Taking part in Dry January is no easy challenge. Here we’ve listed five ways that CBD may help to make it a little bit easier.
Studies show that a third of people who take part in Dry January fail to make it through the full 30 days of the challenge. Despite this, the alcohol-free market is booming with the industry predicted to rise to $24 billion in the next four years.
The CBD drinks industry is also increasing in size. There are now multiple options for nights out, nights in or even morning after coffee replacements.
We look at 5 reasons that CBD could help you make it through the rest of the month tee-total.
1 – Health benefits
Alcohol isn’t exactly known for its health benefits. Although there is some debate about the occasional glass of red wine, most alcohol, especially drank in larger quantities may cause damage. Heavy drinking can raise your blood cholesterol levels and increase your risk of a heart attack.
It can also leave long term effects on your mental health increasing depression, memory problems, insomnia and also anxiety.
Adding a drop or two of oil to your soft drink may not sound like much but the health benefits could give you an added boost.
Even being selective about the carrier oil that the CBD is in could work to your advantage. CBD is added to a carrier oil to aid absorption in the body. The most common oils are MCT, hemp seed oil or olive oil.
Hemp seed oil contains omega three and six fatty acids which are essential for the body. It is also high in antioxidants. Some studies show that MCT oil may aid weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing metabolism. Alternatively, olive oil is high in vitamins K, E and iron.
2 – Better skin
Alcohol can have a damaging effect on our skin. As we drink, it reduces the production of an anti-diuretic hormone causing us to lose water and sodium more quickly. As a result, our skin is one of the first places we notice the effects of a heavy night out.
Reducing alcohol intake or even a few weeks alcohol-free should cause a reduction in redness, pore size and also increase hydration in the skin.
A study showed that CBD may be anti-inflammatory when it comes to multiple sclerosis inflammation. CBD may interact with two receptors, CB1 and CB2 that are found in the body helping to soothe an inflammatory response.
Another small study from 2019 measured the response in 20 participants suffering from scarring, psoriasis or eczema. It discovered that CBD may help to improve skin hydration, moisture and prevent water loss. The researcher stated this may be due to the fatty acids in the topical used or its anti-inflammatory properties.
3- Hangover free and better sleep
We’ve all been there when you wake up from the morning after the night before with a pounding head and dry mouth. One of the best parts to dry January or sober living is the feeling of waking up hangover-free.
Even though we aren’t topping up our favourite tipples, we can still enjoy a late night. It can be really hard to get to sleep after a party or evening with friends, especially as alcohol is normally a sedative.
A few drops of CBD, a carefully applied patch or even a capsule popped before bed could help you get some well-deserved rest before enjoying a headache-free morning.
A study examined if CBD could help sleep or anxiety. Researchers took 72 participants with anxiety and poor sleep. They were given 25 mg of CBD in a capsule daily. Within the first month, 79.2 per cent reported lower anxiety levels while 66.7 per cent reported better sleep as a result.
4 – Alcohol replacement
Soft drinks aren’t always the answer. Juice has a lot of calories and sweeteners that can cause tooth problems over time. Caffeinated drinks such as Coke can cause sleeplessness when drank in large quantities.
It can be difficult to choose something different in venues as the level of choice is not the same. The popularity of CBD drinks is making it easier to find alternatives out there. Some venues are now offering CBD cocktails or beer on their menu however this remains a relatively untapped market.
House parties or social gatherings can be easier as you can bring your ‘beer’ with you. Pre-mixed CBD drinks offer great alternatives to vodka, gin or other spirits. They look almost the same as their alcoholic counterparts meaning it’s difficult for people to tell the difference. This is a perfect option if you are missing the feel of a drink or tired of drinking countless orange juices or diet cokes.
5 – Anxiety
Sometimes not drinking can cause anxiety especially if someone has quit for health reasons or if they have experienced issues with addiction. It may even be the thought of entering a party or spending time with multiple people that causes a person to feel anxiety.
Adding a few drops of CBD or taking a tincture before a party may help to reduce anxiety. A person may also experience a low mood when thinking about the evening ahead of them or feel pressured to take part in the drinking.
CBD may have a positive interaction with the hormone, serotonin in our brains. Serotonin is involved with a lot of different functions in our bodies but it impacts a person’s happiness and emotional well-being. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression. A review of studies showed that CBD may have anti-stress effects that could reduce depression and anxiety.
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