Can CBD Gummies help with High Blood Pressure or Hypertension? Let's dive in.
How Does High Blood Pressure Develop?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure develops due to a combination of factors. They can be classified as modifiable and non-modifiable. CBD can aid in the modifiable. Modifiable factors are lifestyle or environmental factors that can be changed or controlled to lower the risk of hypertension such as diet, physical inactivity, stress, obesity, smoking, lack of sleep, and medications and drugs. Non-modifiable factors are factors that cannot be changed but can still increase the risk of developing hypertension such as age, genetics and family history, ethnicity, gender, chronic medical conditions.
Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure
CBD Gummies can aid in modifiable factors such as reduction of stress and anxiety, blood vessel relaxation, anti-inflammatory properties, calming the cardiovascular system, improved sleep, and interaction of the endocannibal system all from the comfort of your own home. Let's look at each of these factors.
Reduction of Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are major contributors to high blood pressure. When you are stressed, your body produces cortisol and adrenaline, which cause your heart rate to increase and your blood vessels to constrict. This elevates your blood pressure. CBD is known the help reduce stress and anxiety and therefore could have a positive effect on reducing high blood pressure.
CBD Relaxes Blood Vessels (vasodilatory effects)
CBD has been shown to relax and widen blood vessels. This leads to improved blood flow and reduced pressure on the arterial walls. The relaxation of blood vessels helps reduce the resistance that the heart has to work against to pump blood, which in turn can lower blood pressure.
CBD has Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant Properties
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with hypertension. CBD has been recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system. By lowering inflammation in blood vessels, CBD may improve vascular health, which contributes to better blood pressure regulation.CBD Helps Regulate Heart Rate
CBD has been studied for its potential to reduce heart rate variability during stressful situations. High blood pressure is often linked to an increased heart rate, and by calming the cardiovascular system, CBD may help reduce both heart rate and blood pressure in certain circumstances.
How Does Poor Sleep Affect Hypertension?
Poor sleep and insomnia can increase blood pressure. Sleep disturbances can elevate blood pressure, and there is evidence to suggest that CBD may improve sleep quality. Better sleep can have a direct positive effect on blood pressure regulation. For people with hypertension caused by poor sleep (such as in sleep apnea), improving sleep patterns with CBD could indirectly help in lowering blood pressure.
CBD's Interaction with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The ECS helps regulate many physiological processes, including blood pressure and heart function. By modulating the ECS, CBD may help restore balance to cardiovascular functions, including blood pressure regulation. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating mood, stress, and anxiety. By influencing receptors like CB1 and CB2, CBD may help lower anxiety and stress levels, reducing stress-induced spikes in blood pressure. This effect can lead to more stability and lower blood pressure when emotional stress is crucial.
Hypertension Range Studies
- 2017 Study: In a small human study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers found that a single dose of CBD reduced resting blood pressure and the blood pressure response to stress in healthy individuals. This suggests that CBD's impact on anxiety, stress, and vascular function could contribute to its blood pressure-lowering effects.
- Animal Studies: Animal studies have shown that CBD may reduce blood pressure related to stress and inflammation, though more human research is needed.
Important Considerations
CBD Dosage
The exact dosage that might reduce blood pressure is still unclear, and effects may vary from person to person.
Interaction with Medications
If you're taking medication for high blood pressure (like beta-blockers), consult a healthcare provider before using CBD, as it may interact with these drugs.
Individual Variability
CBD might affect individuals differently depending on their unique physiology, other medications, and health conditions.
Conclusion:
While early research is promising, CBD should not be considered a replacement for conventional hypertension treatments. It may be beneficial as a complementary approach for stress and anxiety reduction, which indirectly impacts blood pressure. However, anyone considering CBD for high blood pressure should do so under the guidance of a medical professional.