When it comes to health care, there always always going to be different changes that you may wish you could be able to make. While you may not be able to have any direct impact on the health care system yourself, it’s always a good idea for you to understand where the changes you would make are. Then, you may be able to make a difference combined with other people and over time.
The Availability Of Treatments
To start with, you may find that the availability of treatments is very important to you. Do you have access to what you need? Are reliable and revolutionary treatments available near to you? Are there other options you wish were available? It all matters.
The Access & Cost
Maybe you are concerned about the access to health care in your local area? It may not even be for you, but for others. And when this is the case, it could be that you’re also concerned about the cost and wish you could make changes about that. So keep that in mind.
The Delivery & Service
It could even be down to the service that you get and how health care is delivered. When that’s the case, you may want to understand more about technology is advancing and how it can help. If you’d like to know more about AI and how nurses can integrate this technology, just take a look at the infographic below.
The last decade was a remarkable one in the scientific effort to overcome cancer, with investigators making a series of high-profile breakthroughs. Not only are we now looking at the prospect of cancer survivors living longer, but also healthier too. New techniques that make use of the body’s immune system can fight off cancer without the need for potentially harmful radiation therapies.
It’s not all good news, though. While researchers have made tremendous advances, the depth of the technologies they have developed are immense. Things like immunotherapy and CRISPR have a long way to run before we exhaust their potential.
Here are some updates on cancer to take with you into 2020.
The Microbiome Plays A More Important Role
Researchers are coming to learn that the state of a person’s gut health is fundamental to their overall wellbeing. We’re not just humans, but rather vessels for colonies of trillions of microbes that live in the gastrointestinal tract. The health of those microbes can determine overall health outcomes, including cancer.
Research, for instance, shows that the microbiome can influence the response of several chemotherapy drugs. Animal orthotopic models and human trials both reveal that certain bacterial strains living in the gut are powerful immune signals. The higher the concentration of beneficial bacteria, the more likely the body is to sweep away dysfunctional cells that could turn cancerous.
Already researchers, for instance, have identified a strain of bacteria that could alter the makeup of the human gut microbiome and promote the spread of a type of blood cancer. In the future, they hope to target these microbes with selective antibiotics, wipe them out, and then wait for the body to return to health.
CAR T Doesn’t Work In Everyone
While CAR T-cells have proven effective in small scale trials and on individual patients, the data from larger studies is less dramatic. While a segment of cancer patients see a total reversal of symptoms on the CAR T protocol, many do not show any improvement at all.
Researchers believe that the problem here is subtle. They think that the principle of CAR T therapy is correct and that altering the immune system to go after cancer cells is a powerful tool. But they are increasingly coming to realize that they need to tweak the immune system in different ways, depending on the type of cancer the patient has.
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy, for instance, is another approach that managed to kill all tumors in a woman with metastatic breast cancer. However, we’re still waiting for more extensive trials to see whether doctors can repeat the performance of the therapy en masse.
Liquid Biopsies Are On The Way
Traditional cancer biopsies are invasive and, in some cases, dangerous. The hope is that with liquid biopsies, doctors will be able to improve patient safety.
For those of you who don’t know, a liquid biopsy would essentially be the same as a blood test. Doctors would send a sample to the lab, and then technicians would look for the telltale genetic and chemical markers of cancer.
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Working as a nurse or any other healthcare professional can be a tough job. You’re often on your feet all day and can be asked to carry out long shifts of 12 hours or sometimes even more. Staying healthy as a nurse can be difficult, but it’s possible if you know how.
Stay Comfortable on Your Feet
When you’re on your feet all day, it’s often a struggle not to go home with sore feet, legs and a bad back. One of the most important things you can have is a comfortable pair of shoes with plenty of support, which should also be practical for wearing in the workplace.
Balance Moving and Resting
It’s not always easy to find a chance to sit down and rest when working as a nurse, but it’s important to take any opportunities to do so. However, when you are on your feet, it’s better to try to move around, rather than standing still.
Pack Healthy Food
Instead of relying on the cafeteria at work or raiding the vending machine, it can be a smart idea to take lunch, dinner or even breakfast to work with you. That way, you know you have healthy food and snacks ready for you when you get the chance to eat them.
Know How to Survive the Night Shift
Working the night shift can be the hardest thing of all when working in healthcare. However, with a few solid tips, you can survive anything and still remain healthy, with adequate levels of sleep.
Your health should be an issue that is always a top priority. That is why it is strange that many of us do not actively do things to prevent any health issues occurring. Instead, we do what we need to fix the problems when they arise. Although you cannot prevent all health issues, there are things that you can do to ensure that your body and your immune system are in the best possible condition to fight anything that does come along. Here are a few ways that you can help to keep your health in check:
Regular health check-ups with your GP is something that can benefit you. Attending regular check-ups will allow you and your doctor to keep track of your health. They will be able to do simple things, like check your height, weight and blood pressure, to ensure there are no sudden significant changes that could be something to worry about. They can check for any health problems so that treatment can be given at an early stage, which is important when it comes to hereditary family conditions and critical conditions like cancer. Your doctor can also provide you with advice on what you should be doing in terms of diet and exercise if they are concerned that you aren’t doing enough.
If your health check-up involves a blood test, your doctor will be able to tell you if you are getting enough of the right vitamins. If you are deficient in something, your doctor will be able to prescribe or advise you on what vitamins to take before any adverse side effects can start to take effect. Blood tests are also an excellent way to check for any issues going on with the body and check the function of essential body organs.
Getting regular check-ups is important because they can help prevent health issues, or catch them at a very early stage. Taking the time to go for a check-up regularly, can reduce the amount of time and treatment you may have had to go through if you had got diagnosed at a later date. The frequency at which you should have a medical check-up will vary from person to person, but many people go once or twice a year.
Regular Dental Checkups
It is advised that you visit your dentist every six months for a check-up. Dental check-ups help to keep a record of your teeth and gums so that any problems can be prevented or fixed at an early stage before the problem gets more serious. Having a dental cleaning will help to remove any buildup of plaque from areas you have missed during brushing, which will help to prevent cavities from occurring. They will also give you an x-ray of your teeth and jaw so that they can diagnose any unseen issues with your teeth. Ensure you keep your gums and teeth healthy by regularly visiting your dentist.
