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Hitting the Gym with CBD

Work out with CBD

We all know that one of the keys to living a healthy lifestyle is maintaining a regular exercise routine. Working out is about a lot more than achieving a beach-ready body and impressive abs. Regular exercise is capable of preventing serious health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Further, it can dramatically improve our mental health.


Of course, just because we know that exercise is beneficial doesn’t mean that we’re all great at maintaining a fitness schedule. A lot of us struggle with feeling motivated enough to work out regularly, and this is especially the case for those who have busy work schedules throughout the week, as well as those who are dealing with stress. Another common issue that interferes with exercise is chronic pain.


Interestingly, a lot of fitness enthusiasts are finding that incorporating CBD into their routine is helping them take their fitness regimen to new heights. A lot of us associate hemp with relaxation and sleep, but as it turns out, it may serve as an excellent workout companion as well.


Why are People Taking CBD Before Working Out?
We know what you’re probably thinking: what does CBD have to do with exercise? Well, as you may have already guessed, it has everything to do with the endocannabinoid system. For those who are unfamiliar, the endocannabinoid system exists in the body of every mammal, and it seems to play a key role in the maintenance of homeostasis. It consists of cannabinoid receptors that are located throughout the body. When these cannabinoid receptors get the proper number of cannabinoids, such as the ones that exist in the hemp plant, it seems that bodily processes become more regulated.


In order to be in the right state to work out, both mentally and physically speaking, many bodily processes need to be functioning properly. This includes our cognitive function, as this has a lot to do with our sense of motivation, enthusiasm and ability to concentrate. We also need to be in a positive state of mind, which means that our system of neurotransmitters needs to be operating properly. And, physically, we require a good amount of energy as well as minimal pain.


Now, you can understand why CBD is becoming such a popular item among fitness enthusiasts. Besides its unique effects on the endocannabinoid system, it’s also a very gentle product compared to popular performance enhancers on the market today. CBD doesn’t tend to make people feel wired or edgy in the way that a lot of stimulants do.

How to Take CBD for Fitness-Related Purposes
So, how can a person take CBD in a way that best suits their workout regimen? Well, the first thing that you need to do is make sure that you find a high-quality hemp company. This means that you need to look for lab reports on a company’s website. These lab reports come from an unbiased facility and verify that a CBD brand is producing legit, high-quality products.


Another thing that you want to do is time your hemp usage in a way that ensures that the CBD and other compounds peak when it’s time to hit the gym. As you may know, each delivery method has its own absorption rate, meaning that different types of CBD products will peak at different times after consumption.


Many CBD users find that CBD is generally more effective when it’s taken consistently. It’s believed that the endocannabinoid system prefers to accumulate cannabinoids before it begins utilizing them fully. So, you may find that taking CBD daily is the best way to ensure that you get the most out of your hemp routine.


Overall, CBD and Fitness Could Make a Nice Gym Partners
If you’re looking for a way to maximize your fitness regimen, you might want to look into CBD. As you can see, the hemp plant may have a lot to offer when it comes to maintaining an exercise routine. Use this guide to go about using CBD in the proper way to get the most out of it when you’re working out.

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Taking CBD After Getting Your Flu Shot

cbd for flu

As you know, we’re right in the middle of flu season right now.  The flu is a serious virus that affects a large part of the population each year.  Preventing the flu is extremely important as this virus can cause very severe symptoms and can even be deadly in those with weaker immune systems.

As we know, the best way to prevent the flu is by getting the flu shot.  Each year, a new flu shot is developed by medical scientists in order to prevent the virus from reaching epidemic levels. 

Now, if you’re a CBD user, you might be wondering if it’s safe to take CBD while the flu shot is in your system.  Well, we’re here to clear things up for you.

The Flu Shot: How it Works

As you may know, each year, a new and totally unique flu shot is developed.  The flu shot is a vaccine, and it guards the public against specific strains of the flu.  Many different flu strains exist, and it’s up to the developers of the flu shot to predict which strains will be most prevalent when flu season arrives.

