Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many medically beneficial compounds in cannabis. 

So far, medical researchers have discovered over 115 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. However, CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two most abundant and widely studied cannabinoids. These compounds account for about 40% of all marijuana extracts. 

Both CBD and THC have numerous therapeutic properties. However, the two compounds differ fundamentally in how they interact with the body. 

Tetrahydrocannabinol is famous for its psychotropic properties. THC is the primary compound in weed that induces euphoria, commonly known as ‘high.’ Cannabidiol is neither psychoactive nor intoxicating. The compound is better known for its healing properties. In fact, CBD is the most common cannabis extract in medical marijuana products. 

Cannabidiol is marketed for its potential to treat or manage numerous medical conditions. Examples of diseases that CBD may treat include arthritis, anxiety disorders, insomnia, and epileptic seizures, to mention but a few. Some studies even suggest that cannabidiol could play a role in boosting metabolism. 

But does CBD boost metabolism? That question shall be the focus of this post.

Understanding Metabolism and the Role of CBD

Cannabidiol has been suggested as a potential metabolism booster. Researchers believe that supplementing with CBD products from CBDistillery or other reliable suppliers could increase metabolism and even treat some metabolic orders. But before using CBD to boost metabolism, it’s crucial to begin by understanding what metabolism is. 

Metabolism is a term that refers to a set of life-sustaining chemical processes which take place in an organism. These processes can either be voluntary or involuntary. 

Metabolism serves various goals, including;

• Digestion and assimilation of food 
• Conversion of food to energy 
• Conversion of food or fuel to building blocks for proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and some carbohydrates
• Excretion of metabolic wastes

Cannabidiol plays a significant role in one or more of these processes. When consumed, CBD interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system that controls various functions. Some of the endocannabinoid system roles include maintaining the endocrine system, regulating circadian rhythms, and relaying various signals from the body’s peripheral organs to the brain. 

It’s worth noting that most metabolic processes in the body rely on various enzymes. These enzymes generally occur in the endocrine system, the very system that CBD interacts with.   

Also, diseases like metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes, and certain cancers are all linked to a disruption in the endocrine system. So, consuming CBD might go a long way in treating these metabolic disorders.

Various Ways CBD May Boost Metabolism

1. CBD Supports The Endocannabinoid System

We’ve just highlighted the role of cannabidiol on the endocannabinoid system. Various animal studies have established that CBD could interact with specific endocannabinoid receptors located in the lymphoid tissue and brain in a manner that boosts overall metabolism. 

CBD primarily affects CB2 receptors located in the body’s peripheral tissues instead of CB1 receptors that generally occur in the brain and central nervous system. That explains why CBD doesn’t induce euphoria.

2. CBD Treats Pain

Pain increases the levels of growth hormone (GH) – the hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, which plays a role in metabolism. GH inhibits the metabolism of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates. Therefore, more GH levels in the body translate to high blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. 

Thankfully, pain also happens to be one of the main medical problems that CBD can treat. CBD relieves pain by stimulating pain-signaling receptors in the endocannabinoid system, such as vanilloid receptors. 

Cannabidiol also relieves pain by inhibiting fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). FAAH is infamous for its disruption of the endocrine system. The hormone also degrades certain endocannabinoids associated with pain relief, such as anandamide.

3. CBD Relieves Anxiety And Insomnia

Anxiety and insomnia can also harm your energy balance and overall metabolism. 

Research suggests that stress mainly affects metabolism by throwing your appetite off balance. The stress hormone cortisol can also induce weight gain and destabilize your blood sugar levels, both of which are major indications of poor metabolism. 

Similarly, sleep disorders like insomnia impact metabolism by altering glucose levels and the hormones involved in regulating metabolism. Sleep deprivation notably decreases leptin levels while increasing ghrelin levels.

Cannabidiol boosts metabolism indirectly by relieving anxiety and insomnia. CBD alleviates stress by increasing the body’s signaling of happiness hormones like serotonin and dopamine. The compound then aids sleep by reducing the time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

4. CBD Promotes Fat Browning

Body fat occurs in two forms, white fat, and brown fat. White fat is the predominant type. It’s the fat form responsible for storing and supplying energy to various body cells while insulating organs from damage. Brown fat mostly plays a role in generating heat by expending calories. 

Excess accumulation of white fats could increase the chances of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. On the other hand, brown fat is common among people with healthy weight and metabolism. 

Research shows that consuming CBD could promote the browning of fat. By converting white fat to brown fat, CBD plays a direct role in boosting metabolism.

The Bottom Like

CBD is indeed an effective remedy for low metabolism. The compound increases metabolism by boosting the functions of the body’s endocrine system. CBD also treats some of the conditions known to disrupt normal metabolism, including pain, anxiety, and the overaccumulation of white fat cells.

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