Oxidative stress plays a vital role in the birth of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Long-term exposure to high levels of pro-oxidant factors can cause structural deficiencies at the DNA level and functional alteration of several cellular structures and enzymes, leading to abnormalities in gene expression. The modern lifestyle associated with exposure to a wide range of chemicals, processed food, and lack of exercise plays an essential role in causing oxidative stress. However, medicinal plants like cannabis which have antioxidant properties and abilities to prevent or treat several human illnesses caused by oxidative stress, have been proven effective. One can consume these plants in the form of CBD vape pens and check out vape memes reddit to get some interesting insights.
What Is Oxidative Stress?
Oxidative stress (OS) happens due to the inequality of antioxidants and free radicals in our body, leading to tissue and cell damage. Oxidative stress transpires naturally and plays a crucial function in the aging process.
Generally, our body can maintain a balance between free radicals and antioxidants. The cells in the human body create free radicals during everyday metabolic functions. Nonetheless, even the cells give rise to antioxidants that balance the free radicals.
Numerous factors contribute to oxidative stress and surplus free radical display. Some of these factors may include:
- Lifestyle
- Diet
- Environmental aspects like pollution and radiation
The body’s natural immune system may also activate oxidative stress temporarily. This type of oxidative stress induces a mild inflammation that will subside after the immune system repairs an injury or fights away an infection. Unbridled oxidative stress may fasten the process of aging and can donate to the development of several other medical conditions.
CBD Vaping
Cannabidiol is a naturally occurring cannabinoid present in Cannabis Sativa. Its therapeutic effects have been touted, ranging from relief from natural pain to anxiety. It is also extremely popular for its non-psychoactive properties, unlike delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main mind-altering chemical in marijuana. In the places where it is legal to sell it, it is usually present in food and supplements.
CBD products derived from the related plant, hemp, are legal on the federal level, but they may be illegal in some countries. Hemp and marijuana are both two different varieties of the Cannabis Sativaplant, but hemp is a variety that contains 0.3 or less THC.
Its edible products and tinctures contain essential oils, perfectly safe to swallow. The CBD vape oil contains two primary ingredients; the base, i.e., a mixture of Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable glycerine (VG), and the flavorings. CBD e-liquid, although often called CBD oil, in reality, contains no essential oil, which can be dangerous to inhale.
Vaping is considered a safe and viable option to ingest CBD with no known adverse side effects.
CBD And Oxidative Stress
CBD reduces oxidative conditions by stopping the creation of superoxide radicals, which are primarily developed by NADPH oxidase (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Oxidase) and xanthine oxidase (XO). It helps to stop endotoxin-induced oxidative stress that is caused due to retinal microglial cell activation in uveitis (a form of eye inflammation).
Through the modulation of the cellular effectors, it mitigates the effects of oxidative stress. Moreover, CBD accumulates in cell membranes due to its affinity for lipids, having a remarkably effective antioxidant effect on membrane components.
A research study that directly measured oxidative stress indicated that cannabinoids prevented serum-deprived cell death by antioxidation. The antioxidative effects of cannabinoids was established by their capability to oppress oxidative stress and resultant cell death caused by the retinoid, anhydrous retinol. Therefore, cannabinoids act as antioxidants to regulate the survival of cells and the growth of fibroblasts and B lymphocytes.
In a recent study, researchers found that it can reduce oxidative stress by weakening mitochondrial dysregulation and ROS generation (reactive oxygen species) or decreasing the expression of several ROS generating NADPH oxidase isoforms.
Other Benefits Of CBD Vaping:
● Anxiety
Anxiety and depression are mental illnesses that may have devastating effects on an ordinary persons’ well-being. A review conducted in 2015 suggested that CBD showed promise in treating anxiety disorders. The scientists found that it displayed anxiolytic effects, meaning anxiety-relieving effects in particular animal research.
This anxiety relief response could be defined by how CBD reacts with the brain chemicals.
Scientists believe that CBD possibly can change the way the receptors in the brain respond to serotonin, an important hormone linked to stabilizing the mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness in man.
The limbic system is a particular brain segment whose primary function is to regulate anxiety and the human stress response of flight, fight, or fright. CBD vape pen is also associated with receptors attached to the limbic system’s nerve cells. Receptors are tiny proteins connected to the cells that receive chemical signals and help the cells respond to different other stimuli.
● Pain Relief
CBD vape is preferred throughout the world primarily for its pain-relieving effects. It can increase the levels of anandamide, an endocannabinoid associated with regulating pain and improving mood in our body. CBD also regulates the perception of pain by affecting a significant number of other targets, including non-cannabinoid GPCRs (G-protein-coupled receptors).
● Helps With Sleep Disorders
The health benefits offered by CBD vape pens are numerous but helping people with sleep disorders like Insomnia is a notable one. The absence of a good night’s sleep adversely affects your daily life: you will be drained and unfocused due to a lack of energy.
In a study on the benefits of CBD, researchers found that the cortisol levels in the body, i.e., the stress hormone levels of patients, decreased drastically when they ingested CBD. These results indicate that it controls the release of cortisol, thus possibly acting as a sedative. When the anxiety levels are down to normal, the body relaxes, and you can fall asleep. While CBD vaping may cause drowsiness in some people, it may promote alertness in others. Therefore, the effects of the oil depend on your condition and the amount of CBD you take.
Conclusion
Although there is no scientific explanation that suggests that vaping is harmful to health, it is best to know the rules and restrictions around e-cigarettes. Over that, when you vape in public, it may attract others’ attention. So, if you don’t want that kind of attention, you can opt for stealth vaping by controlling your exhale or using a less subtle DIY CBD vape juice.
Although antioxidants and free radicals are part of the body’s healthy and natural functioning, oxidative stress occurs when the free radicals and antioxidants are out of balance. Oxidative stress may cause harm to many of the tissues, which can lead to several diseases with time.
While you can’t avoid exposure to free radicals altogether, you can bring changes to your lifestyle regarding exercise and diet to help keep your body in balance and avoid diseases.