Regular hearing tests
Adults should start getting hearing tests once every couple of years until they’re 60. When you reach this age, you need them more frequently. The global population doesn’t look after its hearing health, and this is a big problem. Regular tests help you see how healthy your ears are and if you are starting to experience hearing loss. From here, treatments can be provided to help you deal with any hearing health conditions so they don’t get worse and you can enjoy life. If you’ve never had a hearing test, it’s worth booking one as soon as you can. Particularly if you have difficulty hearing, need to ask people to repeat themselves, or experience ringing in ears. These are all potential signs that you may have some form of hearing loss.
Regular exercise is something that you are told is important from an early age. It is especially important to make sure that you are making a conscious effort to exercise in the present day as more and more people work office jobs that do not require any physical labour. Although it can be hard to motivate yourself to exercise, regular exercise can have so many benefits for both your physical and mental health. It may not be possible for some people to do intense gym workouts, but doing things to ensure that you are more active can still benefit you. Whether you choose to go on walks or go to gym classes, the important thing is that you are getting active.
Regular exercise can reduce your risk of having a heart attack, getting type 2 diabetes and some cancers. It can lower your blood pressure, and make you feel better in yourself. There are a whole lot of benefits that make regular exercise worth it.
A balanced diet can provide us with all the vitamins and nutrients we need to feel healthy and well. Although we may not be able to get all of the vitamins we need from our diet, consciously making the healthier choice will mean that we are getting most of them. It is easy to buy processed food but eating healthily and incorporating some superfoods into your diet, can give you more energy, a better immune system, make it easier to sleep and enable you to focus for longer. Eating healthy doesn’t mean that you can’t treat yourself every now and then, just that everything should be in moderation. A balanced diet paired with regular exercise can make you feel like a healthier, happier person!
Vitamins
Taking vitamins can be a great top-up to the nutrients you get from your diet, although you should not only rely on vitamins. If you do choose to take vitamins, make sure that you do not exceed the maximum dose.
Vitamin D is often one that people need because during the autumn and winter it can be difficult to get all the vitamin D you need from what you eat and drink, and you cannot rely on the sun, like in the spring and summer, because it is too weak.
Pregnant women especially benefit from taking vitamins such as folic acid as it can help prevent neural tube defects in the foetus.
Be well informed
There are many things about the human body and health that science has yet to make discoveries about, but those simple health things that it has, you should try to be informed about. Here are a few useful things to know about:
How to check for the signs and symptoms of breast cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women, and it can also affect men. Knowing how to check your breasts and making sure you do it regularly, will mean that if you do notice anything that you think is strange, that you can go and get it checked out quickly. Being able to identify abnormalities will increase the likelihood of early diagnosis and successful treatment.
Prevention is key when it comes to sexual health
STI vs STD is the question many people ask when we talk about sexual health, but the more important question we should all know the answer to is, how do we prevent ourselves from getting them? One of the ways that most people know about is through the use of a condom. The condom, when used correctly, can act as a barrier to prevent the transmission of bacteria or viruses during sex, preventing you from catching any STIs or STDs.
The other method of prevention is to ensure that you and your partner(s) get regular sexual health screenings so that you know you have the all-clear, or so you get access to the right treatment for you.
In addition, conditions such as low-T can also affect sexual health and well-being. For men with low-T, a visit to a clinic that specializes in these maladies, such as ED Clinic Lehi in Utah, can help.
Know your family’s medical history
If possible, you should be aware of your family’s medical history. This will mean that, for certain conditions, you will be able to make yourself aware of any symptoms for hereditary conditions and any ways that you can reduce the risk of you getting the condition. It is also useful knowledge to be able to inform your doctor of.
Sometimes the things we have to do to keep our health in check can feel like a chore, but finding ways that we can make them fun, and doing them for long enough to feel the benefit, will make it worth it in the long run.
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When in the workplace, no one aims to get hurt. Accidents do happen, of course, but it’s not the goal. Sometimes, the problem isn’t that there are no rules, it’s that they are not adhered to in the name of laziness and ease! It sounds terrible, and it is. No manufacturing environment should be worrying about being convenient if it compromises the safety of the workers. A little more time on a task is worth it if it avoids an injury.
If you are working in an environment that has dangerous equipment, fluid, and practices, then you need to adhere to safety protocols as best as possible. It’s not just in your interests; if you are acting safely on the job, you’re going to protect the others around you, too. So, with that in mind, we’ve put together some of the best ways that you can ensure that you stay safe in the workplace.
Speak up if you see something that isn’t safe. The only way that your supervisors can ensure that everyone in your workplace remains safe is if you speak up when something isn’t right. If there is a spill, alert the right people to clear it. Your supervisor is obliged to keep you safe, but they can only do that if you act as their eyes when they are not there.
Color coding equipment can be one of the best things that you do in a manufacturing environment. You can learn more about how to paint industrial equipment to help you to understand what is used for what. The best thing that you can do is to make it obvious what is dangerous, so come up with a color system that everyone can be trained on.
At all times, people in the workplace should wear the correct safety equipment. From hard hats and boots to jackets and cover-all trousers. This should be checked daily for any damage, and you should always keep it in good condition.
Where you can, prevent any slips and trips. People can have some terrible injuries when they slip in the workplace, and in a manufacturing environment, you need as many people on your side, clearing up as possible.
All exits should be clearly signed and kept empty at all times. You want people to be able to get out in an emergency, not be left behind. If an exit is blocked, you could end up with an awful situation and even deaths on the premises. That shouldn’t be in your hands, and you can prevent it!
If you are lifting heavy boxes or equipment, you should be trained in how to do it properly. Make sure that you request this type of training before you ever lift anything in your workplace. The correct posture can change everything, and it will prevent you from any injuries.
These are only a few suggestions as to how you can stay as safe as possible in the workplace, so look after these suggestions, and you’ll be looking after yourself, too.
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More people have posture problems than don’t. Some people don’t even realise, as their posture issues may be moderate, but other individuals have severe posture problems that can impact their performance and health. Some of the most common posture issues include a hunched back, a forward head, rounded shoulders, a forward hip tilt and over-pronated feet. If you think about it, you are probably guilty of at least one of these posture issues. You may think it’s no big deal, but the importance of having good posture should never be undervalued.
Common Problems That Lead People To Purchase Posture Products
We’ve just touched upon some of the most common posture problems; so let’s elaborate on them to see if you’re experiencing any of these issues. If you are, there is no need to panic, as there is alternative medicine available. Drug-free solutions can help you correct your posture without having an adverse impact on your body, as pharmaceutical drugs often do. Everything from natural skin cream to a TENS pain relief machine counts as a form of alternative treatment, so there’s a huge scope of products available. But, do you need to go down this route? A hunchback is a common issue amongst people that work at a desk, as they are hunched over a computer screen and this causes excessive upper back curvature. A DSE online risk assessment should be carried out by any employee to make sure such issues are not prominent in your workplace.
