Category: Whole-Body Wellness

The thirteen systems that make up the human body each play critical roles in our health. They’re all interconnected – and some work together more closely than others.

While it’s long been known that the health of one system in the body influences others, recent studies suggest that one of the most involved systems in overall health is the Gastrointestinal system. Gut health plays an important part in the healthy function of our Central Nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. Maintaining a healthy gut is crucial to being our healthiest and can be influenced by things including diet & exercise – and CBD!

• Why is gut health so important to the rest of the body? 

• • • The bacteria and microbes in our GI systems help our bodies function at their best. But the balance of this small-but-mighty ecosystem can often experience problems; when there is too much or too little of the right kinds of gut bacteria, it can lead to illness both within the GI system & elsewhere in the body. Problems including anxiety, depression, poor sleep cycles, and more can all stem from an unbalanced GI system. READ MORE

• How can CBD help with maintaining a healthy gut?

• • • While more research is still needed, studies indicate that cannabinoids (like CBD and THC) can assist with relief from gastrointestinal conditions such as IBS, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Crohn’s. READ MORE

• What other natural options can help with gut health?

• • Things like probiotics, herbal supplements, a balanced diet (though what the proper balance is varies from person to person and is not influenced by diet fads), exercise, and proper sleep can all help to keep our guts their healthiest! READ MORE

Why is gut health so important to the rest of the body? 

The microorganisms, or microbiota, of the gut influence things like hormones and neurotransmitter release (did you know up to 90% of the body’s Serotonin is produced in the gut?). This connection between the GI system and the rest of the body is referred to as the gut-brain connection or gut-brain axis, and it plays a crucial role in our health. Studies have shown that disturbances in the gut microbiota can lead to both physical and mental health issues. Fortunately, assessing the health of our GI system can often help us better understand the root cause of illnesses we may be experiencing in other parts of our bodies.

Recent studies show that shifts in the gut microbiome are linked to illnesses outside of the GI system, including depression and anxiety. Fortunately, several natural remedies (alongside or in place of pharmaceutical treatments) can help relieve symptoms and reduce the prevalence these problems can play in our lives.

How can CBD help with maintaining a healthy gut?

What other natural options can help with gut health?

Have you tried Digestify tincture? We’d love to hear your feedback. Drop us a line at support@fairwindscbd.com!

• What is the Endocannabinoid System?
  • The ECS is one of thirteen major systems in the body, alongside the Central Nervous System, musculoskeletal system, gastrointestinal, and more! The discovery of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in the 1990s helped broaden the scope of how scientists understood not just how cannabis and its compounds impact the body, but how the body functions overall. Over the past nearly 30 years of research into the subject, new information is constantly being discovered – yet our understanding of the system is still far from complete. READ MORE
• What are the known endocannabinoids?
  • Did you know your body makes its own cannabinoids? There are 2 we know of – Anandamide and 2-AG (short for arachidonoylglycerol). Anandamide, named using the Sanskrit root word “ananda” (meaning bliss), helps to regulate our mood and ability to manage stress. The second known endocannabinoid is 2-AG. READ MORE
• What does the Endocannabinoid System do?
  
  • Our body has cannabinoid receptors (types 1 and 2) located throughout the entire body. CB1 receptors occur predominantly in the Central Nervous System and are also distributed throughout the skin and other organs. CB2s can be found in the CNS as well, but are most common in the gastrointestinal tract and immune system. Each receptor type regulates different parts of the many ways the ECS impacts homeostasis! READ MORE
• What is Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome?
  • Of the seemingly endless roles the ECS plays in the human body, the most important may be maintaining homeostasis. If our endocannabinoids are out of whack for any reason, it’s theorized this can lead to a variety of problems. According to a 2016 study, “if endocannabinoid function were decreased, it follows that a lowered pain threshold would be operative, along with derangements of digestion, mood, and sleep”. READ MORE

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

Currently, the ECS is defined as “the ensemble of the two 7-transmembrane-domain and G protein-coupled receptors for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: cannabinoid receptor type-1 and cannabinoid receptor type-2”. If you’re asking yourself “What does that mean?” you’re not alone – the definition is confusing even among experts, and is evolving constantly. The important thing to know is this: the ECS regulates our body’s natural cannabinoids as well as those from cannabis.

What are the known endocannabinoids? 