The Flu Shot and CBD

Now, let’s talk about the relationship between the flu shot and CBD.  Unfortunately, right now, there are no studies that show a link between CBD usage and the flu shot.  We don’t know if CBD makes the flu shot less effective, or if taking CBD following the flu shot increases your chances of becoming ill.  Now, that’s not to say that there’s a good chance that there is a negative reaction.  We just can’t verify for certain one way or another.

What we do know is that studies have been done in the past that have shown that high doses of marijuana can temporarily weaken the immune system, and this has to do with the high volume of THC in marijuana.  As you know, in hemp, there’s only a trace amount of this psychoactive compound.  Still, the reason why this matters is because a flu shot can also briefly weaken the immune system, so taking marijuana along with the flu shot may slightly increase the risk of catching a virus.

Due to the lack of information out there, a lot of CBD users maintain their routine even after getting the flu shot.  But, if you’re the type of person who likes to be extra careful, or if you already have a weakened immune system, you might decide that it’s best to take some time away from CBD until the flu shot has been fully processed by the body.

Also, bear in mind that the particular CBD product you take may determine how the hemp compounds interact with the flu shot.  For instance, when we apply a CBD topical, it doesn’t really absorb into the body in the way that other methods do, such as CBD tinctures and edibles.  So, it’s likely that a CBD topical is less likely to have an effect on the flu shot than other delivery methods. 

At the end of the day, it’s up to you whether or not you wish to keep taking CBD as the flu shot is doing its job within your body.

Final Thoughts

As of now, no studies have been done regarding the effects of CBD on a person who has just received the flu shot.  However, considering the very serious nature of the flu, you probably want to be as cautious as possible.  Therefore, you may decide that just to be careful, it’s better to take a day or two off of your hemp routine immediately after receiving the flu shot.

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Taking Two Different Forms of CBD Together: Should You Do It?

Types of CBD

For anyone who is taking CBD daily, you’ve probably put a lot of effort into coming up with the perfect routine by choosing the proper milligram strength, the right type of hemp extract and the delivery method that best suits your needs. 

But…

What Happens When You Combine CBD Products?

A lot of people ask us whether or not it’s safe to take two different CBD products at once.  Now, of course, everyone’s body responds to hemp differently.  However, what we can tell you is that due to the nontoxic nature of hemp, people can take large doses on a daily basis.  So, taking standard doses of two different CBD products shouldn’t be an issue.

Of course, the main reason to double up on hemp products is to enjoy the unique effects that each type of delivery method has to offer.  As we know, each delivery method affects the body in its own way.  For instance, using a CBD topical targets a specific area of the body, and acts very quickly.  Meanwhile, taking a CBD edible allows a more subtle but widespread hemp experience that can last for hours at a time.

Because each CBD delivery method has its own absorption rate, it’s likely that taking two CBD products at once will not cause all of those properties to peak at the same time.  For example, if you use a CBD tincture and an edible at the same time, the tincture can peak within thirty minutes and start to wear off just as the edible is beginning to be released into the bloodstream.

How to Combine CBD Products Properly for the Best Results

So, how can you properly take two CBD products together for the best results?  Allow us to share some tips.

Tip #1: Quality is Everything

The first thing to keep in mind is that no matter what, your CBD experience is only going to be as good as the quality of the products themselves.  Taking two cheap, low-quality hemp goods at once will not give you an ideal CBD experience no matter which types of delivery methods you use.

Tip #2: Be Aware of the Milligram Strengths

Of course, one thing that determines how you’ll feel after taking two different forms of CBD is the milligram strength of each.  The potency levels of each product will determine just how strong your overall CBD experience will be.

Tip #3: Time Your Products Properly

Another thing to bear in mind is that timing is everything when mixing CBD delivery methods.  As we said, each type of CBD product has its own absorption rate.  If you’re trying to really finetune your hemp experience, it’s wise to pay attention to how long it takes for each delivery method to peak in your system.  This way, you can take each product at the right time to ensure that the compounds activate when you want them to. 

Example: If you’re taking your CBD at bedtime as a way to unwind, you can consider taking a tincture right before hitting the sack, and an edible as well.  This way, by the time the tincture wears off, the CBD edible will be getting to work while you’re asleep.

Twice the CBD Bliss

If you want to take two different CBD products at one time, there are a few things that you should keep in mind before doing so in order to ensure the best possible results.  Use this guide to go about it properly so that you can have as positive of a CBD experience as possible.