Over-pronated feet, i.e. when your foot and ankle cave inward, tightens calf muscles and adds stress to the foot. This can be caused by improper footwear, pregnancy and obesity. If someone were to take a photo of you standing sideways, would your ear lobe extend in front of your AC joint? If so, you have a forward head, which can cause strain on your upper back muscles and neck muscles, this is also common in those with desk jobs. Rounded shoulders can occur from an imbalanced exercise routine and again office jobs, which loosens and weakens the muscles. Identifying a forward hip tilt can be more difficult, if you tilt your pelvis forward then back as far as you can and the forward tilt is not as dramatic as the backward one, then you’ve probably got this posture issue. This occurs from not stretching enough and sitting too much.
Get The Help You Need With The Best Posture Corrector There are many different products available to help you achieve the good posture your body needs. This is so important, as the risks of bad posture are severe, as you are putting your ligaments and muscles in a position where they are not able to work as intended. Long-term effects could include issues with breathing and digestion. One of the most popular products to help with posture is a brace. A posture brace will constrain your shoulders and back into the recommended upright position. One of the great things about this product is the fact that you can wear it under your clothes, so you can use it at work and such like and it doesn’t need to get in the way of your everyday life. There are other solutions available as well, with a lot of people investing in support pillows and mattresses to support the neck, while some people place a pillow between the knees to try and keep the spine neutral during the night. If you work from home or in an office, it may be worth investing in an ergonomic desk chair, as these are designed to prevent the slump that leads to poor posture. If you don’t want to buy a new chair, there are chair support products available.
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This process evolved to enable humans to survive long periods of time without food. Ketosis was a necessity, since without an external source of energy in the form of food, humans would have eventually starved. An evolutionary “work-around” maintained energy stores in the face of deprivation by producing molecules called ketones from the body’s own internal fat stores.
These molecules are now known to have more benefits than just survival.
But today, we rarely encounter anything close to nutrient deprivation. Our food-plenty society and high-carb food options ensure many of us are well-fed. We never force our bodies to become “ketogenic”—meaning that it’s actively producing ketones. What a shame, since ketones have a variety of beneficial effects for cell signaling and metabolism.
How then, can we gain the benefits of ketosis? One way is to eat a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet, a.k.a the “keto diet”, or to fast.
Other avenues into ketosis exist, ways to “hack” evolution and enter ketosis without having to eat a low-carb diet or fast for days on end.
This method involves the use of exogenous ketones (“exo” meaning “from outside”) in the form of supplements. Furthermore, these exogenous ketones and keto supplements can be used to deepen levels of ketosis and provide a fuel source under certain metabolic conditions like fasting.
What is Ketosis?
First, let’s talk about ketones.
Ketones are the products of the breakdown of fats in the body. Under a state of carbohydrate depletion, blood sugar is reduced, insulin levels fall, glucagon and cortisol rise, and fatty acids (FFAs) are liberated into the blood through a process called lipolysis. The increase in blood levels of FFAs is then sensed by the body, and FFAs are then transported to the liver and used in the production of ketone bodies. Three ketones exist: Acetoacetate (AcAc), Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and Acetone.
Being in ketosis simply means that you have elevated levels of ketones in your blood, usually agreed upon at 0.5mM. Typically, this means elevated AcAc or, more commonly and in greater amounts, BHB.
BHB and AcAc are the ketones mostly referred to when talking about ketosis and, as we will see later on, ketone supplements.
BHB is the ketone present at the highest levels in the blood of a body in ketosis.1 This is significant for two reasons. For one, BHB is more stable than AcAc, and can be transported through the blood to other organs and tissues much more effectively. AcAc can be spontaneously broken down when it’s in the blood, where it forms acetone—a metabolic “waste product” that we excrete in the breath. We can’t use much acetone for energy.
But this doesn’t make AcAc any less important.
In fact, AcAc is the “parent” ketone body—it’s what the body produces first, when the body is entering ketosis, and serves as the precursor for BHB. AcAc produced in the liver is converted to BHB, and then shuttled out and delivered elsewhere. A small amount of AcAc does travel through the circulation to be used as a fuel source, just to a lesser extent than BHB.
Endogenous vs. Exogenous Ketosis
“Am I in ketosis?” This question has a straightforward answer. As mentioned, typically a blood ketone level >0.5mM signifies that the body is producing ketones (or is in ketosis, depending on the route taken).
Route taken? Correct. There are two ways to achieve ketosis—endogenously or exogenously.
Endogenous ketosis (“endo” meaning within”) is achieved through a low-carb high-fat diet (i.e. ketogenic diet) or fasting, in which the body produces its own ketones. The stimulus is dietary carbohydrate restriction, and the response is that we start to burn fat, leading to (eventually) an outflow of ketones from the liver. Since diverse signaling pathways are activated in order to activate endogenous ketosis and in response to it, diverse physiological benefits also occur.
In contrast, exogenous ketosis (“exo” meaning outside) is achieved through the use of dietary ketone supplements and/or intake of certain types of dietary fats. These supplements can boost ketone levels either directly (ketone supplements) or indirectly (MCTs) but either way, elevate levels of blood ketones. Ketosis achieved exogenously can occur even in the absence of a ketogenic diet or prolonged fast. Sounds too good to be true.
Ketosis might be ketosis, but the profiles used to achieve endogenous and exogenous ketosis vary drastically, and therefore have different benefits. There is something to be said about triggering the body to naturally produce ketones vs. “artificial” induction of ketosis. In the former, you’re forcing the body to be “ketogenic” whereas in the latter, you’re in ketosis, but not “ketogenic.” There are benefits to both.
Exogenous ketones are an alternative to physiological ketosis, and can be used in diverse ways to achieve certain mind and body states, almost like ketosis on cue.
While supplements are only chemically synthesized versions of ketones, the structure and function are essentially the same.
But, structural similarities aside, exogenous and endogenous ketosis have varying effects on the body. For instance — exogenous ketone supplementation is likely best for those trying to meet the needs of a ketogenic diet, improve sport performance, or further increase ketone levels on a ketogenic diet or a fast. However, the health benefits of ketosis like increased fat metabolism, weight loss, and some of the other metabolic benefits might only come from lifestyle changes like fasting or a ketogenic diet.
Why Use Exogenous Ketones?
