Did you know that many of the reasons that people use CBD might be aggravated by dehydration?
As the hot days of summer approach, its more it important than ever to stay hydrated.
The root cause of many health issues may be caused by chronic inflammation. Unlike the discomfort of acute inflammation like the swelling and redness which may be the result of a strain or cut, chronic inflammation occurs when the body’s response is stuck in overdrive.
Fight inflammation by staying hydrated
While CBD has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in several inflammatory conditions, hydration helps our bodies fight inflammation by flushing out toxins. Most of the water in our bodies is stored in connective tissue (tendons, ligaments, etc.) and joints, where water acts as a lubricant and helps clear out toxins.
Proper hydration can help reduce discomfort
When we get dehydrated, our bodies look for water in other areas, including our joints, and redistribute it where it’s needed. Taking water from your joints enables toxins to remain, which fuels discomfort and inflammation. Adequate water intake can also help keep our joints well lubricated.
Staying hydrated can keep your stress levels down
Many people use CBD as a way to relax and stay calm during stressful periods or even calm an anxiety disorder. All of our organs, including our brains, need water to function properly. If you’re dehydrated, your body isn’t running well — and that can lead to stress. Studies have shown that being just half a quart dehydrated can increase your cortisol levels, our bodies main stress hormone.
Falling behind on your fluids can worsen stress and depression
Hydration can also play a role in preventing and managing the symptoms of stress. Our brains cells recognize a state of dehydration as a threat to survival, leading to a state of stress. During dehydration, we struggle to get the chemicals required to produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin into our brain. Low serotonin levels have been linked to increases in depression, stress, and other mental health challenges.
Even mild dehydration can cause sleep disruptions
Many people report that CBD helps them fall asleep more quickly, stay asleep longer and feel more rested. Dehydration can also impact your quality of sleep. Dehydration can impact levels of melatonin, the sleep hormone that helps regulate your sleep wake cycle. Dehydration reduces the presence of amino acids in your body that produce melatonin.
The Cycle Can be Broken
The cycle of discomfort, stress and sleeplessness are closely connected. With increased stress, discomfort is likely to be worse, which can then result in greater difficulty obtaining a good night’s sleep. And those who are sleep-deprived are invariably more stress causing more discomfort. Sound familiar?
With proper hydration, people are finding relief and are breaking the cycle of discomfort, worry and sleeplessness with combination of treatments such as diet and lifestyle changes, therapy, surgery, alternative treatments (i.e. acupuncture), medications and of course, CBD and other cannabinoids.
One added benefit
One added benefit of staying hydrated (and there are many) is that is may reduce your snoring. That’s right! Dehydration can be one of the reasons behind your snoring. When the body is dehydrated, it produces thicker fluids. When your nasal secretions become thick, it blocks the airway and causes snoring. So grab that water and give your partner some much needed sleep.
How much water should I drink?
Gender, climate, and activity levels all play a role in determining how much water you should drink. In general, you should drink between a ½ ounce to 1 ounce of water for every pound of ideal body weight, every day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, that would be 75 to 150 ounces of water a day.
The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine recommends 125 ounces for men and 91 ounces for women for daily fluid intake. Are we chronically dehydrated? A study found that 43% of adults drink less than four cups of water a day. To help you keep track there are many free and paid water tracker apps.
An easy way to see if you’re drinking enough water is to check the color of your urine. If it is clear or a pale yellow color, you’re likely well-hydrated. Bright or dark yellow urine, however, indicates dehydration, so it’s time to drink up!
So whether you take CBD to relieve symptoms of stress, decrease joint discomfort or get a better nights sleep, stay hydrated. Your body will thank you for it!