CBD, 5 healthy foods, 5 unhealthy foods and inflammation

CBD itself is a very stigmatized compound, but it has been known to help with a huge number of issues.  A lot of people do not want to entertain the thought of using CBD because they feel like it is too closely related to marijuana and THC.  In reality CBD is medically helpful and does not have the same  psychoactive effects that THC does.  Should CBD have such an unfair stigma placed upon it?

Foods and herbs are something that can also be very helpful when combating inflammation.  CBD and THC are contained in plants, and there are other substance located in plants that help with medical issues, you just have to eat the correct ones.  Plants that are very high in antioxidants and vitamins can also help to reduce inflammation.  Using certain herbs in your foods or eating certain kinds of foods will ensure that you stay perfectly healthy.

What is a cannabinoid ( CBD)

CBD is extracted from both the hemp and marijuana plant, and both plants can be bred to have a high amount of CBD.  CBD that is taken from the hemp plant is much better for the user, and has a much lower risk of having a high amount of THC contained in the oil.   The CO2 method is one of the best ways to draw CBD from the plant.  It also ensures that the least amount of THC finds its way into the extracted oil.  It’s very important to be aware that all CBD oil will have a small concentration of THC, as it is almost impossible to completely separate the two substances, however, CBD that is drawn from organically grown hemp through the C02 process will have the least amount of THC in it.

What can CBD help with

Consumers have been using CBD for a lot of reasons, some of which are to help reduce cancer and prevent the growth of cancer cells, headaches and migraines, the effects of epilepsy and other seizure conditions, severe and chronic pain, help with eating and sleeping disorders, plus can help with addiction and smoking cessation.  CBD is also known to help with a very big number of topical issues, like scrapes, cuts and burns as well.  One of the biggest reasons that CBD aides issues like pain and scrapes, cramps and bloating, is because it is a anti-inflammatory.  An anti-inflammatory is something that reduces swelling and bloating, and CBD can help to reduce swelling in a number of different fashions.  One major way that CBD can be used to help swelling is topically.

Used externally for inflammation

When CBD is used topically it is known to help the effects of swelling externally.  It can be applied on the skin through creams, lotions, and balms, plus can be mixed with shampoos, conditioners and soaps.  It can be applied straight to skin as long as it is hosted in a carrier oil like coconut oil and it is very important to remember that CBD comes from a plant, which means allergic reactions may occur, even if they are rare.  CBD can aide cuts, scrapes, burns and bruises, plus it can help with the pain that is associated with  arthritis and Fibromyalgia.

CBD as an internal supplement

CBD is mainly used as an internal supplement in order to achieve relief from a lot of issues.  Pain relief is a very big issue that people take CBD to get relief from.  When taken internally CBD can do the same thing as it does for your skin.  When taken internally CBD can help a huge number of issues; like cramping and bloating from a woman’s period or the pain from arthritis.  Although CBD is a huge help there are certain foods that can help with inflammation as well.  Adding CBD oil to these foods can help supercharge the anti-inflammatory effects of both and will work wonders in your system.  Remember, a good diet is the key to good health.

Five foods that have anti-inflammatory properties

Tomato

Tomatoes are chock full of the antioxidant lycopene, which is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory properties there is. Tomatoes, lets call them the wonder fruit, have also been shown to reduce the development of cancer and some types of benign tumors.  CBD can be added to sauces made with tomatoes, or on dressing used on tomatoes.

Extra virgin olive oil

Olive oil contains the most powerful phenolic compounds that can fight inflammation as well as over the counter medications like ibuprofen, but extra virgin olive oil works the best.  You can mix CBD oil with extra virgin olive for maximum benefits.

Green leafy vegetables

Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collards contain great antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin K.  These vitamins are extremely useful in fighting off inflammation.  Make a salad with these wonderful leafy greens and drizzle CBD oil on the top.  Add some vinegar and you have the perfect salad.

Almonds

Almonds contain the very useful antioxidant vitamin E, which I can also be very useful in fighting inflammation because it. Neutralizes the free radicals in a person’s system.  Add almonds to any salad and drizzle with CBD oil to get a powerhouse to stop inflammation quickly and efficiently.

Salmon

Only wild caught Alaskan Salmon is the best and contains the maximum amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which can have a big effect in reducing inflammation.  It is important to know you should never cook with CBD oil, as its evaporation point makes it useless; you can throw some salmon on top of a green leafy salad, add almonds to it, drizzle it with CBD oil and you will be feeling the antioxidant effects.

Five foods that you should not use if you have inflammation issues

Sugar

The human body can’t process extra glucose fast enough which increases the levels of the inflammation causing messengers called cytokines.

Vegetable oil

All of the vegetable oils have a very high concentration of omega-6, which can cause inflammation.  It is also very low in the anti-inflammatory fat, omega-3.

Fried foods

Fried foods contain very high levels of inflammatory advanced glycation end products (AGEs).  These compounds form when products are cooked at high temperatures, pasteurized, dried, smoked, fried, or grilled.

Refined flours

A diet that is very high in refined grains like flour shows a greater concentration of the inflammatory marker, PAI-1.

Dairy

A slight intake of yogurt can help decrease inflammation, however, too much dairy is also a source of inflammation-inducing saturated fats.

Final thoughts

A lot of people do not know the majority of pain is caused by inflammation, so most people do not know that in order to stop the pain, they must stop the issue itself, the swelling.  Under no circumstance will CBD take the instant bruising out of a black eye, or even reduce a hickey magically, but you can use it on your skin underneath your eyes at night to reduce morning puffiness.

It is very important that you include your doctor or medical professional in your search for healthier treatment.  One thing that you should remember is that it is your body and you have the control of your treatment.  If a there is a doctor that tells you that you should not be taking CBD after you have explained everything it does for you, then you should get a second opinion.  That doctor may say no as well, but at least that way you know there is a real reason you should not be taking it.  Most doctors will approve the use of CBD, except for in rare cases.

Resources

Health Info Daily. (2018). 6 best anti-inflammatory foods. https://healthyinfodaily.com/6-best-anti-inflammatory-foods/?og1=bb41d15f-2216-40f8-a0e9-138a1c7257ec&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz7rXBRD9ARIsABfBl83lqCQprOYs6qQ8GlJlRQEd7PerH-Qruq-my60H699EjMzVHK0GPF4aAthVEALw_wcB

NCBI. (2010). Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/

The Universal Plant. Walker, C. (2017).  CBD and inflammation: The anti-inflammatory benefits of hemp oil. https://theuniversalplant.com/cbd-inflammation/