Before diving into the specific forms of exogenous ketones and the nuances of each, let’s discuss some of the general reasons one might choose to use exogenous ketone supplements in the first place.
One of the primary reasons to use exogenous ketones may be to enhance the effects of your low-carb ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting regimen. These practices will likely have you in a ketogenic state already. To further enhance the benefits many people claim to feel when ketogenic/fasting— like mental clarity, sharpness, lower fatigue—exogenous ketones can be superimposed, which essentially means going “deeper” into ketosis.
Exogenous ketones might also be a helpful aid to transition into ketosis when starting out on a ketogenic diet.
Many cite the “keto flu” as a badge of honor one must experience when entering into ketosis. When the body is first adapting to a diet very low in carbohydrates, and not yet fully adapted to burning fat/utilizing ketones, you may experience symptoms like nausea, headache, weakness, irritability, muscle soreness, difficulty sleeping, and irritability. Using an exogenous ketone supplement during your transition into keto may mitigate some of these symptoms by ramping up the level of ketones in your blood to use as an energy source for brain and body. It may also improve energy levels early on in ketosis before adaptation occurs.
And finally, whether endogenously produced or not, ketones have diverse signaling roles in the body that could benefit mental and physical health, metabolism, and longevity, as well as serving as a cellular energy source.
Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)
MCTs aren’t ketones, but rather a type of fat molecule comprised of a glycerol bonded to three medium-length fatty acids (FAs) that are 6 – 12 carbons in length.
Why are we talking about these then, if they aren’t ketones?
Well, MCTs are actually pretty good sources for the body to breakdown and turn into ketones. When it comes to ketone production, not all fats are created equal, and longer isn’t always better. Size matters.
The source of fat in MCT oil and other MCT containing fats (like coconut oil) is the most efficient type for producing ketone bodies. The medium chain fats go right to the liver, where they require less work to break down compared to long- and short-chain fatty acids.
You can get your MCTs in two ways: through an MCT oil or powder, or by consuming a rich (and tasty) source of MCTs such as coconut oil.
The MCTs include caproic acid (C6), caprylic acid (C8), capric acid (C10), and lauric acid (C12). Of these, caprylic acid (C8) is preferred for ketone production, and optimally what you should look for when purchasing an MCT oil supplement. Lauric acid is the MCT found most abundantly in coconut oil (about 50% of the total MCTs).
Because of its efficacy, we selected pure C8 a part of the base (along with prebiotic acacia fiber) of H.V.M.N.’s MCT Oil Powder. It’s 100% natural, real food, harvested sustainably and carefully purified into pure C8. No additives, no artificial ingredients, zero net-carbs. It’s a great source of MCT without all the other junk you might find in inferior products.
Benefits of MCTs: What Does the Research Say?
Though marketed as a supplement, one benefit of MCTs is that they’re derived from all natural food sources. For those who are “anti-synthetic,” you have nothing to fear from MCTs.
A powerful benefit of MCT ingestion, like ketone supplements, might be appetite suppression.
MCTs might help blunt hunger and help with calorie and portion control, thereby indirectly helping you adhere to a diet and thus meet your body composition goals.
One study demonstrated that acute intake of MCTs led to reduced food consumption at lunch while also reducing the blood glucose and triglyceride response to the meal.2 Interestingly, MCT oil also has a “satiating” effect that is not observed with coconut oil.3
MCTs might directly aid in weight loss as well, outside of general satiety.
This action might be due to the fact that MCT oil supplementation can increase energy expenditure, fat oxidation, metabolism, and thermogenesis (body heat production) which leads to a lower body weight and more fat loss over time.4,5 Furthermore, MCT supplementation might have metabolic benefits like lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing lipoprotein particle size.6
Disadvantages of MCTs: What Does the Research Say?
Large amount of MCTs, like any supplement, have been reported to cause gastrointestinal side effects.7,8
This might be an issue, since in order to raise blood BHB to adequate levels to reach ketosis, a high amount of MCTs (and even more coconut oil) must be consumed. Remember, MCTs must be metabolized first before they become ketones—they don’t directly elevate blood ketone levels. Most studies show that MCT consumption elevates blood BHB to levels around 0.5 – 1mM.
Let’s not forget about calories. One downside to coconut oil and MCTs is that they’re fairly calorie-dense, so it’s important to keep track of your macros and calories when using supplements. Compared to ketone salts and ketone esters, MCTs result in much lower levels of ketosis, but they may be a more cost-effective and approachable option for new keto dieters.
Coconut Oil vs. MCT Oil for Ketosis
MCT oils and powders are the most concentrated sources of MCTs and thus might be your best option if you’re hoping to get into ketosis. MCT oil also has different proportions and types of MCTs compared to coconut oil; with a bit more C8 (caprylic acid) and a bit less C12 (lauric acid).
There is evidence that the satiating effect of MCTs might be more potent when they come in the form of a concentrated MCT oil compared to coconut oil.3 If you’re looking for something to help with appetite suppression or a small snack that will “tide you over” more effectively, search for a high-quality MCT oil or powder.
However, in terms of taste and versatility, coconut oil takes the keto-cake. You can use coconut oil in virtually anything, from cooking veggies and meats, to adding in smoothies and protein shakes. The options are endless (and delicious).
Ketone Salts
They’re not something you sprinkle on top of your roasted vegetables or use to season your stew.
Rather, ketone salts are a supplement that comes in powder form, to be mixed (traditionally) in some type of liquid for consumption. Ketone salts contain a ketone (usually BHB) bound to a mineral salt; usually sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium or an amino acid like lysine or arginine.
Ketone salts are one way to raise blood ketone levels. Studies have shown that ketone salt ingestion can elevate blood BHB levels to around 0.6 – 0.8mM (i.e. ketosis).9,10
Benefits of Ketone Salts: What Does the Research Say?
Ketone salts aren’t a new “invention.” They’ve been around for quite some time, and early studies of these ketone supplements were conducted in children with metabolic disorders, where they showed efficacy in inducing ketosis and an improvement of symptoms like better cardiac performance and cognitive function due to better ability to oxidize fatty acids.11,12
Similar levels of ketosis around 0.5mM have been observed in rats given BHB ketone salts. Health benefits such as improved blood glucose, beneficial changes in lipid biomarkers and fat mass, and reduced anxiety-like behavior were noted in multiple different studies.13,14,15
Disadvantages of Ketone Salts: What Does the Research Show?
