Of course, there are some things that we can do for hangovers to help “take the edge off”, so to speak, like consuming electrolytes, over-the-counter pain medications and vitamins once we wake up. But, there’s another option that may offer a more holistic approach to helping the body recover faster, which is cannabidiol (CBD). Let’s take a look at what CBD might be able to do for you the next time you wake up after a night of partying.
What Exactly Causes a Hangover?
Hangovers occur when our body has consumed too much alcohol. Alcohol, as we know, has negative effects on the body, to the extent that having too much of it can lead to a number of extremely unpleasant symptoms. Several factors come together to cause a hangover, like dehydration (alcohol is a known diuretic), a reduction in blood sugar, an irritated lining of the stomach, inflammation throughout the body and a taxing amount of work by the liver to metabolize the alcohol.
What are the Symptoms of a Hangover?
Most of us who do experience hangovers feel a number of different symptoms, and a hangover can feel different for everyone. That being said, here are the most common symptoms:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Body aches
- Tremors
- Brain fog
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Dehydration/thirstiness
What is the Relationship Between the Endocannabinoid System and Hangovers?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a system of the body that has the important task of keeping us in homeostasis, which it does through a network of cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors), along with endocannabinoids – aka, cannabinoids produced by the body. When cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors, chemical reactions take place that regulate functions and processes of the body. Cannabinoid receptors exist in all bodily systems, and so are regulated through the role of the ECS.
A hangover is one of the best examples of our body being far away from homeostasis. Multiple systems of the body are negatively affected, and even operating far below their potential. So naturally, the endocannabinoid system has the difficult task of balancing these systems and processes again so that we can feel ourselves.
As you may have guessed, the best way in which we can support the ECS is by consuming cannabinoids – more specifically, phytocannabinoids, which simply refer to cannabinoids extracted from cannabis. Cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive, nontoxic cannabinoid that accounts for most of the hemp plant, is the obvious choice given all of its exceptional properties that support our bodies from head to toe.
What Can CBD Do for a Hangover?
Cannabidiol generally supports the body’s endocannabinoid system as a whole, as the cannabinoid shares an affinity for both CB1 and CB2 receptors – the two categories of cannabinoid receptors in the body that fulfill different regulatory tasks, primarily in the nervous system but also throughout the entire body. But, what have studies shown us about more specific effects of CBD that relate to a hangover?
Well, for one thing, the cannabinoid’s powerful anti-inflammatory effects can help with a lot of morning-after physical discomfort. On top of that, the cannabinoid acts as an antioxidant, which aids in the detoxification process as the body seeks to remove alcohol from the system. Note that vitamin C, one of nature’s most potent antioxidants, is commonly recommended for someone with a hangover for the same reason.
CBD also works with serotonin receptors, which can have a very positive impact on a hangover. Serotonin doesn’t just mediate mood, although that is something that can be useful since many of us wake up after a night of heavy drinking feeling irritable, anxious or even depressed. On top of that, serotonin receptors regulate nausea, one of the absolute worst symptoms of a hangover. And, serotonin is responsible for our sleep/wake cycle, which means that it may help combat the fatigue and brain fog that stops us from getting anything done the next day.
CBD Products to Try for a Hangover
Time to get a little more specific now, with some products that have what it takes to help you with your hangover symptoms the day after a night of heavy drinking.
Muscle MX Full Spectrum Drops
Muscle MX Full Spectrum Drops are taken as a tincture, offering a generous 1000mg of CBD-rich full spectrum hemp extract per 30ml bottle. Just a single dropper of oil held under the tongue can do wonders for symptoms of a hangover, offering effects that kick in as soon as 20 minutes after administration, and last for up to 4 or so hours.
Muscle MX Bliss Gummies
With a whopping 50mg CBD per gummy, these tasty edibles really live up to their name, bringing you into a state of bliss and equilibrium within 1-2 hours after consumption. With effects that can last for up to 8 hours, a single gummy can cover all of your bases as you prepare for a day that’s not compromised by your hangover. Vegan and gluten-free, Muscle MX Bliss Gummies offer a mouthwatering fruity taste, in assorted flavors to appeal to your taste buds. The CBD is blended with CBG, CBN, CBC and CBT, all minor cannabinoids in the hemp plant that are also non-intoxicating, and rich in properties that can help you get back to where you need to be.
It’s Time to Turn to Hemp the Next Time You’re Hungover
CBD is a completely natural, gentle plant derivative that is renowned for its extensive variety of useful properties, many of which can come in handy especially when we’re hungover. At Muscle MX, our lab-tested, freshly made products offer extremely user-friendly and effective ways to get some much-needed CBD into the body to help get you back to a more balanced state.