As we age, our body deteriorates as well. When you reach the age of 60, it can be hard staying on top of our health. That’s why seniors are prescribed more medications than younger people. In fact, 54 per cent of adults aged 65 and above take at least four prescription drugs.
However, our body’s organs also deteriorate in terms of functionality. Consequently, this makes it hard for the body to break down the medications, causing some of them to stay in the body longer. In turn, this can cause adverse effects.
As much as possible, we would want seniors to prevent prescription drugs. But sometimes, this isn’t possible. But with the advent of cannabis legalization in Canada in 2018, cannabis, specifically, CBD, has become another natural medication that benefits seniors. In this article, we’re telling you five of those life-changing benefits.
What is CBD and How Can Seniors Benefit from It
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the many cannabinoids in cannabis. Contrary to its psychoactive counterpart THC, CBD has more of the physical and mental benefits without the “high.”
Since CBD indirectly works with the receptors in the body, the effect is slower yet potent. Plus, extracting CBD makes it easy for seniors to take it. For instance, CBD can come in many forms like oil, tinctures, creams, and even edibles.
Without further ado, here are five CBD health benefits for seniors:
1. Avoids risks of heart attacks
Vasorelaxation is when the walls of the blood vessels reduce tension. When this happens, the blood vessels widen, and more blood flows throughout the body. High blood pressure could be one of the most common illnesses of seniors, which puts them at risk of cardiac arrests.
According to studies, CBD helps in vasorelaxation through the CB1 and TRP receptors. Hence, CBD can help prevent life-threatening heart attacks.
2. Reduces anxiety
According to a study that involved 72 patients with issues of anxiety , 57 of the patients reduced their anxiety tendencies a month after being induced with CBD. Because CBD also works with the receptors and neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, this is excellent to prevent concerns of anxiety in seniors.
3. Improves sleep
According to the same study, 48 of the patients also improved their sleep quality after a month of taking CBD. Although there were signs of fluctuation, CBD undeniably helps in giving seniors quality rest, allowing the body to perform better the day after.
4. May prevent cancer
Apoptosis is the physiological process of the natural death of cells in the body. This is needed to maintain balance. Cancer cells are the abnormal cells that beat apoptosis. And because CBD binds with the receptors in these cells, CBD may help keep the balance during apoptosis, preventing the growth of cancer cells.
5. Reduces chronic pain
Seniors inevitably experience chronic pain due to a myriad of factors. CBD naturally has anti-inflammatory properties which help relieve inflammation in arthritis . Overall, CBD can be excellent to replace those painkillers which only offer a Band-Aid solution.
Seniors inevitably experience chronic pain