CBD! It’s a buzzword everyone is throwing around these days. It’s so popular that shops are popping up all over the place advertising their CBD products. You know it’s a new health trend, but what exactly is it and what does it do for you?

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is one of 120 cannabinoids found in cannabis. Unfortunately, there’s a big stigma associated with cannabis due to the compound, Tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC, the psychoactive element present in marijuana. The term, cannabis, is actually a family of plants including marijuana and hemp. CBD comes from the hemp plant and you can rest assured it won’t get you high.

What many people may not know is that cannabinoids can either be a number of receptors that together make up the endocannabinoid system within the human body, or they can be a compound found in cannabis.

The endocannabinoid system’s main function is to maintain homeostasis in the body – it keeps you healthy and balanced. It regulates functions like digestion, sleep, inflammation, the immune system, appetite, temperature control, and so much more. Scientists have discovered that our bodies have two types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. Phytocannabinoids sourced from plants, like CBD from hemp, interact with our body’s own receptors to increase different functions. 

CB1 receptors exist in larger numbers in the brain, central nervous system, connective tissues, intestines, and other glands. Interacting with this receptor can help relieve depression, lower inflammation, lower anxiety, lower blood pressure, and much more. This is the receptor that CBD interacts with.

CB2 receptors exist in the thymus, immune cells, tonsils, spleen, and small amounts in the brain. Any deficiency in CB2 receptor function is related to most diseases whether they be neurodegenerative, autoimmune, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or psychiatric. This receptor also promotes functions within pain-related illness, cancer, kidney function, and bone and skin health.

So with all of this information what’s the main takeaway? Our bodies have a natural system to help us function properly and we have access to plants to help kickstart healthier functioning in our bodies.

Should I try CBD?

Now that you understand a bit more about what CBD is and how it interacts with the body, you may be more open to trying it out. But what for? CBD has been known to help by:

• Reducing insomnia
• Lowering anxiety and depressive symptoms
• Lowering inflammation
• Reducing pain
• Reducing acne

These are just some of the more popular reasons people try CBD. Of course, every body is different, and that means your body may react differently to CBD than it does for others. Especially if you are on certain medications or have experienced particular health issues. CBD isn’t a miracle product and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult with your doctor and make sure you’re buying a safe and reputable product that will work best for you.

How to choose the right product

So, you’ve consulted with your doctor and now you’re ready to try out CBD. When doing your research be sure to note that although CBD is derived from hemp, not all hemp oil contains CBD. You will want to make sure that the brand you choose sources their product from areas not contaminated by pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins. It is also important to buy from a brand that has their products tested by third-party laboratories and provides their certificate of analysis (COAs).

Not all CBD products are created equal. You will want to look into dosage amounts, additional ingredients, and solubility. We strongly recommend finding a CBD product that is full-spectrum. This means that the product includes other biologically active compounds like flavonoids, terpenes, vitamins, etc. This creates an entourage effect so that your body is utilizing all aspects of the hemp plant and receiving the greatest effect. Another thing to look for is whether or not the product is water-soluble. Since our intestines are lined with a layer of water, and oil and water don’t mix, regular CBD products may have lower effects due to your body not being able to absorb it as efficiently. A water-soluble product allows your body to absorb in all of the compounds more effectively, giving you a better, more beneficial result.

So what’s our personal CBD product checklist:

• Is it ethically and organically sourced?
• Is it tested by third-party laboratories?
• Does the company provide COAs?
• Is it full-spectrum?
• Is it water-soluble?

What is our favorite brand?

If you are looking for a recommendation, we highly suggest trying Zilis’ UltraCell line. They have oil options in different flavors, a topical cream, and even other Ultra products that do not contain CBD for overall health, better sleep, and optimum performance.

We loved it so much we jumped on board as ambassadors because we appreciated the quality of their products. It was also extremely important to us to find a company that held the scientific standards of their products as the utmost important aspect of development. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Zilis UltraCell line, visit our UltraCell page on our website. There you can find descriptions of the products available and be taken to our personal ambassador store for purchasing.

We hope this blog answered a lot of your questions about CBD and why it’s so popular. If you have any questions we didn’t get to leave them in the comments below!