Top 10 Ways to Maximize CBD for Depression

Top 10 Ways to Maximize CBD for Depression

Depression is a condition many of us may have experienced to varying degrees at some point in our lives. Depression encompasses many symptoms that can extend beyond prolonged feelings of sadness. For some, it may be caused by external life circumstances influencing our state of mind and emotions, but for others, it may feel like an incessant dark cloud hovering over our lives with no explanation.

Depression can be a combination of many factors that originate from the physical, mental and emotional. Our emotions and state of mind are both strongly connected to our physical health. If you are interested in taking CBD to help with depression, there are natural approaches you can take including ways to help maximize CBD for depression.

Eat noni fruit

What is noni fruit?

Noni, or morinda citrifolia is a very odd, bizarre smelling and foul-tasting fruit that is relatively obscure and rarely found in supermarkets. But is possible to acquire! Unfortunately, noni can be quite repulsive to most taste buds when eaten at certain stages. However, it has powerful medicinal attributes and is highly regarded in certain cultures around the world.

How will noni help with depression?

Relevant to depression, studies show that noni can actually work on several neurotransmitters in the brain such as GABA, serotonin, dopamine, and help stimulate “feel good” endorphins. Noni is also a natural MAO-A & B inhibitor, which allows neurotransmitters to not get metabolized as quickly, a factor often seen in depression. (1) Most companies produce noni incorrectly. They ferment and pasteurize, which is a mistake with noni and not the way it was done for years prior to the process most companies do for convenience now. A non-fermented, unpasteurized product works best.

Incorporate reishi and cordyceps into your diet

What are reishi and cordyceps?

These two powerful mushrooms with vast medicinal value and clinical success for helping to improve emotional, mental, and physical health.

How will reishi and cordyceps help with depression?

It is categorized as a “shen” tonic, which can help uplift and produce a calming effect. Studies show beneficial results in areas of depression, fatigue, brain and heart health, immunity and blood sugar control (which can help steady mood). Studies also show they can have disease-fighting qualities. It is best to aim for red species of reishi that comes from duanwood logs.

Cordyceps mushroom is often thought of as a tonic for lungs. It can also provide energy, protect and nourish the kidneys, balance blood glucose, help to increase several neurotransmitters that are often low in depression, and pairs amazingly well with reishi. You are likely to feel more peaceful, balanced, and energized with these two mushrooms working together, especially when paired with the synergy of CBD. (2,3,4,5)

Turmeric, dill, okra, blueberries, sprouted pumpkin seeds, and saffron are powerful allies to help fight depression.

How will these 6 specific foods help with depression?

These 6 specific foods (spices, herbs, vegetables, fruit) have some powerful research for depression. Research shows turmeric has comparable effects to the medication titan, Prozac. Dill has research showing comparable anti-depressant effects to those of Sertraline and Tramadol. Both turmeric and dill actually have the ability to affect neurotransmitters that are often low and imbalanced with those that have depression. Okra has vast medicinal benefits as well. Okra performed similarly to the medication, Imipramine, in animal studies. Wild blueberries may help to raise serotonin levels, protect several types of brain cells, and may even affect a genetic mechanism that is sometimes seen in people with depression and PTSD. Sprouted pumpkin seeds contain tryptophan which helps make serotonin. Pumpkin seeds also contain magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc. These components help increase energy, boost the immune system, decrease irritability, and relax nerves. Real saffron is known as the world’s most expensive spice and it can have a powerful effect on mood. It has even shown comparable benefits to certain medications used for depression like the others mentioned above. These 6 foods and spices can be powerful allies for depression and are very affordable to use on a regular basis. (6-11)

Neurotransmitter Testing & Vitamin D3

What is neurotransmitter testing?

Neurotransmitter testing is a fairly new tool that can be helpful in understanding potential biochemical imbalances to better treat conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, migraines, insomnia, fatigue, addictions, and much more. It can help each person have a better understanding of what they need to work on to bring back an ideal balance to their physical and mental health. However, neurotransmitters are only part of the equation. Neurotransmitter testing can test for serotonin, dopamine, GABA, epinephrine, norepinephrine, glutamate, histamine, cortisol, DHEA, and other chemicals produced in our system. If interested, search for neurotransmitter testing to see if any labs near you offer it. They also have at-home kits that can test as well.

What is vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3 is actually a hormone with receptors scattered all throughout the body. Getting your D3 levels tested can also be very helpful in the pursuit of optimum mental and emotional wellness.

How will vitamin D3 help with depression?

Testing for D3 levels is inexpensive and many people have felt a positive change in their mood when their D3 levels increase. If you do not want to get tested, you can supplement with a D3 product, micellized D3 is a good option. Natural sunlight is the best option if possible. Avoid scrubbing and washing with soaps or body washes afterwards. It removes the conversion process as the vitamin D is going through layers of your skin and converting it into a beneficial nutrient for your body.

Exercise

We are constantly bombarded about the benefits of exercise, but for some people, it just does not seem like something we consistently feel motivated to do. If one of your symptoms of depression is low energy and motivation, exercising may be the last thing you feel like doing. It is amazing how much better you may feel after you find the strength to workout. Even a brisk walk, light jog or yoga session will suffice.

How will exercise help with depression?

