We are all aware of the need of eating a balanced diet for general well-being. But have you ever thought of including CBD in your regular diet? Cannabidiol, often known as CBD, is a naturally occurring substance in the cannabis plant that has been demonstrated to have a number of positive health effects.
Nonetheless, a large number of new users with no prior experience with CBD have questions. such as the most effective ways to use CBD. If they should or shouldn’t eat while taking CBD, and if so, what foods are best to eat with it, is a major concern for many new users. This inquiry could seem insignificant. However, how well the body utilizes the CBD that is taken depends greatly on the foods that are consumed. We’ll delve a little deeper into this and examine why eating is crucial when taking CBD.
We’ll look at which foods to eat and which to avoid when introducing CBD into your diet in this post.
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What is CBD?
Now let’s define CBD before discussing the best things to eat with it. The cannabis plant contains the non-psychoactive substance CBD. CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects, unlike THC, the substance that makes you high. Instead, it has been proven to offer several health benefits, including lowering anxiety, relieving pain, and enhancing sleep.
How does CBD work in the body?
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce its effects (ECS). The complicated ECS controls a number of bodily processes, such as mood, appetite, sleep, and pain. By attaching to cannabinoid receptors in the body, CBD interacts with the ECS to assist in the control of these processes.
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What Foods to Include with CBD
Now that we know what CBD is and how it works in the body, let’s explore what foods to include with CBD.
- Fatty Fish
Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, are high in omega-3 fatty acids [1]. Omega-3s are important for brain health and have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. When combined with CBD, the anti-inflammatory effects can be even more potent.
- Leafy Greens
Leafy greens [2], such as spinach and kale, are high in vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health. When combined with CBD, these nutrients can help boost the body’s immune system and reduce inflammation.
- Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds, such as almonds and flaxseeds, are high in healthy fats and fiber. These nutrients can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote satiety, making them a great option for those looking to lose weight or manage their blood sugar levels.
- Whole Grains
Whole grains, such as brown rice and quinoa, are high in fiber and important vitamins and minerals. These nutrients can help regulate digestion and promote overall gut health, which is important for overall health.
- Avocados
Because other fruits typically contain carbohydrates, we did not include them on our list of foods to consume with CBD. Yet, avocados are the ideal food to increase bioavailability because they are loaded with lipids.
Eat an avocado before taking CBD sublingually to enhance its effects. Avocados, as opposed to salmon, are a very cheap option to boost absorption.
- Dark Chocolate
The tastiest and easiest technique to boost bioavailability is by far dark chocolate. Fat makes up about 65% of the calories in dark chocolate. Antioxidants found in abundance in dark chocolate have some of the same advantages as CBD.
What Foods to Exclude with CBD
Now that we know what foods to include with CBD, let’s explore what foods to exclude.
There are no specific foods that have an adverse reaction when consumed with CBD because CBD is a highly safe substance. But, bear in mind that if you want to get the most CBD into your system, you should keep this in mind never consume CBD on an empty stomach.
The body absorbs CBD oil most effectively while the stomach is actively digesting food. As a result, CBD spends less time in your digestive system. This is advantageous because the acids and chemicals in your digestive tract can quickly render CBD ineffective. The bioavailability of CBD is dramatically decreased as a result.
There is still a nice alternative if you don’t have time to eat but still want to consume some CBD. Many CBD products are packaged in an oil-based carrier. When applied sublingually, this oil significantly aids in the body’s absorption of CBD (below the tongue). This is a practical way to prevent losing that bioavailability when taken on an empty stomach. Here are some types of foods you should avoid:
- Processed Foods
Processed foods, such as chips and sugary snacks, are high in unhealthy fats and sugar. These nutrients can increase inflammation in the body, which can counteract the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD [3].
- Alcohol
While alcohol is not a food, it is important to note that it can have negative effects on the body when combined with CBD. Alcohol can increase inflammation in the body and can make it harder for the body to absorb CBD.
- High-Sugar Foods
High-sugar foods, such as candy and soda, can increase inflammation in the body and can counteract the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD. When combined with CBD, it’s important to limit your intake of high-sugar foods.
How to Incorporate CBD into Your Diet
Now that we know what foods to include and exclude with CBD, let’s explore how to incorporate CBD into your diet.
- CBD Oil
CBD oil is a popular way to incorporate CBD into your diet. You can add it to your smoothies or drizzle it over your salad for an easy way to get your daily dose of CBD.
- CBD Edibles
CBD edibles, such as gummies, chocolates, and baked goods, are tasty ways to incorporate CBD into your diet. Just be sure to check the label for the amount of CBD in each serving and to start with a low dose to avoid any potential side effects.
- CBD-infused Beverages
CBD-infused beverages, such as tea and coffee, are a great way to start your day with a dose of CBD. Just be sure to choose a high-quality product that uses natural ingredients.
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Dosage and Safety
When incorporating CBD into your diet, it’s important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed. The appropriate dosage will vary depending on factors such as weight, age, and overall health. It’s also important to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, including CBD.
Potential Side Effects
While CBD is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects to be aware of, including:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
If you experience any of these side effects, it’s important to reduce your dosage or stop taking CBD altogether.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating CBD into your diet can be a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. By including foods such as fatty fish, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and whole grains, and avoiding processed foods, high-sugar foods, and alcohol, you can maximize the benefits of CBD. Just be sure to start with a low dose and speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Resources:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids & the Important Role They Play Available Online At: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17290-omega-3-fatty-acids
- The 13 Healthiest Leafy Green Vegetables Available Online At: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/leafy-green-vegetables
- Atalay S, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Skrzydlewska E. Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Dec 25;9(1):21. doi: 10.3390/antiox9010021. PMID: 31881765; PMCID: PMC7023045.