10 Potential Benefits of Hemp for Older Adults

Posted by Brett Shay on Apr 13th 2023

10 Potential Benefits of Hemp for Older Adults

Cannabidiol, often referred to as Hemp Extract, has become increasingly popular in the United States as a remedy for a variety of ailments. Many older adults have also embraced CBD to treat everything from depression to chronic pain.

Hemp Extract is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as marijuana or hemp. More than 80 chemicals called cannabinoids have been identified in the Cannabis sativa plant. THC, the chemical that causes a “high,” is the active ingredient in marijuana. However, cannabidiol is most often obtained from hemp, and contains just trace amounts of THC.

The benefits of Hemp Extract are increasingly being researched and documented. Here are 10 potential benefits for seniors.

1. Anxiety

Hemp Extract may have the potential to help manage anxiety. Researchers think that it might change the way that the brain’s receptors respond to serotonin, which is closely associated with mental health outcomes. In one study, social anxiety sufferers were able to give a speech more easily with the help of Hemp Extract. Additionally, research done with animals has shown decreased expression of anxiety with Hemp Extract. Hemp Extract can help promote stress reduction and lead to fewer physiological effects from anxiety, like increased heart rate.

2. Neurodegenerative Disorders

Hemp Extract might be a promising product in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases. A loss of neurons in different parts of the nervous system leads to a corresponding decline in cognitive and motor functions; these conditions, such as Parkinson’s, dementia and stroke, cause the brain and nerves to deteriorate over time. Researchers are actively studying brain receptors to uncover the ways that Hemp Extract could help.

We discussed how Hemp Extract can lower inflammation. Because inflammation can actually make neurodegenerative symptoms worse, Hemp Extract can promote good brain health through this mechanism, too. Keep an eye out for more studies to come on this subject. Hemp Extract could evolve to become a useful tool to turn to in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases.

3. Mental Health & Mood-related Disorders

As people age, they experience major changes as a result of getting older. Health usually declines and people are more likely to deal with loss and grief. Additionally, social isolation, depression and loneliness may all play a factor in decreased mental health. Hemp Extract has been shown to help with these and other related conditions. CBD may interact with brain receptors that are involved in mood regulation. Hemp Extract can promote stress reduction, mindfulness and improvement in cognitive function. This powerful combination can strongly contribute to how the mind perceives its situation while enhancing mood.

4. Sleep Quality

Sleep issues and insomnia challenge many individuals, and older adults are no exception. This may be caused by changes in sleep patterns as individuals age. Additionally, medical conditions and prescribed medications further complicate things.

Prescription sleep medications can be effective. However, their use comes with long-term concerns. They may lead to dependence, addiction and even worse sleep quality over time.

Hemp Extract can help promote calmness and relaxation. Higher quality sleep can be the end result. This can be a natural way to lead to more regular and helpful sleep for older adults. Plus, it can reduce the need to take prescription sleep medications.

5. Pain Management

Around half of the older adult population lives with arthritis. Compared to traditional pain medications, Hemp Extract can be a compelling alternative as a natural and potentially safer remedy. Studies have indicated that Hemp Extract can reduce inflammation while alleviating pain. Conditions improved include joint pain, arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

6. Bone Health

Keeping bones healthy can be a challenge, especially for seniors living with osteoporosis. Bones become more fragile and vulnerable over time, making them more prone to breaking. For these reasons, seniors often experience significant pain and a propensity for fractures when falls occur. In addition to reducing inflammation and promoting cell repair, research shows that Hemp Extract may aid in strengthening bones. It can also promote the body’s ability to heal. While more research is needed, results in this area so far are promising.

7. Addiction & Dependence

When older adults are confronted with an illness, prescribed medication will usually follow. Tolerance may build for many medications that are taken over time. In some cases, addiction or dependence can be the end result. This can cause permanent damage to the body.

Hemp Extract has been shown to alleviate some conditions that involve opioids, generally without significant side effects. On top of that, Hemp Extract can aid in combating developed dependencies that grew out of the use of prescribed medications. It appears that Hemp Extract has the potential to help fight relapses and assist in overcoming withdrawals that develop during this time.

8. Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for older adults. A top contributor to heart disease is high blood pressure. Hemp Extract has shown to be very promising as an alternative and natural treatment for high blood pressure. One recent study determined that it lowered the resting blood pressure of the study’s participants.Additionally, researchers administered stress tests and found a positive stress response in individuals evaluated in the study. Another study suggests that antioxidant properties of Hemp Extract can aid in lowering cardiac inflammation and deter the death of related cells that results from oxidative stress.

9. Cancer Treatment

Hemp Extract may help alleviate the symptoms of cancer along with the side effects stemming from treatment. In fact, Hemp Extract has shown a reduction in tumor growth in animals. It may even help the body absorb medications better or increase their potency.

Here, Hemp Extract may positively manage inflammation and change how cells can reproduce. Hemp Extract could also have the capacity to inhibit the growth of some types of tumor cells and stem their ability to reproduce efficiently.

10. Appetite Stimulation

A major health concern for seniors is malnutrition due to loss of appetite, whether due to medication or age. This can lead to unnecessary and unwanted weight loss, muscle and tissue weakness, and other health issues. Marijuana has been studied extensively in this area, and is proven to enhance appetite in its users. Hemp Extract can stimulate appetite as well, according to some studies. In this way, it can be beneficial for seniors combating malnutrition and appetite loss.

Conclusion

Scientific research takes time and effort. With Hemp Extract exploding on the market and the potential health benefits of the product coming to light, researchers have only just begun to scratch the surface on the ways that cannabinoids can promote wellness in seniors. In early studies, Hemp Extract has been shown to be very promising in improving a variety of ailments and conditions.

It’s important to determine if Hemp extract is the right option. So equally as important to always buy from credible sources. Guaranteed satisfaction and lab certification are mandatory. And to help you find the best product for you, you can take this quiz to find the best product for your specific needs. Or click the NO-RISK 30-DAY TRIAL banner below to see a variety of products that can help you. 

Article originally published May 2021 by Home Care. Author Brett Shay is the CEO of CareBridge Academy, a certified nurse aide and home health aide training school located in Philadelphia. 

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DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Most work place drug screens and tests do not delect the presence of  legal natural hemp based constituents. Studies have shown that ingesting Full Spectrum Hemp Extract can cause confirmend positive results when screening urine and blood specimens. Accordingly, if you are subject to any form of employment drug testing or screening, we recommend (as does the United States Armed Services) that you DO NOT take our products. Before taking our products, consult with you healthcare practitioner, drug screening testing company or employer. This website requires you to also be at least 18 years or older to purchase our products.  Military Grade does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act (US.CSA).