In addition to its stress-regulating potential, Anandamide may be primarily responsible for the runner’s high, a euphoria felt commonly after strenuous exercise. See our blog post on this for more info! This endocannabinoid occurs naturally in the body, but degrades rapidly due to an enzyme called FAAH (fatty amino acid hydrolase). Recent studies suggest that consuming CBD can help to slow this degradation, making the effects of Anandamide last longer! Anandamide is also thought to play a role in our metabolism, appetite, sleep cycles, and fertility. This one small compound affects our bodies and minds in some truly far-reaching ways.

Far less research has been done into 2-AG, despite it occurring in a higher concentration than Anandamide. One of the main things we do know is that 2-AG only binds to cannabinoid receptors – nowhere else in the body. This is different from Anandamide, which interacts with other receptor types in addition to cannabinoid receptors. For this reason, many scientists view 2-AG as the “true natural ligand for cannabinoid receptors”. Much like its sister endocannabinoid, 2-AG plays a role in our mental health and is related to how we experience pleasure & rewards. It has also been shown to be part of what causes feelings of relaxation and contentment after sex; 2-AG levels boost significantly post-orgasm.

What does the Endocannabinoid System do?

While we know the ECS affects things like sleep, appetite, bone growth, mood, memory, and more, there is still so much more to learn. And, despite being discovered in the late 90s, the Endocannabinoid System was not discussed in most medical schooling until around 2015; even now that it is taught, the education surrounding it is often extremely minimal. Since the ECS impacts so many parts of the body, not covering it in medical education is staggering. In our opinion, it’s akin to not teaching the importance of the skeletal or nervous system! We hope to see education on this crucial part of the body grow in coming years.

What is Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome?

The most compelling data for what is being called CED (Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency) are chronic migraine, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The same study notes that “a strong case can be advanced for unifying pathophysiological trends in the three conditions”. It’s no surprise that these same three conditions are among the most commonly reported amongst medical cannabis and CBD consumers! Phytocannabinoids can help restore an offset balance in our bodies. 

While everyone’s Endocannabinoid System is unique (and as such, so is the way they react to phytocannabinoids), something as simple as incorporating CBD into your daily routine can be beneficial to restoring homeostasis. Though it may require some experimentation to learn what products work best for your own needs, we think restoring and maintaining balance to the body is worth a little added effort. Curious to learn what may work best for you? Check out our product selector quiz!

What is the runner’s high?

Many of us are familiar with the concept of the “runner’s high.” A natural rush of euphoria which occurs in some individuals when the body is pushed to its physical limits, this runner’s high is, well, highly sought after. Often described as a second wind, the term is defined as “an exercise-induced altered state of consciousness long-appreciated by endurance athletes… described subjectively as pure happiness, elation, a feeling of unity with one’s self/nature, endless peacefulness, inner harmony, boundless energy, and a reduction in pain sensation.”1 While the existence of this phenomenon has been known for decades, the science surrounding what causes it has been incredibly limited. It’s only recently that scientists have begun to understand it – and much of it still remains a mystery.

The confusion surrounding the runner’s high is due in part to the fact that the experience does not seem to be consistent; described as “ephemeral,” certain runners may never encounter this sensation, and others may not access it each time they exercise, even if it’s something they’ve felt before. And though much of the conversation surrounding this effect is already speculative, newer research suggests that it may be tied to something even less thoroughly understood: the endocannabinoid system.1

Endogenous opioids or cannabinoids?

Exercise physiologists first thought that the cause of the runner’s high phenomenon may have been tied to a boost in adrenaline, also known as epinephrine. With the discovery of the opioid receptor network and endogenous opioids (opioid-like chemicals produced naturally in the body) in the late 1950s and early 60s, the theory was switched around a bit to include this new understanding: it was thought that this effect was “a direct consequence of alterations in endogenous opioid release.”1 For decades, this was the operating hypothesis. However, with the discovery of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in the 1990s and the subsequent discovery of the body’s first endogenous (naturally-occurring) cannabinoid Anandamide in 1992, the theory slowly began to take on a new shape once more. Anandamide, named using the Sanskrit root word for “bliss,” can boost happiness, assist with increasing memory, appetite, & motivation, increase neurogenesis, and more.

While the body’s own endocannabinoids were discovered in the 1990s, it took quite a bit of time before it began to be thought that Anandamide could play a role in activating the euphoria of the runner’s high. The new theory arose when it was discovered that endorphin and endogenous opioid molecules are large and therefore cannot cross the blood-brain barrier – but Anandamide can.2 As Anandamide is often found in high concentrations in the brain after intense exercise, the natural conclusion was that Anandamide may in fact be the compound primarily responsible for helping elicit the runner’s high.