Compared to other ketone supplements, ketone salts might not deliver as much “ketogenic power”—meaning they don’t elevate blood BHB to levels as high as other products.
For example, one study showed that blood BHB was raised to around 1mM following ketone salt ingestion, while the same amount of BHB provided from a ketone ester raised blood ketone levels to 2.8mM.16 The salt also provided a greater amount of the L-isomer of BHB as opposed to the D-isomer. While not going into the deep end of structural chemistry, L-BHB is like a mirror image of D-BHB (like your left and right hand). They are what is known as optical isomers. While structurally similar, L-BHB may not have the same pattern of metabolism nor the benefits that D-BHB has.
Another disadvantage with ketone salts has less to do with the ketone element, and more to do with the salt.
Typically, you’ll need about 50g of BHB in a ketone salt to mimic nutritional ketosis. Given the formulation of many salts, this would require an intake of about 5,800mg magnesium, 9,600mg of calcium, 11,000mg of sodium, and 18,800mg of potassium. Needless to say, these values are above and beyond any recommended daily allowance for humans.
Excessive salt intake may come with health concerns such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in some individuals.17 Regardless, the high dosage of minerals that would accompany the ketone dose consumed with a salt make this form of supplementation less than practical.
And finally, ketone salts may have no benefit for athletic performance and, in the worst cases, actually impair it.18
In one study, oral BHB salt ingestion prior to exercise actually led to a 7% decrease in high-intensity cycling performance.10 Even though the participants were in ketosis and oxidizing fat for fuel, they reported massive GI side effects which inhibited optimal performance. This isn’t uncommon; two more studies (one in athletes) reported gastrointestinal side effects in 68% and 50% of participants.18
So, should anyone use ketone salts? And, if so, who?
These supplements might be best for those already on a ketogenic or very-low carbohydrate diet and looking to further increase ketone levels—since this would require a lower dose of ketone salts and prevent many of the side effects seen with higher doses.
One final point. Many ketone salts on the market aren’t FDA approved as a “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) food ingredient. Make sure to do your research before buying any supplement.
Ketone Esters
While ketone salts are solids, ketone esters come in liquid form and usually contain one of two ketones; BHB or AcAc bound to a ketone precursor such as butanediol or glycerol.
The word “ester” refers to the specific chemical bond (an ester bond) which attaches the two molecules. The two most popular formulations of ketone esters are the D-BHB monoester and the AcAc ketone diester. Each of these has its own effects.
D-BHB Monoester (HVMN Ketone Ester)
The BHB ketone monoester (R-1,3-butanediol-R-3-hydroxybutyrate; BD-BHB) was first invented through a DARPA program called “Metabolic Dominance, with the intent of being used primarily to enhance the endurance and performance of US Soldiers. Through years of research with Oxford University, and the NIH, this ketone supplement can now be purchased and consumed by anyone as H.V.M.N. Ketone Ester.
In contrast to the BHB salts, the BHB in the ketone monoester is all of the D-isoform. When the ester bond is metabolized, D-BHB is released into the blood along with the ketone precursor butanediol, which is eventually metabolized into D-BHB in the liver.
The ketone monoester provides the highest levels of blood BHB (around 3 – 6mM) which is achieved rapidly (usually within 30 minutes of ingestion).
And levels stay elevated. Blood BHB following BHB monoester ingestion is ~1.1mM after 4 hours and ~.7mM after 8 hours.16
It’s also salt-free, permitted by the world anti-doping agency (WADA), and to date has been shown to be relatively side-effect free at normal doses (meaning no stomach aches!).19,20
Research on HVMN Ketone
To date, many studies have been done (with more in the works) on the BHB monoester in HVMN Ketone Ester. Several of these studies have looked at the effect of ketone ingestion on athletic and physical performance.
Consumption of HVMN Ketone Ester has been shown to improve endurance exercise performance by 2% – 3% when taken before exercise with carbohydrates.19 In addition to boosting performance directly, HVMN Ketone Ester enhances recovery by boosting post-exercise muscle glycogen replenishment20 and raising post-exercise activation of genes involved in muscle protein synthesis.21 In each case, HVMN Ketone Ester was consumed with either a source of carbohydrates or carbs and protein.
In the most recent study of HVMN Ketone Ester, chronic intake of ketone ester during a period of endurance training overload blunted many symptoms of overtraining, revealing a heretofore unseen potential for this supplement in athletes.22 Athletes were able to go harder in training because they recovered more effectively.
BHB monoester might also have some metabolic benefits.
Exogenous BHB lowers blood glucose levels23 and has also been shown to have an appetite-suppressant effect, lowering the desire to eat—this may be related to the reduction in ghrelin (the hunger hormone) after BHB ingestion.24 Many people claim that a ketogenic diet also has many similar effects on satiety.
Acetoacetate Diester
The second type of ketone ester is the acetoacetate (AcAc) diester (1,3-butanediol acetoacetate diester)—a sodium-free precursor to the ketone acetoacetate. Compared to the BHB monoester, AcAc diester results in lower blood BHB levels (about 1mM) and may result in a few more side effects. Most common among these are gastrointestinal related issues.25
Research on Acetoacetate Diester
The AcAc diester has much less data to support or refute its use when compared to other ketone supplements.
In terms of athletic performance, results are inconclusive or non-existent. One study showed that ingestion of a 1,3 butanediol AcAc diester before a 31 kilometer cycling time trial actually impaired performance around 2%. However, this wasn’t likely due to the athletes being in ketosis, but rather the side effects. Several of the study’s participants complained of gut discomfort that likely put a hamper on their ability to perform.25
More research has been done in the area of neurological health. Studies have shown that ketosis achieved with an AcAc diester is able to delay the onset of seizures from central nervous system toxicity in rats26 and lead to lower seizure activity and improved brain plasticity in a mouse model of neurological disease.27
The research is pretty convincing in favor of the use of AcAc diester to treat neurological conditions and benefit cognition, while less supportive of its use for exercise performance.
General Benefits of Exogenous Ketones: How do They Compare to Nutritional Ketosis?
The blood levels of BHB that can be achieved through nutritional ketosis (ketogenic diet or fasting) are likely similar to those you can achieve using certain exogenous ketone supplements: about 1 – 3mM. In this regard, your “level” of ketosis might be the same.
However, achieving endogenous ketosis has unique benefits that aren’t achieved with exogenous ketone supplements. One of these is in regards to “fat burning.”
When you achieve endogenous ketosis, you’re using your own body fat as a fuel, and this has several metabolic and health-related benefits.
