CBD or Cannabidiol is everywhere these days, and millions of users globally use it as part of their daily wellness routine. It’s popular for its ability to calm your nerves, block pain perception, bring down inflammation, and improve your overall mood and well-being.
CBD is derived from industrial hemp plants and is sold in the form of CBD gummies, oils, tinctures, vapes, balms, softgels, and even bath bombs. Lately, there’s been growing interest in its ability to improve cardiovascular health.
Some initial studies show that it can help in relieving pressure on arteries which could lead to better blood flow and good heart health. This then begs the question of whether those who are already on blood pressure medication can safely add CBD to their routine.
Some people think that CBD may hinder the effectiveness of blood pressure medications and cause more harm than good. Well, don’t worry, we will clear all this confusion through this article. By then you’ll be able to make a smart and informed decision for your heart health.
In what ways CBD can affect blood pressure?
CBD mostly has a positive impact on our blood pressure through its impact on the body’s endocannabinoid system and various non-cannabinoid receptors. CBD acts like a vasodilator, i.e. it helps the blood vessels to relax and expand. This vascular expansion leads to better blood flow and blood pressure dials down. It also reduces our stress and anxiety.
When we are stressed, our body releases a hormone called cortisol, which usually increases blood pressure. CBD brings down cortisol levels, which leads to less stress, and the normalization of blood pressure.
Similarly, it can also help people suffering from low blood pressure by contracting ht vessels and enabling the blood flow to crucial organs. So in summary, it’s good for both low and high blood pressure patients.
What are blood pressure medicines, and how do they work?
Usually, blood pressure medications are given to people who are suffering from hypertension. It’s a medical condition in which the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. To bring this down, several medications are given, let’s discuss them one by one.
- ACE Inhibitors: These medicines help relax blood vessels by blocking the production of a hormone called angiotensin II.
- Beta-Blockers: They reduce the heart rate and the force of heart contractions, which in turn reduces the blood pressure.
- Diuretics: These medications help the body eliminate excess water and salt, reducing blood volume and pressure.
- Calcium Channel Blockers: They relax blood vessels by blocking calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessels.
Is it okay to take blood pressure medicine along with CBD?
To date, there hasn’t been a wide-scale study to study the effect of taking blood pressure medicine and CBD together. Most of the data out there is just based on anecdotes, and usually, people don’t report any major issue as such. However, you will find a small segment of patients who didn’t have a good experience.
That’s why in most cases it’s recommended that you consult with your doctor first. Everyone has unique body chemistry, medication history, and reactions to different substances. So, putting out a blanket statement is not the right thing, especially when there are no large-scale studies to gauge this.
Still, you’ll find many who take CBD every day with their medicines and don’t experience any issues as such. If you don’t wanna spend big bucks for a medical visit, then you can do a small experiment at first before finally deciding about taking CBD with blood pressure medicine.
Take small doses of CBD, without stopping your blood pressure medication, and keep a journal around to note down the blood pressure monitor readings. This trial-and-error method will help you to understand whether it’s safe for you to take CBD and blood pressure medications together.
If you are seeing too many fluctuations and discomfort, then it’s not the right combination for you. But if you see a positive change, then perhaps you can continue as usual.
Lifestyle Change to keep your blood pressure normal
Just medicines and CBD are not enough to keep your blood pressure healthy. Let’s take a look at some important lifestyle changes to further help you maintain good heart health and normal blood pressure.
- Eat Healthy: Cut down on salty snacks, processed foods, and added table salt. Too much sodium raises blood pressure. Choose fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Try to cook at home instead of getting takeouts.
- Increase your movement: Try to get at least thirty minutes of daily activity, even on your rest day do some light activity. Join a running, cycling, or dancing club. Regular exercise keeps your heart strong, improves blood flow, and helps in maintaining normal blood pressure.
- Manage Stress: Stress can cause sudden spikes in your blood pressure, so you should try to wind down naturally. Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga daily. Spend time on hobbies, connect with loved ones, or take short breaks to relax. Prioritize sleep (7-8 hours) to reduce stress hormones.
- Reduce Smoking and Limit Alcohol: The more you read about the more you’ll realize that it will always do more harm than good. Same with smoking, which damages your arteries and shoots up your blood pressure. Either cut both these things completely, or gradually reduce the intake.
Our Thoughts
To sum it up, there’s not enough scientific data yet to assess whether CBD along with blood pressure medicines is good or bad. So it’s best to first consult with your doctor. Many people do use both these together without any issue, but still no harm in being cautious.
Keep a note of how you are feeling, and go through weekly analysis. CBD can be good for your overall cardiovascular health, it reduces the pressure on arteries and allows better blood flow.
If you do decide to buy some gummies or oils for overall well-being, make sure that they come with the latest lab reports. Try to go with already established and reputed brands like Colorado Botanicals. Also, cut down on processed food, start moving more, reduce your alcohol intake, and your heart will thank you.