Although this hypothesis was first expressed in the late 1990s, it wasn’t really explored in much detail until 2015, when German scientists began to experiment with the theory in mice. Anandamide levels in the blood increased significantly in a group of mice that ran on a wheel for five hours when compared with a control group of sedentary mice. Additionally, the mice that were part of the running group displayed far less anxiety and a higher tolerance for pain than those in the control group.2 Studies have also been done on humans, however, further research is still needed.1

CBD and Anandamide

So what does any of this have to do with CBD? According to a study published in 2012, Cannabidiol (CBD) helps to inhibit the degradation of Anandamide in the body,3 meaning that the effects felt from this endocannabinoid can last for a longer period of time if CBD is in someone’s system. While many people enjoy using CBD products after exercise, this information makes it apparent that the benefits can likely be extended if CBD is used before exercise, as well. Since CBD can also support pain management, stress relief, and endurance – all without the intoxicating high experienced with THC use – it only makes sense to incorporate CBD products into your workout routine. See our blog post on CBD for athletic performance here!

Over recent years, anxiety and stress have become major components of the human experience. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), over 19% of all American adults reportedly suffer from a diagnosed anxiety disorder. That’s over 40 million people! And despite the fact that anxiety and stress disorders are often manageable with anything from therapy to medication, studies indicate that less than 40% of those who suffer seek or receive any treatment.

If you ask us, it says a lot about our culture that so many people are afflicted by anxiety disorders and their associated symptoms that they don’t even realize it’s impacting them – they instead think that it’s simply a part of them. One of our main goals is to help people know that it is possible to find relief; we are honored to help people across the US reduce their anxiousness through the use of natural remedies.

• Why use CBD for anxiety management?

• • • Many people find that CBD products can help relieve stress and anxiety. CBD is celebrated for its potential to provide a sense of calm, promote an overall feeling of wellbeing, and reduce stress, among several other benefits. READ MORE

• Is there more than just anecdotal evidence that CBD can help?

• • • Absolutely! According to a clinical study conducted at the Wholeness Center in Fort Collins, CO in 2018, “Anxiety scores decreased within the first month in 57 [out of 72] patients (79.2%) and remained decreased during the study duration” while taking CBD capsules. READ MORE

• Will CBD cause problems with other prescribed anxiety medications?

• • The same study mentioned above states that “In our study, we saw no evidence of a safety issue that would limit future studies… CBD appears to be better tolerated than routine psychiatric medications”. While it is unlikely that CBD would interact negatively with other anxiety or depression medications, it’s always recommended to discuss this with your doctor or another healthcare provider! READ MORE

Over 19% of all American adults (that’s over 40 million people) reportedly suffer from a diagnosed anxiety disorder, and over 31% of Americans (more than 102 million) will be affected by an anxiety disorder of some sort at one point in their lives. This makes anxiety the most prevalent mental illness affecting the nation. And these numbers don’t even take into account the general daily stresses that can affect us all. Fortunately, natural remedies like CBD (especially in conjunction with other herbs, like our Release tincture!) can help provide relief.

Everyone’s anxiety is different
When it comes to reducing feelings of anxiousness, the most important things are knowing one’s own needs and determining what works best for you. Our intention is not to claim that CBD is a cure-all or to imply that traditional medications shouldn’t be used. Instead, we wish to make it clear that everyone should be able to assess their own needs and access the treatment which works most effectively for their individual system!

Whether the best regimen for managing anxiousness includes CBD products*, traditional prescription medicines, or a combination, everyone deserves to experience relief. We hope that you can find yours with Fairwinds CBD!

At Fairwinds, we believe that transparency and honesty are critical when it comes to choosing the right CBD brand and products. So whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, we’ll always do our best to provide you with the most accurate and truthful information possible. Because of this, we feel it’s important to shed light on wording that may be misused and open up a conversation about why using the most accurate terminology matters!

• Non-intoxicating vs. Non-psychoactive: what’s the difference?

Many brands state that their CBD products are completely non-psychoactive; however, since CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain as well as throughout the body’s other organs and pathways, this is actually a misleading statement. It’s far more accurate to refer to CBD as non-intoxicating instead.

There’s a difference between the terms non-psychoactive and non-intoxicating; they’re similar, but they aren’t interchangeable. The term non-psychoactive refers to a substance or product that does not produce any effect (such as any changes in perception, mood, behavior, etc) on the brain or mental processes. Non-intoxicating, on the other hand, refers to something unlikely or unable to cause any feelings of drunkenness, lack of control, or impairment.