But, with exogenous ketones, you actually decrease adipose tissue lipolysis (breakdown) and FFA availability—essentially the opposite of what happens when you’re in a ketogenic state.
Thus, exogenous ketones likely have little to no benefit in terms of fat burning and weight loss.
Most exogenous ketone supplement protocols involve taking one “large” bolus of ketones. While this raises blood ketone levels rapidly, it’s not really what happens “naturally” when the body is in a ketogenic state, where blood ketone levels rise more gradually.
It’s unclear what this might mean in terms of metabolic signaling, but there exists a difference in the two ways to achieve ketosis.
Choosing the Best Ketone Supplement
While several different ketone supplements are on the market, what you choose may depend on your individual goals. Let’s take a look at which types of supplements might benefit specific groups of people.
Considerations for Athletes
If you’re not ready to commit to a ketogenic diet for your training regimen, but are curious about how ketosis might impact your performance, exogenous ketones might be your go-to experiment. Several athletes and sports teams are now using exogenous ketones as a way to fuel performance.
The main thing to consider is the proper time, situation, and adaptations required for exogenous ketone use. How you strategically employ exogenous ketones might make all the difference.
Since BHB monoester (H.V.M.N. Ketone Ester) is cleared by WADA (meaning it’s not a “performance enhancing drug”), athletes can rest easy in this regard.
A majority of the positive research for exogenous ketones lends support to H.V.M.N. Ketone Ester, where benefits have been shown for endurance performance, enhanced adaptations to training, and in the prevention of overreaching syndrome. Another aspect is cognitive performance; we’ve heard many anecdotal responses that athletes who use H.V.M.N. Ketone Ester for training experience a feeling of being “locked in” mentally, too.
Some smaller studies on MCTs suggest they might benefit endurance exercise performance28 and enhance gene expression and mitochondrial biogenesis.29
Data on other supplements such as ketone salts and AcAc diesters is less compelling and in most cases, negative.
Consideration for General Health
The support for exogenous ketones in non-disease states is more in the anecdotal stage right now.
Anecdotal reports include claims of enhanced mental clarity, alertness, energy, and productivity.
None of these claims has been scientifically tested yet. While the theoretical basis might be sound, you’ll have to wait for some trials—until then, experiment for yourself.
A huge role for exogenous ketones might be in dietary adherence, whether that means eating less, eating better, or sticking to a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Exogenous ketones suppress appetite,24 and might help reduce certain food craving or obliterate those “hangry” feelings. If you’re into fasting and not opposed to consuming ketones on a fast, ketone supplements might help you get through an extended no-food period. Even better, they might deepen your fasting-induced state of ketosis.
Are Exogenous Ketones for You?
Whether you are an athlete looking to boost performance through exogenous ketones, or simply out to harness to power of ketones for better mental or physical performance, there are several questions you should ask before buying and using a ketone supplement.
First, what is your goal? And what level of ketosis do you need to achieve to accomplish those goals? Consider if you want constant low levels of ketones in your blood, or a larger level for a shorter amount of time (for a competition, for example).
Are you looking for something inexpensive? Something palatable? Maybe something that can be integrated into meals and/or other supplements? Or perhaps, even a post-workout smoothie? What about the side effects? If you have had stomach issues with other kinds of supplements in the past, this should be taken into consideration.
Maybe you want to achieve the benefits of ketosis without making a change in your lifestyle, like adopting a low-carb ketogenic diet or becoming a regular intermittent-faster. That’s fine, too—these practices aren’t for everyone, but ketosis can be.
All it takes is a well-formulated exogenous ketone supplement and obviously, a bit of attention paid to maintaining a generally healthy diet and exercise regimen. Your nutrition strategy is an investment in your life.
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Surgery is a relatively new form of science, compared to a lot of the work which goes on in labs. Before the advent of electronics capable of measuring vital signs, chemicals which can render someone unable to feel pain, and widespread information sharing, a huge portion of those going under the knife wouldn’t have come out from the otherside. Even as this field developed, though, many procedures would have taken an extremely long time. This has changed in the modern world, with routine operations often taking mere minutes, and some of the hardest of them only taking a few hours. Of course, though, how exactly has this field managed to get so fast?
Preparation
In the past, a lot of surgeons would have to make an educated guess at where they should start with certain procedures. With x-rays and other types of imaging only giving a broad picture, it was incredibly difficult for people to make an accurate guess as to where an operation should start, and it would take a lot of time to figure out where the problem was. Nowadays, though, a planned operation is far smoother. With the technology to see inside people in great detail, doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals can just about do perform their procedures with their eyes closed.
Non-Invasive Tools
There are a lot of medical procedures which used to involve opening someone up and getting past organs, fat, and other tissues, just to solve something relatively simple. With the way that the human body is built, different parts will often get in the way of what the surgeon needs to access. Companies like Medtronic have been changing this, though, creating tools which enable many operations to be performed without cutting someone open at all. Options like this are great, as they not only improve the time in which someone is being operated on, but will also speed up their recovery, too.
John Myungjune Kim discusses, on his UCLA focused blog, the benefits of technology in the medical field, including robotics technology that can handle the pressure of many procedures. Enhanced tooling and innovative technologies are in the process of transforming the healthcare system. In the long term, the medical field is constantly evolving to the point where a future inexpensive, effective, and fast healthcare could be a possible outcome.
Improved Knowledge
The medical field is always expanding, with new minds being put to tasks which have been explored for decades. With this ever-increasing well of knowledge, modern surgeons have an edge over their traditional counterparts, and this can make their job move a lot faster. Many of the procedures they are performing will have been done thousands of times. There will be resources available to them which make it easier, and advancements in the procedures being used can be spread between hospitals like never before. A new world of medical science is being opened up, and this makes the job of a surgeon all the easier.
Reading this should leave you feeling a sense of calm about your next visit to the hospital. While many people go through their whole lives without an operation, you can never predict what might happen in the future, and this makes it worth learning about the field now. As time goes on, this will only improve, though you should never put off a surgery when you need it, and should feel confident that the people working on your body know exactly what they’re doing.
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Migraines are severe headaches that many people suffer from frequently. They can be triggered by all kinds of factors from stress to a break in routine and they can often be debilitating. Knowing how to beat a migraine can help you to get on with your day and not suffer as long. Here are just several popular ways of beating migraines.
Turn the lights off
Bright lights can often make migraines worse. Consider lying down in a dark room for an hour or two and see the effect it has. Wearing shades may also be able to help if you’re unable to lock yourself in a dark room.