Studies have shown exercise helps to balance neurotransmitters, increase growth hormone secretion, cause endorphin secretion, improve circulation, and allows you to focus on breath and movement in comparison to thoughts and emotions. Research has verified the benefits of regular exercise for depression. It may not cure depression, but it can improve and lessen the severity of it, especially when combined with supplements like CBD. Deep breathing through the lungs and diaphragm while exercising in nature can enhance the benefits as well. (12,13)

Lower intake of grains, wheat, gluten, and refined carbohydrates

Grains and wheat were once thought of as healthy foods. However, grains and wheat have changed over the years and are heavily manipulated for the most part. Wheat is drenched in toxic chemicals such as glyphosate (roundup from Monsanto) before it hits the market. Grains are difficult to digest. Gut health is very important for not only mental and emotional wellness, but physical health as well. The gut is packed with neurons, contains way more serotonin than the brain, and has constant feedback and connectivity to the brain.

How will lowering intake of these foods help with depression?

Refined sugars, carbohydrates, grains, gluten, wheat, and many other foods are inflammatory and tough on the gut lining. Consuming large amounts of these foods are linked with depression. Fruit is the exception, many fruits can be very healthy depending on their purity, but keep them separate from fat or protein. Refined carbs can send your insulin levels, hormones, and neurotransmitters on a roller coaster ride that may cause you to feel flat, dull, foggy, and imbalanced. You will be better off lowering the intake of these foods on a daily basis. (14,15)

Increase intake of omega 3 rich foods

What are omega 3 rich foods?

Omega 3 rich foods such as wild salmon, herring, sardines, sprouted walnuts, mackerel, pasture raised meats and other omega 3 rich foods will help provide many benefits to the brain and body. It is important to get EPA and DHA at around 1.5 to 1 ratio of more EPA than DHA. This balance seems to yield the greatest benefits to those with depression.

How will omega 3 rich foods help with depression?

Research shows that there are powerful differences in the systemic effects of the types of fats we consume. Eating cooked, heated, oxidized fats, trans fats, and high amounts of pro-inflammatory fats on a regular basis will throw the body and brain completely off balance. One study actually showed that inflammation was 30% higher in the brains of those diagnosed with depression! Higher levels of omega 3 intake led to a very significant improvement of depression over time according to the Hamilton scale. (16,17)

Give cold showers a whirl with a high-grade shower filter

How will cold showers help with depression?

This may sound a bit unusual, but cold hydrotherapy dates back for thousands of years and is highly regarded for what it can do for the body and mind. It seems daunting to take cold showers, but if you can get through 2-3 minutes or more, you will feel far better afterwards than by taking hot showers. Cold showers help to stimulate skin receptors and cause a cascade of events in the brain and body that can help people feel uplifted mentally and emotionally for several hours afterwards. If you are scared of taking cold showers, start off with the water warm to loosen up your body. Next, attempt to withstand the coldest temperature you can for as long as you can. You will notice that your ability to tolerate the cold water builds overtime.

Why use a high-grade shower filter?

A high-grade shower filter is a great investment. It is a bit ironic that while we are trying to clean our bodies in the shower, it could be dumping in a surplus of toxins. Some of these toxins include heavy metals, pathogens, chlorinated byproducts, halides, and much more. With hot water, our pores open up. Once steam is produced, we inhale through the lungs. Through our skin and our lungs, we soak up these toxic chemicals into our bloodstream.

Detoxify heavy metals

What are heavy metals?

Heavy metals may be the number one nemesis of good health. And no, we do not mean heavy metal rock music! Doctors and many health practitioners ignore it, while studies and research show how profoundly toxic they really are. We are loaded with multiple heavy metals and there is no safe range. The immune system is powerful. It can handle a wide range of toxins and pathogens, but prefers to stay far away from heavy metals. Research has actually shown that we have several hundred times the level of lead stored in our bones compared to only 400 years ago! Lead is only one heavy metal. Other heavy metals include mercury, cadmium, arsenic, thallium, nickel, tin, aluminum, uranium, antimony, and more.

Why are heavy metals problematic?

The combination of heavy metals impair detoxification and just about every metabolic process in the body. They also have links to almost every major disease. The benefits of doing a comprehensive heavy metal detox are vast.

How do I detoxify heavy metals?

Using a cleaned caged zeolite, organic cilantro, l-carnosine, barley grass, blueberries, selenium, activated silica, MSM, purified seaweed extracts like atlantic dulse, r-lipoic acid, NAC, glycine, probiotics, and other compounds will be helpful for a long term heavy metal detoxification program. It’s important to use multiple tools listed and include zeolite as a binder. It takes many cycles and months to clear a significant portion, so be patient. It is well worth it!

Essential oil therapy

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are powerful and concentrated herbal extracts that contain billions of molecules that have physical, mental and emotional effects. Specific essential oils can have an uplifting, mood shifting, calming effect on the mind and body. Even just smelling essential oils can alter and activate chemicals in the brain according to research.

What essential oils can be used to help with depression?

Some of the best essential oils for a mood boost and balancing effect are bergamot, wild orange, grapefruit, litsea cubeba, lavender, osmanthus, jasmine, rose, ginger lily, frankincense frereana, ylang ylang, basil, geranium, and others. Trying different samples of these oils using an ultrasonic diffuser or simply placing a couple of drops in a cupped hand, rubbing together, and inhaling 5-10 times is helpful for depression. Food grade oils and oils that are GRAS (generally recognized as safe list) can be taken internally when they are mixed with emulsifying agents such as coconut oil and honey. Do not take more than 2-3 total drops of essential oils internally at once. Before taking internally, ensure the species and oil has been deemed GRAS and are pure oils.

Depression is a serious condition. Do not give up and do not give in! It is possible to feel better. Being proactive is the first and most crucial ingredient. Combining the desire to improve your health with CBD and utilizing more effective ways to help will bring you one step closer to a happier and healthier life.

Want to learn more?

Connect with our nutritionist for more answers on maximizing CBD for depression.

References

1.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268415355_Antidepressant_Effects_of_Noni_Fruit_and_its_Active_Principals