Approximately 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 are affected by hypertension. While lifestyle modifications and medications serve as treatment methods to regulate blood pressure, they may not always suffice.
Research indicates that the plant-based cannabinoid THC and the endocannabinoid anandamide can both contribute to lowering blood pressure. Discover how cannabis combined with Anandamide can aid in managing blood pressure. For a significant reduction in blood pressure, consider WhitePalm Canada to purchase Indica flower online.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways:
- Overview of Hypertension
- What is Anandamide and the Endocannabinoid System?
- How Cannabis and Anandamide Lower Hypertension
- Indica Cannabis Strains as a Mind-Body Medicine for Hypertension
- Manage Your Blood Pressure with This Selection
- Buy Indica Cannabis Online to Manage Hypertension
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways:
- Anandamide and THC from cannabis Indica strains may assist in reducing blood pressure through promoting vasodilation.
- Inhalation of THC leads to a notable decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with a reduction in intraocular (eye) pressure.
- Indica flowers can alleviate stress and anxiety, which may lead to elevated blood pressure.
Overview of Hypertension
A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher indicates hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure. If untreated, hypertension can worsen over time. It occurs when the pressure exerted by blood against artery walls is consistently high, compelling the heart to pump blood with increased force.
Blood pressure readings consist of two figures. The first, or systolic figure, reflects the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats. The second, or diastolic figure, denotes the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest between beats.
Hypertension is diagnosed if systolic readings are ≥140 mmHg and diastolic readings are ≥90 mmHg on two separate occasions.
Types of Hypertension
- Primary hypertension: Develops gradually over several years. The buildup of plaque heightens the risk of high blood pressure.
- Secondary hypertension: Arises more suddenly than primary hypertension and may stem from an underlying health condition.
Treatment
Lifestyle changes can be effective in managing high blood pressure. Your healthcare provider might recommend adjustments to your lifestyle.
- Adopting a heart-healthy diet with reduced salt intake
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Ensuring 9 hours of sleep each night
- Maintaining or achieving a healthy weight
- Restricting alcohol consumption
- Avoiding smoking
At times, lifestyle alterations alone may not suffice to address high blood pressure. If these changes are ineffective, your provider may suggest medications to help lower your blood pressure.
The choice of medication for hypertension depends on your health status and the severity of your condition. Typically, using two or more blood pressure medications is more effective than relying on a single drug.
Current scientific investigations are exploring more natural methods to manage hypertension, with cannabis emerging as a focal point due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system and anandamide.
What is Anandamide and the Endocannabinoid System?
Endocannabinoids, also known as endogenous cannabinoids, are substances produced by the body. They resemble cannabinoids but are synthesized internally. So far, two key endocannabinoids have been identified, with anandamide (AEA) being one of them.
Anandamide plays a crucial role in regulating bodily functions such as movement, memory, appetite, and pain perception. Our bodies produce AEA on demand, triggering nervous responses by activating the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a sophisticated cell-signaling network that assists in regulating sleep and mood, comprising endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors.
How It Works?
In response to bodily imbalances, endogenous cannabinoids like anandamide are released. They activate CB1 and CB2 receptors, integral components of the endocannabinoid system.
CB1 receptors are located in the central nervous system, lungs, liver, and kidneys, while CB2 receptors are found in peripheral tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and immune system.
Anandamide is vital in restoring the body to homeostasis by interacting with these receptors.
How Cannabis and Anandamide Lower Hypertension
Researchers have examined anandamide, the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55,212-2, and plant-derived THC concerning hypertension. Findings indicate that these cannabinoids lower blood pressure through promoting vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels).
Anandamide and THC bind similarly to CB1 and CB2 receptors, while synthetic WIN55,212-2 exhibits a stronger preference for CB2 over CB1 receptors. Studies suggest that both receptor types contribute to vasodilation activation.
Sativa and Indica strains contain cannabinoids that interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Relevant Research Findings
Both studies conducted in Nottingham and Washington, DC, demonstrated that the plant-based cannabinoid THC and the endocannabinoid anandamide work together to reduce blood pressure.
Indica Cannabis Strains as a Mind-Body Medicine for Hypertension
Research from Atlanta, Texas, and Harvard highlights a strong connection between psychological attitudes and hypertension development. Negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, impatience, and hostility may increase the risk of high blood pressure over time.
University of Texas studies have shown that individuals with a positive self-image and feelings of equality are less prone to developing hypertension.
Additionally, research from Harvard University indicates that elevated levels of curiosity and hopefulness can reduce the likelihood of hypertension, emphasizing psychological factors that foster cardiovascular health and prevent hypertension.
Cannabis Flower for Managing Potential Predictors of Hypertension
Cannabis presents a promising option for addressing anxiety and depression. Many patients report these issues as the driving force behind their decision to seek cannabis treatment. Some individuals use cannabis instead of pharmaceuticals, with 16% substituting benzodiazepines and 12% replacing antidepressants.
93.5% of users monitoring symptoms via a smartphone application reported decreased anxiety levels after consumption. Another study found that 71.8% of users reduced their prescription anxiety medication.
Bulk cannabis can also aid in alleviating insomnia and chronic pain, enhancing overall well-being and lowering blood pressure.
Manage Your Blood Pressure with This Selection
Interested in managing your blood pressure with the calming effects of Indica? WhitePalm Canada offers various strains that can help lower your blood pressure.
Buy Indica Cannabis Online to Manage Hypertension
Research indicates that Indica cannabis strains may play a role in managing hypertension by affecting anandamide levels. While traditional therapies primarily focus on pharmaceuticals, alternative methods like using an Indica strain deserve consideration. This alternative approach typically presents fewer side effects than conventional medications. Maintain your blood pressure with WhitePalm Canada’s selection of cannabis strains.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does THC Interact with the ECS?
THC is one of the cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, known for its psychoactive properties. Once in the body, THC interacts with the ECS by binding to receptors, similar to how endocannabinoids function. Its potency stems from its ability to attach to both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
This interaction explains THC’s strong effects—akin to a high dose of Anandamide. Unlike Anandamide, which the body can metabolize quickly, THC is more resistant to breakdown by enzymes, resulting in longer-lasting effects.
Can I Smoke Cannabis While Taking Hypertension Medications?
Cannabinoids may interact with various heart disease medications, including blood pressure drugs, statins, and heart rhythm treatments. It is essential to consult your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage and timing for cannabis use.
Can I Use Sativa Plants to Manage Hypertension?
Yes, Sativa strains can be utilized to manage blood pressure as they also engage with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Indicas and Indica-dominant strains possess a lower THC-to-CBD ratio, promoting CB2 receptor activation, which is beneficial for heart health. The activation of CB2 receptors may counteract some effects of CB1 receptor activation, such as inflammation and fibrosis.
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