By Stacey Khanna

When starting a CBD regimen, there are a number of factors to consider to get the most out of your CBD experience. There is no one size fits all prescription. Each person is different and CBD must be individualized for optimal performance. Quality CBD products can be expensive so it's good to know how to properly use them so you aren't disappointed with the results and feel like you have wasted your money. Outlined are 8 ways to positively enhance your CBD Oil benefits so that you are getting the most from your products and feeling physically and mentally better in a short period of time. By following these 8 recommendations, you will be well on your way to better health and more life satisfaction.

CBD Quality

The quality of your CBD product is of vital importance. I have had many patients tell me they tried CBD oil and it didn't work. Upon further investigation, I found out they bought the cheapest oil they could find online from a non-reputable dealer. It's no surprise that they didn't get the results they were looking for. At the time of this article, CBD products are unregulated so there are no industry standards for growers and producers of products to meet. There are many charlatans out there that just want to make a quick buck with no concern for product efficacy. It's important to only buy products with high quality plant processing and preferably from organic stock. A good quality CBD product will cost more, but it will ensure that you are not wasting your money and you will recieve the results you are seeking.

Dosing

The ideal dose of CBD oil is very individualistic. Factors that effect proper dosing are age, weight, medical conditions, level of tolerance and diet. All of these factors effect how a person's body processes CBD. Patient weight is the first consideration. A person with less bodyweight will need less CBD to achieve the same results as a larger person.

Method of Administration

The method by which a patient takes CBD is also important. Edibles and creams have a lower bioavailability where as vaping has the highest level of bioavailability. Some of the CBD Oil in edibles is processed in the digestive system which makes the mg of CBD less potent but it stays in the blood stream longer so the effects last longer. Vape is processed in the lungs which transfers the mg of CBD into the bloodstream quicker, but the effects don't last as long. When taking CBD for sleep, it can be advantageous to both vape and take CBD orally consecutively, vaping can help you to fall asleep faster while the oral administration will keep you asleep longer.

Endocannabinoid Receptors

Every person has a unique endocannabinoid system. This is why CBD effects each person differently. Cannabinoids are produced naturally in the human body but some people may have Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD) which may contribute to illnesses such as

• Fibromyalgia

• Pain

• Anorexia

• Depression

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Migraines

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Neuropathy

• Huntington’s

• Parkinson’s

• Motion Sickness

• Autism

Patients with CECD may be more receptive to CBD oil and therefore will need to take less mg to achieve the same results as someone without CECD. Patients with CECD will feel better very quickly when taking good quality CBD at proper dosages.

Diet

Diet is a major factor in the efficacy of CBD Oil. A hunter gatherer diet is considered ideal. Scientists have determined that a diet high in healthy fats and low in carbs with lots of green vegetables and spices is best for balancing the CB1 receptors and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. It also contributed to general health as well as mitigating maladies and normalized weight.

Sleep

Sleep is vital to a person’s health and well being. Sleep deprivation has been shown to cause long term health risks. CBD improves the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep longer. It improves REM sleep disorders in Parkinson’s patients and improves insomnia in chronic pain patients. Getting a good night sleep can also improve the relaxation feeling of your CBD products. If you are sleep deprived you are more likely to just fall asleep with CBD instead of enjoying the relaxation experience.

Exercise

CBD and exercise are a perfect combination. Exercise keeps the body fit and strengthens the heart and lungs. Exercise helps improve muscle tone and aids in weight loss. CBD assists in this by improving recovery time after exercise in the following ways:

• Reduces pain

• Reduces inflammation

• Decreases muscle spasms

• Decreases nausea

• Offers protection to vital organs and joints

• Potential treatment for sports concussions

Caffeine

At low doses, CBD and coffee work well together. CBD mitigates the jittery, anxious feeling caffeine can cause. When combining the two in the proper ration it is known to improve ones mood. A person is left feeling happy, energized and stress free. CBD reduces heart palpitations/tachycardia and anxiety that are caused by high doses of caffeine. Many people experience increased clarity and calmness when combining caffeine and CBD. CBD has also been know to extend the effects of caffeine from 3-4 hours to as much as 8 hrs. A good combination ratio is a third of a dropper of CBD tincture and 4oz of coffee.

Alcohol

Alcohol and CBD:

1. Combining alcohol & CBD results in lower blood levels of alcohol.

2. CBD reduces the reinforcement, motivation and relapse for alcohol.

3. CBD protects the liver from damage done by binge-drinking alcohol.

4. CBD protects against alcohol-induced neuro-degeneration.

Caution: THC and Alcohol have different interactions