Use the right painkillers
You can also use painkillers to fight a migraine, however you need to be careful of which painkillers you use. Certain painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen should never be mixed together and you should read instructions as to how often you can take painkillers. Never drink alcohol while taking painkillers as it can be deadly.
Drink some coffee
Weirdly, some people get migraines as a symptom of coffee withdrawal. If you catch the migraine early enough, drinking some coffee could be enough to stop it in its tracks. Obviously, this is not a long-term solution and you may want to consider slowly reducing your coffee intake.
Use hot and cold treatments
The heat and the cold can both help to ease the pain of a migraine. In the case of heat, a hot bath could be a great form of pain relief – the hot bath water will stimulate nerve endings and could result in a pain-numbing endorphin rush. As for cold treatments, applying an icepack or bag frozen vegetables to your head for short periods could also work.
Consult a doctor
If you’ve got concerns about your migraine or need help getting to the cause, it could be worth possibly consulting a primary care doctor. Such doctors may be able to come out and meet you wherever you are. There are also medical phone lines that you can ring for advice if you don’t need a doctor to visit you.
Consider holistic therapy
There are lots of forms of holistic therapy that many people use for migraines. A massage you’re your local spa clinic could be one way of numbing the pain. You could also try looking into acupuncture, which involves using tiny needles in pressure points to relieve pain. On top of these forms of therapy, there are many herbal medicines and natural painkillers that you can try such as ginger.
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It seems like you see the letters CBD everywhere today. You almost forget that not long ago, CBD products weren’t legal in America. What makes CBD legal comes down to its plant source. Following the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and marijuana are classified as two different substances under the Control Substance Act. That’s because the effects of hemp vs marijuana are very different. This contrast is thanks to how marijuana and hemp affect a network inside of our body, known as the endocannabinoid system. Let’s discuss the differences between hemp and marijuana.
Hemp vs Marijuana: A Difference in Genetics
While hemp and marijuana effects differ, the two plants are siblings from the same family. Marijuana and hemp are both species of the Cannabaceae genus. There are two predominant plants in the Cannabaceae family. They are Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa.
Due to it’s sturdier frame and huskier exterior, present-day hemp evolved from Cannabis sativa. Their short and stocky frame cause hemp plants to grow closer together than marijuana plants do, maxing out around 4 inches apart.
Thanks to the hardiness of their fibrous stalks and close proximity to other plants, hemp can withstand many climates. The durability of hemp allows them to reach maturity within 108 to 120 days.
While hemp is just one species of the Cannabaceae genus, marijuana, on the other hand, can be cultivated as either Cannabis indica or Cannabis sativa. That’s where it’s pickiness stops.
To best grow marijuana, you’re going to need warmer climates and more space. These cannabis family members also like breathing room–upwards of six feet between plants! Hey, maybe space is a bit of a good thing. After all, marijuana matures quicker than hemp, as these plants are ready for harvest within 60 to 90 days.
Another glaring difference between hemp and marijuana? Hemp plants are male. Whereas, marijuana is female. Maybe that’s why they mature quicker than hemp plants!
Hemp Effects vs Marijuana Effects
One last difference in the hemp vs marijuana debate might just be the most important. It involves how compounds within these plants interact with our endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system relies on a series of receptors located throughout our body. These receptors regulate everything from our mental health to hormone production to appetite.
Research indicates hemp effects are very beneficial to the system. The plant is a complete protein containing all the essential amino acids. Hemp effects also include antioxidative and anti-inflammatory benefits. This wide range of qualities is why CBD oil is popping up in everything from beauty lines to supplements to skin care.
Additional research confirms many of the benefits of hemp effects can also be achieved to some degree by marijuana as well. However, there’s one significant difference between how hemp affects the endocannabinoid system vs how marijuana affects it. This primary contrast is that marijuana triggers a psychoactive effect on the endocannabinoid system.
While marijuana can create a euphoric feeling throughout the body, hemp doesn’t have the same effect on the endocannabinoid system. Farm Bill-compliant hemp can’t get you high. The reason for such a variance in cannabis experiences comes down to two molecules–CBD vs THC.
CBD vs THC
What gives plants their distinct attributes are the network of chemical compounds within their DNA. In the Cannabis sativa family, the significant differences between plants come down to plant-based compounds known as cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are molecules formed within the oils of the cannabis plant. They are also behind the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
As the prefix implies, cannabinoids are closely associated with the cannabis family. While other plants do have cannabinoids, none has an abundant supply as members of the Cannabaceae clan. Research indicates that the hemp plant has at least 113 cannabinoids known to humankind.
Think of cannabis plants like men and women. Both genders have estrogen and testosterone in their system. The difference in these levels is what causes one person to grow the characteristics of a male like facial hair or traits of a female such as the growth of breast tissue.
In hemp vs marijuana plants, instead of estrogen or testosterone, their molecular structure depends on the ratio of CBD vs THC.
What Causes Marijuana Effects?
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is the THC molecule that gives marijuana its psychoactive or intoxicating characteristics. The THC molecule binds on cannabinoid receptors, creating a euphoric-like feeling on the system.
Under the Farm Bill, hemp plants must have 0.3% THC or less. Due to its low concentration of THC, hemp effects are not psychoactive.
What Causes Hemp Benefits and Effects?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is predominant in hemp plants and the primary reason for the effects felt from hemp. It works in unison with the other cannabinoids in hemp to help bring homeostasis (balance) to our system.
Unlike THC, the CBD molecule doesn’t bind onto many receptors. Instead, it stimulates stressed receptors, causing a calming-like effect on the body.
CBD can’t get you high. In fact, due to its molecular structure, CBD can even counteract unwanted marijuana effects.
A History of Hemp CBD Benefits on Ancestors
Back before plants were classified by species and family, our ancestors learned about herbs through trial and error. They would use plants for sustenance and eventually, for medicinal purposes. One of the earliest texts known to humankind is a Hindu work known as The Vedas. This ancient record referenced cannabis as one of the Five Essential Plants.
When our ancestors migrated, they brought this versatile plant along with them. Chinese emperor Shen-Nung seeped the leaves in a tea to experience hemp effects such as pain relief. Egyptians used cannabis to treat sore eyes. Romans applied hemp extracts to heal sores on both humans and horses.
Our ancestors who went west took hemp along for the journey. As America started colonizing, parts of the country even valued hemp as an acceptable form of payment!
Cannabis was so commonplace that in the 1800s it was an ingredient in many over-the-counter medicines. The plant even landed itself on a list of medicinal herbs in the 1850 US Pharmacopeia.