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5 Things to Look for When Choosing CBD Capsules

Capsules

We often hear about the wonders of CBD tinctures, edibles and vape oils, but we don’t typically talk about CBD capsules.  That’s right, CBD capsules are quickly rising in terms of popularity for a number of reasons. 

  • For starters, they make it very easy to control your dosage level. 
  • Those who tend to be a bit more forgetful have an easier time remembering to take CBD capsules as they can be taken with daily supplements. 
  • CBD capsules have the ability to last in the system for a very long time thanks to the unique way in which they’re processed by the liver.

Sound appealing?  For those looking to jump on the CBD capsule bandwagon, you’re in good company.  But, before doing so, there are some things that you need to know.  Not all CBD capsules are created equally, which is why we made this comprehensive guide to choosing the right ones for your needs.

What’s a CBD Capsule Anyway?

Basic Definition: A CBD capsule is a capsule that contains hemp extract.  The hemp extract is a concentrate that’s produced by extracting the potentially beneficial compounds out of the hemp plant.  The resulting extract is combined with other ingredients so that it can become a hard capsule that’s easy to swallow.  Other ingredients vary from company to company, but they are easily digestible so that they don’t upset the stomach.

5 Things to Look for in a CBD Capsule

Now, let’s discuss which factors to take into consideration when choosing a hemp-infused capsule.

Factor #1: Correct Strength in Terms of Milligrams

First, you must choose the strength that you desire, as this directly determines how much CBD you’ll be consuming per dose.  One thing to take into consideration is your unique needs.  Those dealing with more severe symptoms tend to respond better to higher concentrations.  Also, it seems that CBD’s efficacy has a lot to do with one’s body weight, so those who weigh more should go with a higher concentration.  Look at the number of milligrams on the bottle, as this determines the strength of CBD per capsule.

Factor #2: The Right Ingredients

Obviously, you want to make sure that all of the ingredients in a CBD capsule are good for your body.  Many of us have sensitivities which means that we must avoid certain ingredients.  So, when looking over different capsules that are on the market, thoroughly read through the lists of ingredients.  And, avoid any additives that may be harmful to your body, of course.

Factor #3: Manufacturer’s Lab Results

One thing that every reputable CBD company should do is provide lab results to customers.  These lab results are typically printed on a company’s website.  Their purpose is to tell the customers that the CBD itself is pure, potent, high in quality and safe to consume.  Because CBD is an unregulated industry, companies must take this extra step to assure potential customers that they’re selling safe and high-quality products.  So, when choosing a capsule, check for lab results before buying.  A company that hides lab results is likely producing subpar CBD products.

Factor #4: Type of Hemp Extract

Look for a CBD capsule formula that contains your preferred type of hemp extract.  There are CBD capsules available that are made with full spectrum, broad spectrum an CBD isolate extracts, so choose the one that most appeals to your needs.  If you’re not sure, consider trying all three types of extracts out before choosing the one that best works with your unique body.

If you’re unfamiliar with these terms altogether, allow us to briefly explain:

  • CBD isolate contains only CBD without any of the other compounds found in hemp. 
  • Full spectrum contains every compound in hemp, including a trace amount of THC, and other compounds that may be beneficial. 
  • Broad spectrum extract contains every compound with the exception of THC.

Factor #5: Positive Reviews

Search for positive reviews before settling on a CBD capsule.  This is a great way to know if the product will work for your needs.  If you’re trying to accomplish something specific with CBD, for instance, relaxation, you can look through reviews to see if this particular capsule formula is capable of helping in that department.  Reviews will also give you a good idea of whether or not a product is potent and high in quality.

Keep These Tips Handy When Buying CBD Capsules Online

CBD capsules are a great way to enjoy your daily dose of hemp while controlling the amount you consume and ensuring that it lasts in your body for a long time.  By covering these bases, you can satisfy those hemp needs in a user-friendly and convenient manner.

