COVID-19 has been epically baffling, and the ink hasn’t even dried on the memory of how life was up until just a few months ago.   Our worlds will arguably never be the same again.  And none of us are exempt from the the economic repercussions of this global crisis.

The disruption, the confusion, the turbulence, and the unknown… these are all very powerful anxiety inducers. To put it simply, anxiety leads to stress, which starts the domino effect of inflammation in the body. And inflammation NEVER acts alone. It often goes hand in hand with fatigue, pain, depression, decreased libido, sleeplessness, and addictive urges.

I’m Kristen Brooks, a Certified CBD consultant and Founder of Healthy Not High. I help busy women understand CBD and break the stigma through education so they, and their families, can begin the journey from everyday survival mode to feeling better, calmer, and more prepared for life’s chaos.

CBD stands for Cannaaabadiol, or Cannaaabanoid. It’s a naturally occurring chemical compound found in plants like echinacea, flax and hemp. It is not THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana and does not have any hallucinogenic qualities. Scientifically speaking, CBD stimulates the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor. The 5-HT1A receptor is the most ubiquitous serotonin receptor in the central nervous system and it’s a target for several anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications. 5-HT1A activation enhances enthusiasm by improving mental acuity, decreasing aggression, increasing social gregariousness, decreasing impulsiveness, inhibiting drug-seeking behavior, and supporting the libido. By having this effect on the central nervous system, CBD inherently, and naturally, reduces anxiety, without the psychoactive properties found with THC or marijuana.

**de Paula Soares, Vanessa, et al. “Intra-dorsal periaqueductal gray administration of cannabidiol blocks panic-like response by activating 5-HT1A receptors.” Behavioural brain research 213.2 (2010): 225–229.

In times of stress or illness, it is so critical to maintain homeostasis, or balance, in the body. If we do not, the immune system works harder and consumes more energy, and leaves other bodily systems to break down. CBD helps the body maintain homeostasis by strengthening the body’s immune system. It does this by reducing the release of inflammatory cells and decreasing excessive nerve transmission.

2020 Jan 28;9(2). pii: E307. doi: 10.3390/cells9020307.

Cannabis Sativa Revisited-Crosstalk between microRNA Expression, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Endocannabinoid Response System in Critically Ill Patients with Sepsis.

We’re all going to experience some highs and lows during this time of uncertainty, but if we can balance and brace our bodies, we can fend off inflammation, boost serotonin, avert anxiety and be ready to regenerate our lives when the dust settles.

Follow me at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC15QM4QYtkMgZYpmWKGw9ag?view_as=subscriber Stay tuned, I’ll be covering a ton of other topics, interviews with thought leaders and medical professionals and simplifying a labyrinth of info. As always you’ll want to consult a knowledgeable medical provider. I’m a certified CBD consultant and I have 18 years in the medical industry, but I do not give medical advice, make medical claims and will not consult on matters related to cancer, seizures or similar medical conditions.

Kristen Brooks is a writer and Certified CBD Consultant based in Denver, Colorado. A former sales director for cancer diagnostics and devices company, she teaches clients how to understand CBD utility and cannabinoid science. After a 22-year battle with Lyme disease, CBD changed her life and she’s passionate about breaking the stigma of hemp through education and unlocking the health benefits sooner. You can sign up for Kristen’s free weekly Healthy Not High newsletter (featuring educational videos and interviews answering all CBD FAQs) at her website, www.healthynothigh.com