In 1850, science hadn’t evolved to the point where scientists could differentiate between hemp and marijuana. Cannabis the species was classified like one plant, and this would come to be detrimental in the hemp vs marijuana battle.
Hemp vs Marijuana and Prohibition
In the early 1900s, America was cracking down on mind-altering substances. This change in philosophy caused the country to ban cannabis. During this time, nobody was able to differentiate between hemp and marijuana. They couldn’t figure out that one plant will cause the psychoactive side effects, while the other won’t. Since no one could distinguish between the two, the cannabis ban affected both plants.
With prohibition, companies removed cannabis as an active ingredient in their over-the-counter remedies. Consequently, the masses became deprived of the CBD benefits from ingesting hemp products.
Figuring Out the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana
In the 1960s, scientists finally discovered the THC molecule. They realized this cannabinoid interacted with the body, fostering the high associated with marijuana effects.
Simultaneously, pharmaceutical companies started to grow. With the industrial revolution, companies began mass-producing medications in the same laboratories that were performing studies on these drugs. With our ever-growing reliance on pharmaceutical remedies, hemp-based care and studies seemed a thing of the past. Therefore, the need to distinguish between hemp and marijuana seemed unnecessary.
While conventional drugs have a place in wellness, many come with a laundry list of side effects. Just watch one commercial and your head will be spinning. These unfavorable effects led many to look toward a more natural form of therapy that had our ancestors’ approval.
In 1996, medical cannabis became legal in California. However, the groundswell behind the hemp movement didn’t swing into full gear until 2012. This was a landmark year where numerous states voted in favor of medical cannabis. Even then, it wasn’t until 2014 the differences between hemp and marijuana were recognized legally. Still, the laws surrounding cannabis can be tricky and make knowing the difference between hemp and marijuana more crucial than ever.
Hemp vs Marijuana and the Law
In 2018, Congress signed a new Farm Bill into law. A provision in this legislature saw the differences between hemp and marijuana finally recognized.
Photo Credit: USDA Website
The new Farm Bill reassigned the cultivation of hemp under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) instead of the Department of Justice. With this change of oversight, hemp became reclassified under the Controlled Substance Act.
During prohibition, the Controlled Substance Act classified both hemp and marijuana as cannabis. Unfortunately for those who wanted hemp CBD benefits, all species of cannabis were classified as a schedule 1 controlled substance. That categorization held hemp in the same regard as opioids and meth. It’s also a reason for the long-standing stigma surrounding cannabis products today.
Thanks to the new Farm Bill, which was signed with a hemp pen by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, hemp is currently a schedule 5 substance. While recognizing the differences between hemp and marijuana was vital for CBD legality, it doesn’t make all forms of CBD oil legal. Let’s take a look at the difference between hemp vs marijuana-derived CBD Oil.
What is the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana Derived CBD Oil?
CBD derived from hemp plants compliant with the Farm Bill is legal in all 50 states. That’s because these hemp plants have less than 0.3% THC in their genetic makeup. Therefore, companies can use these plants to extract CBD oil without worrying about creating a formula with psychoactive properties.
Almost one-fifth of the states in our country recognizes recreational marijuana. Based on the guidelines of those states, extracting CBD oil from marijuana plants is legal. Therefore, products in states where recreational marijuana is legal may have a higher concentration of THC than the 0.3% in government-mandated hemp. Consequently, these products may cause psychoactive side effects for the person who is using them. Furthermore, the products may become illegal when they cross state lines.
While hemp got a pass during the new Farm Bill, marijuana did not. If you are purchasing CBD oil in a state where recreational marijuana is legal, check out the label. Make sure the CBD oil comes from hemp instead of marijuana.
To further complicate the situation, states which recognize medical marijuana but not recreational, also allow the extraction of CBD oil from marijuana. Medical marijuana cardholders should always have their card inside their wallet, especially when they are traveling with CBD oil. That way, if you do purchase a product in compliance with your state’s medical marijuana program, you will be in accordance with local laws in neighboring states too.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil Benefits
You must be asking yourself, why bother making CBD oil with marijuana if the plant is illegal on a federal level? That’s because there are therapeutic benefits to the THC molecule. In fact, all 113 cannabinoids in the hemp plant (including THC) are rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and other micronutrients. Though THC found in CBD products is below .3% and not nearly enough to get you high, having a small amount can still provide benefits.
The primary objective of cannabinoids is homeostasis (balance). They enter the bloodstream in search of angst-ridden receptors throughout the endocannabinoid system. Based on the cannabinoids interaction with the stressed-out receptor, the balance gets restored throughout the network.
Cannabinoids love homeostasis so much they try to accomplish this task as efficiently as possible. Studies suggest cannabinoids have a beneficial effect on one another. Dubbed the entourage effect, cannabinoids exhibit a natural synergy. This unique interaction is what makes the benefits of CBD oil possible for millions.
Not all CBD oil is created equally. To know you are getting all of the cannabinoids, make sure the label says words such as:
Full-Spectrum
Broad-Spectrum
Whole-Plant
These labels indicate all parts of the hemp plant including its leaves, stems, and seeds were used during the extraction process. This means the formula is enriched with a load of nutrients which subpar, fly by night companies may leave out.
How to Get CBD Oil without the THC Molecule
There are many reasons for someone to be skeptical of purchasing a product with THC. For one, you may have a sensitive endocannabinoid system. Others may be afraid of unknowingly breaking the law. If this sounds like you, you can still experience the benefits of CBD oil.
At Made by Hemp, we produce phytocannabinoid rich hemp oil without any THC. While the THC molecule does exhibit therapeutic benefits, it is not necessarily needed in CBD products, though as highlighted above can prove beneficial.
With marijuana being abundant in THC, it is mostly used for its psychoactive properties and medicinal benefits. States with laws allowing for both recreational and medical marijuana have laws for when, where and how to use these products.
Hemp, on the other hand, has historically been used for more industrial purposes like clothing, biofuel, food products, paper, and more. With the recent rise in popularity as a supplement, CBD derived from hemp is making this plant popular again, and helping companies like ours to educate more people on the benefits of hemp vs marijuana as a supplement.
Conclusion
Now you know the difference, spread the word! Help others to understand this important concept about the difference between hemp and marijuana. There are many epidemics going on in the world today such as deforestation, sickness and disease, opioid addiction and more which more studies and research could provide insight into how the hemp plant and its constituents could prove important in these issues and more.
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