How Nature and CBD Boost Your Mood!

Wondering how to increase endocannabinoids? In 2012, researchers from the University of Illinois examined the impact of a 90-minute walk through a forest preserve versus a 90-minute walk through an urban environment. Those who took the nature walk showed elevated levels of endocannabinoids and reduced proinflammatory proteins compared to the urban walkers.

A 2019 study from the University of South Carolina took things a step further, comparing the effects of spending time in different environments. Participants who spent two nights in a nature setting had higher endocannabinoid levels compared to those who visited an urban setting. 

Remarkably, those exposed to nature also showed improvements in anxiety, mood disturbances, and measures of cardiovascular health.

While the exact mechanisms are still being explored, scientists believe phytochemicals released by plants and trees, negative air ions abundant in nature, and the sounds and patterns of natural environments may all play a role in stimulating our endocannabinoid systems.

Getting out in green spaces, forests, beaches, mountains, and other natural environments appears to provide an endocannabinoid boost while lowering inflammation and stress. Even small doses of nature, like a lunchtime stroll through a city park, can be beneficial.  

How to Increase Endocannabinoids

Activities You Can Do Outdoors for a Mood Boost

Getting outside and engaging with nature is key for giving your endocannabinoid system a boost. Multiple studies have shown that spending time in green spaces like forests, parks, and beaches can significantly raise levels of endocannabinoids like anandamide. But what sorts of outdoor activities are best for increasing these beneficial compounds? Here are some ideas:

• Hiking: Going for a hike on nature trails or in parks allows you to immerse yourself in endocannabinoid-boosting green spaces while getting exercise, which also elevates endocannabinoid levels.

• Gardening: Getting your hands in the soil and spending time tending to plants provides valuable exposure to nature’s cycles and environments rich in health-promoting phytochemicals that can increase endocannabinoid production.  

• Outdoor Yoga: Rolling out your yoga mat in a garden, park, or on the beach lets you practice endocannabinoid-enhancing mindfulness while surrounded by natural scenery and fresh air.

• Forest Bathing: This Japanese practice of immersing oneself in a forested area, focusing on the sights, smells, and sounds, has been specifically shown to reduce stress and increase endocannabinoid levels.

• Beach Walks: The combination of negative air ions from the crashing surf, meditative walking, and vitamin D from sunshine creates an ideal setting for increasing endocannabinoids.

No matter which outdoor activities you choose, the key is regular time spent experiencing nature without distractions from phones or devices. Make it a point to leave the concrete jungle behind frequently to optimize your levels of these vital regulatory compounds.

How CBD Boosts Your Mood

While engaging in certain activities and lifestyle practices can provide an endocannabinoid boost, you can also directly supplement with phytocannabinoids from the cannabis plant. Phytocannabinoids like CBD, and low doses of THC can interact with your endocannabinoid system’s receptors in a way that enhances its functioning.

CBD is a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid that has been shown to increase natural endocannabinoid levels by blocking the enzymes that break them down. This allows helpful compounds like anandamide to remain present longer. CBD may also promote the body’s natural production of endocannabinoids.

Even very low doses of THC can stimulate the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors, enhancing endocannabinoid signaling temporarily. However, THC’s psychoactive effects may not be desirable for some.

The “entourage effect” of consuming full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD products that contain multiple phytocannabinoids may heighten these endocannabinoid-boosting benefits compared to isolated CBD alone.

When selecting phytocannabinoid supplements, opt for high-quality, third-party tested products like Redeem Rx to ensure purity and potency. Start low and increase dosages gradually. Supplementing phytocannabinoids may support your endocannabinoid system’s vital role in homeostasis.

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