which comes with several unpleasant symptoms that amount to a hangover.

Hangover Symptoms

The symptoms of a hangover can be easily mistaken for those of extreme Dehydration. But unlike a hangover, most of the symptoms associated with Dehydration are gastrointestinal. And as stated earlier, the main origin of a hangover is drinking too much. Alcohol irritates the gastrointestinal tract lining, resulting in more acid that could trigger diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Alcohol intake can also deprive your body of electrolytes, which act as chemical messengers for cellular communication. When this happens, you are likely to experience irritability, fatigue, or headaches. That said, the following is a compilation of the most common symptoms of hangovers:

  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Sleep deprivation or insomnia.
  • Pounding headaches.
  • Weaknesses or sluggishness.
  • Feelings of thirst.
  • Increased heart rate.
  • Irritability and anxiety.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Tremors.
  • Sweating and Dehydration.

CBD Oil and Hangovers: Can CBD Oil Help Manage Hangovers?

Science-based studies have proved that CBD oil is beneficial for the physical and mental health of humans. The key component that is essential for the therapeutic property of cannabis is Cannabidiol oil (CBD). And unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that is psychoactive and alters mental function associated with marijuana, CBD oil is non-psychoactive, contains therapeutic properties, and is safe to use for hangovers.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to activate the CB1 and CB2 receptors present in the central nervous system, immune system, spine, digestive tract, and other body organs. And as mentioned above, you realize that many hangover symptoms occur due to an imbalance in the endocannabinoid system. But when you use CBD, it will work in tandem with the ECS to manage symptoms such as headaches, Dehydration, anxiety, etc. – which are linked to hangovers.

CBD as a Remedy for Hangovers

It is worth mentioning that folks have been using CBD for ages to manage symptoms of hangovers, albeit behind the scenes. But as medical experts and researchers begin to get attuned to the benefits of CBD for the overall well-being, we have witnessed many states legalize medical marijuana. Besides, a large body of evidence derived from clinical trials has suggested that CBD could effectively treat hangovers.

The main reason for this breakthrough is how CBD activates the ECS – one of the most complex yet weak systems that manage everything from how the body perceives pain and anxiety to how it digests food.

Benefits of Using CBD oil as a Remedy for Hangovers

Among other therapeutic properties, the discovery of CBD oil has been a great revelation for heavy drinkers too. If you have consumed alcohol, you probably know how unpleasant and frightening hangovers can be. But thanks to CBD, you can not only manage your hangover symptoms, but you can also treat them. Regarding symptom management, using CBD oil can be beneficial in the following ways:

  • CBD for Dehydration – most of the symptoms of hangovers are linked to your body being acutely dehydrated, which, in itself, results from an imbalance in the endocannabinoid system. Alcohol is a diuretic that saps your body of fluids, something that can lead to organ inflammation. But CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that could help manage dehydration-related symptoms.
  • CBD for nausea and vomiting – CBD acts as an antiemetic that fights hangover-related symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
  • CBD for a Balanced Mood – CBD oil is known to manage irritability, depression, and anxiety. By doing so, CBD interacts with the ECS to control the production of cortisol – a hormone responsible for mood balancing.

CBD for Blood Sugar – several hangover symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, tremors, and lack of concentration can be linked to low blood sugar levels. Alcohol intake can deprive your body of blood sugar. But CBD interacts with the ECS receptors to manage blood sugar levels. Besides, studies on insulin resistance found that this condition was 17% less prevalent in marijuana users than nonusers. That points to CBD’s potential to protect the body against the harmful effects of alcohol consumption, such as sugar deprivation from the blood.

Charlotte Cremers
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MS, University of Tartu
Sleep specialist

Using the acquired academic and professional experience, I advise patients with various complaints about mental health - depressed mood, nervousness, lack of energy and interest, sleep disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and anxieties, difficulty concentrating, and stress. In my free time, I love to paint and go on long walks on the beach. One of my latest obsessions is sudoku – a wonderful activity to calm an unease mind.

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