Rest Assured: With Support, the Body Can Detox Itself

It is a common compensation tactic when overburdened with life to give in to convenience foods, forgo physical activity, and not get enough rest. With one bad decision leading to another, being depleted and 'running on fumes' becomes a default state for many. When patients stray into the weeds of poor lifestyle choices, taking a break from or ridding the body of unhealthy substances can be a worthwhile undertaking. There are a multitude of ways to head things off at the pass and detoxing is one of them. With a focus on cleansing and replenishing, detoxing can relieve the body of noxious and unnecessary burdens. It can also serve as a very necessary course correction.

Detox While Dreaming

When executed appropriately, a detoxification program may allow the body to feel as if it is sighing with relief; but being overzealous, especially when spent or overburdened, may make matters worse. Best implemented during low stress times and when rest can be prioritized, the decision to either go-for-it despite hectic lives, or to put detoxing on the back burner is common. Luckily, there is a gentler approach that can be just as effective.

When considering what detox approach to pursue, those who are struggling the most are often drawn to what is novel and extreme, but often overlooked is something done every day (or night)–sleep. Most people know this and may even be fatigued by it as a subject (pun intended), but arguably, there are few things (if any) as replenishing and cleansing as sound sleep.

Sleep impacts everything from hormone¹ and neurotransmitter production^2-4 immunity,^4-6 inflammation,⁵ to removing toxins from the brain.⁷ Getting consistent quality sleep promotes consumption of fewer calories, regulates glucose metabolism and decreases risk for obesity.⁸

CBD: A Missing Puzzle Piece?

Due to its impact on multiple body systems and its role in bringing about homeostasis, more and more practitioners are giving the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) some attention. The ECS was only recently discovered and has since been fettered with controversy due to legal and medical status. Many are finding that supporting the ECS can be that elusive missing piece to the puzzle for a broad range of conditions^9-12 including disordered sleep.^13-14

Although patients may never have heard of the ECS, chances are good they have heard about cannabinoids (CBDs). Usually intrigued (as it is a hot topic these days), patients are often unsure about use, application, and interactions. Practitioners in-the-know are in an ideal position to assist patients with how best to use CBDs as either a supportive intervention or as an adjunct or alternative to certain medications, as inappropriate CBD use may be ineffectual or even detrimental.

Educating patients about the ECS and homeostasis, as well as ECS dysfunction related to stress, aging, toxin exposure, genetics, and other factors, is generally well-received and opens the door to recommendations of supplemental plant-derived CBDs as a complement to lifestyle interventions and to support natural detoxification via supporting a good night's rest. Not only does nurturing the ECS impact homeostasis^15-17 and the detoxing sleep processes,^13-14 but also modifies pain^18-19 anxiety^20-21 and inflammation^9,19 which keep many from sleeping in the first place.

Supporting good sleep is important for health and detoxification, as research describing the benefits of quality sleep is considerable. Research is also showing that supporting the ECS with CBDs may assist in maintaining healthy balance. When assisting patients looking for plant-derived ECS support through CBD products, look for full spectrum (whole plant), organic, and higher concentration (milligrams of CBDs per milliliter). For CBD products supportive of sleep, look also for the presence of calming terpenes, such as myrcene and linalool.

References

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