Which CBD Products Are The Most Effective? A Lesson on CBD Bioavailability
Since CBD has entered the mainstream, there has been a quick rise in the number and types of products on the market. From extracts and topicals to candy and capsules, there is no shortage of options when you start searching for CBD
Products like our CBD capsules are consumed orally, whereas topical CBD products like lotions and creams are put on the skin.
Finally, CBD extracts (commonly referred to as CBD oil) and edibles, like our CBD Chocolates and CBD Caramels, are taken sublingually – left under the tongue or enjoyed slowly to allow the CBD to be absorbed by your saliva glands.
For people who want to take advantage of the benefits full spectrum CBD has to offer, the options can be overwhelming. Although CBD is non-toxic even at high doses, it is noteworthy that much research is needed on effective dosing, which can make it difficult for people to know the most effective way to take CBD.
The specific way we introduce CBD to our systems affects the ability of CBD to get into our blood circulation, a necessity for CBD to deliver relief. For CBD to take effect, it must bind with receptors, such as the CB2 receptors, and other receptors like serotonin receptors and vanilloid receptors.
The amount of CBD that has a biological impact is referred to as its bioavailability, which boils down to how much CBD actually makes it to your bloodstream.
Bioavailability differs from product to product. Understanding the way CBD bioavailability differs depending on the method in which it is consumed or applied can help determine which CBD products may be best for you.
Here’s what you should know about the bioavailability of different CBD products.
Taking CBD Orally: CBD Capsules
Many people choose to take CBD orally in the form of capsules, which offer a convenient way to measure dosage and avoid the taste and texture of CBD oils, which some may find unpleasant.
Capsules are an easy and familiar method, similar to how many individuals take their daily supplements. However, unlike other methods, CBD capsules don’t provide immediate effects since they need to pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream.
Due to this process, the bioavailability of CBD from capsules is relatively low. Studies suggest that orally ingested CBD has a bioavailability of less than 20%, meaning that a significant portion of the CBD is lost during digestion and metabolism. As a result, to achieve the same level of relief, a higher concentration or dose of CBD is needed compared to methods like sublingual administration, where the CBD is absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
Despite the lower bioavailability, the convenience and ease of use of CBD capsules make them a popular choice. For many, the need to adjust dosage is a minor consideration compared to the simplicity and familiarity of taking capsules.
Taking CBD Sublingually: Full Spectrum CBD Oil and CBD Edibles
For those who are not turned off by the taste and want to more quickly feel the effects of CBD, extracts and candies that can be easily held under the tongue or sucked on are a good option. This sublingual application of CBD has been shown to have clinical benefits.
Sublingual administration of CBD works by exposing the sublingual gland, a vein found under the tongue, to the CBD product. Introducing CBD this way allows the CBD to enter the bloodstream more directly than if it were swallowed and subjected to the digestive system.
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The only enzymes that degrade substances taken sublingually are enzymes found in the saliva. The bioavailability of CBD therefore tends to be higher when taken sublingually than when taken orally – simply put, more CBD reaches your blood stream when CBD is taken sublingually.
CBD extracts and edibles applied sublingually not only take effect more quickly, but will also require smaller doses than oral products to achieve similar results.
Using CBD Lotions and Creams
Applying full spectrum CBD topically through lotions and creams is an effective way to target specific areas of discomfort without involving the gastrointestinal system. This method is particularly beneficial for exercise recovery, athletes, and those dealing with conditions like arthritis.
When applied topically, CBD doesn’t enter the bloodstream but interacts with receptors in the skin near the application site. Research indicates that topical CBD can help alleviate muscle soreness, joint pain, and other issues related to inflammation.
The Benefits of Full Spectrum CBD Oil
At Laura’s Mercantile, all of our Homestead Alternatives CBD products are made with full spectrum CBD oil. Unless you’re concerned about THC showing up in a drug screening, full spectrum CBD products are generally more advantageous than CBD isolates.
This is because full spectrum products contain a wide range of cannabinoids from the hemp plant, which work together synergistically in what is known as “The Entourage Effect.” This synergy enhances the overall therapeutic benefits, making full spectrum CBD a more powerful option for those seeking relief.
Learn more about full spectrum CBD.
Takeaways
Ongoing research is helping clarify the specific benefits that CBD can confer. As the way that CBD works becomes more clear, we expect dosing and administration of CBD will also evolve.
In the meantime, considering bioavailability and your specific reasons for using CBD will help you choose the CBD product most likely to fit your needs.
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