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Cooking Up Something in the Kitchen with CBD

CBD Cooking

As CBD becomes more widely used, it’s not surprising that people are getting creative with their hemp hobby.  To our delight, we’re finding that a lot of our customers are buying CBD oil in order to create culinary masterpieces that are infused with the fascinating compounds native to hemp.  This allows people to enjoy two hobbies at once – CBD, and the culinary arts. 

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous in the kitchen, we suggest that you consider experimenting with CBD.  Cooking with CBD can be a highly rewarding experience as it allows you to enjoy the powers of hemp while also trying out a new type of cuisine.

What to Know About Cooking with CBD

Before you get started, there are some things that you need to know.  For better or worse, there’s a pretty strict science when it comes to cooking with CBD.  But, luckily for you, we’re going to try to explain everything that you need to know in this simple guide below.

It Can’t Be Applied to Any Type of Food

First, you have to know that CBD oil can’t just be poured into any old recipe.  CBD oil is considered a fat, because it’s oil-based.  So, it can only be used in foods that require a certain amount of fat.  For example, CBD oil does not blend well with water, so trying to make a batch of lemon ice pops with CBD oil is not going to work.  However, foods that require an amount of fat can work well, such as cookies, salad dressings and meat marinades.  Basically, you’re replacing a certain amount of fat with CBD oil when cooking with CBD.

Pure CBD Oil or CBD Oil Mixed with a Safe-to-Ingest Carrier Oil is Crucial

You also can’t just add any type of CBD product to a recipe.  It’s important that it’s pure and safe to ingest.  Pure CBD oil is the best as it contains nothing but hemp extract, although it’s okay to use CBD products that consist of hemp oil and a carrier oil that’s safe to consume, such as coconut oil, olive oil or hempseed oil.

Be Wary of the Temperature

CBD contains delicate chemical compounds that must be exposed to the right temperature in order to remain stable.  Too much heat causes those compounds to break down and become basically useless due to a loss of potency.  And, what’s the point of consuming CBD if its compounds are no longer capable of working? 

As a rule of thumb, CBD oil should never be heated beyond 356 degrees Fahrenheit.  Once it surpasses this temperature, it begins to lose potency at a rapid pace, making it basically useless.  So, adjust your recipe if need be so that it stays below this temperature.

Go with Decarboxylated CBD

Decarboxylated CBD is CBD that has already had its compounds activated by way of heat exposure.  This allows the CBD compounds to be quickly and thoroughly bioavailable.  Cooking with CBD that hasn’t been decarboxylated is a lot like cooking with raw cannabis plant material.  If it’s not heated to the right temperature, its compounds won’t really do anything.  So, decarboxylated, in most cases, is the easier way to go as you don’t have to worry about reaching the right temperature in order for its compounds to become activated.

Find Recipes Online

If you’re just getting started, we suggest first looking for recipes online.  This way, you’ll be able to follow someone else’s recipe that’s been proven to be successful, rather than having to play a guessing game.  And, with CBD being as popular as it is, you’ll have no trouble finding a wide variety of exciting recipes to choose from.

Don’t Overcomplicate Things

In the beginning, keep things simple by making recipes that don’t require too much time, effort or ingredients.  This way, you’ll be less likely to end up with a disaster.  If you’re not an experienced cook or baker, try to go with something very basic like a CBD salad dressing, as this only requires a couple of ingredients.

Know How to Dose Your Food Properly

Next, know how to dose each portion properly by using basic math.  Think about how many milligrams of CBD you wish to consume per portion, and then multiply that by the number of portions you plan to make.  The number you end up with is how much CBD you should add to your recipe.

Only Make as Much as You’ll Realistically Consume Within a Few Days

Remember that food products break down fairly quickly, so don’t make more CBD-infused goodies than you can realistically eat in a matter of a couple of days.

Stick with Quality CBD, Always!

Lastly, always go for quality when it comes to CBD oil.  The higher the quality, the better your experience will be, and the better the quality of the finished product will be.  Cheap CBD is cheap for a reason, so always opt for the good stuff.

Cooking with CBD Can Be an Extremely Fulfilling Hobby…

And, may even turn into something lucrative down the road.  Turning your CBD hobby into a culinary passion is a great way to express your creativity while doing your body good.  But, before getting started, read this guide thoroughly in order to go about things in the right manner and end up with a product that satisfies those hemp-related needs.