• Why does the wording matter?
  • For many, CBD can produce an overall sense of well-being, a boost in mood, provide assistance with stress relief and sleep, and reduce anxiousness. These effects are related to brain activity, and are technically psychoactive responses. While it may feel unnecessarily picky to want more distinction between these terms, using the right nomenclature is a critical part of furthering people’s understanding of cannabis, cannabinoids, and their complexities. CBD is psychoactive, but non-intoxicating, while THC is both. The distinction between the two is important; it helps make apparent that psychoactive isn’t a scary or bad term, nor one that always equates to intoxicating or “high”-inducing.
• Where did the divide in terminology start?
  • The use of the term non-psychoactive became prevalent because many people who use CBD are not at all interested in the sensation of being high; as THC was already well-known for being psychoactive and high-inducing, it may have been simpler to just refer to CBD as the exact opposite – “non-psychoactive”. This terminology became standard, and despite not being fully accurate, it has become widely used and accepted.

It’s a simple truth that the way people talk about things shapes the way those things are viewed. Cannabis and cannabinoids are no exception; accurate representation and language matter here as much as anywhere. Whatever the effect you’re seeking with your personal CBD use is, we’re happy to be an honest, reliable source that people can count on.

Staying healthy the natural way

Maintaining our health is always important, but it’s understandably become something a lot of people are placing a laser-focus on during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural methods at our disposal that can help keep our bodies functioning at their best – from antimicrobial herbs to one of nature’s top remedies: sunshine! Whether you’re combating illness or just looking to stay as healthy as possible during this time, here are a few of the many herbs you can add to your repertoire. Not sure where to source these herbs sustainably? You can find many of them in some of our Fairwinds tinctures – available nationwide! 

Ginger

At the top of this list for a reason, ginger is one of the most renowned herbs for its seemingly endless list of benefits. Used for thousands of years to help relieve common ailments such as nausea and indigestion, ginger is also known for its ability to stave off bacterial infections. It has been shown in clinical trials to exhibit both antibacterial and antiviral properties and can also boost the immune system. Other studies have also shown that ginger and garlic are among the two most versatile antimicrobials when it comes to the number of bacteria they’re capable of fighting off!1,2 You can find ginger (alongside a few other herbs from this list) in Fairwinds’ Digestify tincture. It may be designed for assistance with gastrointestinal issues, but it’s a great addition to any wellness routine. 

Garlic

Another of history’s most common remedies, garlic is easy to find, easy to use, and packed with benefits. From eating cloves raw to infusing drinks and food, this powerhouse plant is one of nature’s best antimicrobial gifts. According to a clinical trial, garlic in its raw/fresh form is the most powerful antibacterial, followed by powdered/dried, with oil extracted from garlic falling third.1

Clove

Unlike garlic, the extracts from cloves have been shown to be far more powerful bacteria fighters than the raw form! Eugenol, a terpene derived from cloves, can break down individual cells and inhibit cell reproduction in some bacteria.1 However, while clove oil is incredibly valuable at fighting off food-borne pathogens and bacteria such as salmonella, it is a little less versatile than some other herbs/spices in this list when it comes to the types of microbes it can fight off successfully. You can find Eugenol in many Fairwinds products in small quantities.

Oregano

Much like cloves, oregano oil can be incredibly effective when it comes to fighting off food pathogens like salmonella. Additionally, it’s used frequently to help treat and/or prevent illnesses such as the common cold! Oregano oil has also shown to be incredibly effective against E. Coli.1

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a powerhouse when it comes to its benefits. In a similar fashion to cloves, it is able to break down bacterial cell walls and prevent reproduction. More clinical studies are needed to confirm its full list of capabilities; however, current research is promising. Cinnamon may soon be on the same level as garlic and ginger as far as versatile antimicrobial herbs are concerned!1

Coriander

Another incredibly powerful herb/spice, coriander has shown to not only be an antimicrobial, but also to confer bactericidal effects! This means that it can actually kill many kinds of bacteria in addition to just fighting them off. Coriander is another of the herbs used in our Digestify tincture, helping to fortify its benefits. We also love coriander for its anti-inflammatory properties!1

An incomprehensive list

There are so many valuable antimicrobial herbs and spices that people can use to help boost their health and immunity – this is just a short list of some of our favorites and a few we include in our products. As always, we truly appreciate you taking the time to read more and grow your knowledge; when it comes to holistic healing, we’re honored to be a part of your journey towards whole-body wellness.