Introduction 

​Cannabidiol or CBD is not a new compound in the health and wellness industry.In fact, it has become a strategic tool in longevity and aging medicine. The exposure and tremendous growth of CBD is related to its therapeutic properties.  Anyone can benefit from CBD’s ability to treat and relieve adverse symptoms. The explosive popularity lies in its ease of use, minimum side effects, and improvement in overall well- being.  CBD is a prevalent compound extracted from the cannabis plant, with several properties for longevity and age management. 

​Aging is an inevitable reality whether we like it or not.  However, how we approach aging (mindset) and what supplementation (purposeful action) we incorporate can be a game changer!  Why supplement because cellular function needs assistance. As our cells age, they lose the ability to die, they can mutate and can change into cancer cells or inflammatory contributors that destroy health.  Genetics play a critical part but so does lifestyle choices.  How we live, what we ingest (food and liquid) and where we live has an impact.  Slow but steady decline is given with aging, cognitive, mobility, and other physical abilities can be affected.  A potential game changer for aging is CBD.  This remarkable compound can be a strategic disruptor of the aging process as shown in evolving research.  Cannabidiol holds promise in interrupting the cellular degeneration that comes with aging.  However, regular, and steady ingestion of CBD is necessary to make a significant difference.   

How CBD Disrupts Cellular Aging 

​Several biological mechanisms exist in the body that promote aging.  New research has found that CBD may contribute to improving health and extending one’s lifespan. The first mechanism in aging to be discussed is autophagy.  Autophagy is the process the body uses to clean out damaged cells to make room for regenerative newer, and healthier cells.  With aging this process is short-circuited so cells mutate, inflame and cause local and sometimes systemic inflammation.  

​CBD treatment has shown to increase autophagic activity in several tissues and cell types, most dramatically at 78% in brain cells.  Researchers in mouse hippocampal neurons validated impaired autophagy in the brain causing Alzheimer’s disease. A second study showed increased lifespan and improved health in worms and Zebrafish when using CBD.   

​The second mechanism the body exhibits is inflammaging.  Inflammation is part of our body’s natural immune response and is an essential defense to protect against injury and infection caused by a wide range of organisms including pathogens, toxic compounds, damaged cells, allergens, and radiation.  While the inflammation response in the body is a part of a healing process, chronic inflammation is damaging and accelerates premature aging.​Inflammaging is a sustained, low-grade, inflammation occurring after one’s reproductive years.  Inflammaging is an age-dependent, chronic, low-grade inflammation like a burning ember creating havoc in the body.  The inflammation causes  a cascade of harmful chemicals that prematurely age one and increase pain, swelling and limit mobility.  CBD is the cellular stabilizer, bringing balance and turning off the inflammation.    

​The third mechanism that prematurely ages the body is oxidative stress or reactive oxygen species, also known as ROS.  ROS are oxygen containing molecules that have one or more unpaired electrons, making them highly reactive with other molecules.  When oxidative stress is high one is rusting from the inside out.  Oxidative stress will occur when not enough antioxidants are present, CBD acts as an antioxidant.   

It has been shown to modify ROS levels in diseased cells. At the microscopic level, one’s health is a carefully orchestrated dance between molecules.  When the steps are followed precisely, molecules work in concert to help keep one healthy.  Like a line dance gone awry, if one molecule gets out of synch the others between to collide and cause chaos in the body.  

Conclusion  

​The scientific world is beginning to validate the positive contribution and specific cellular mechanisms behind CBD on health and longevity.  Human studies will follow the animal studies which show promise and demonstrate the strongest pro-autophagy effect in neurons, making it a potential anti-Alzheimer’s drug.  Future human trials on CBD and other compounds in the cannabis plant are necessary to validate the immense health benefits of this plant. 

Inflammation out of control is not a friend but an enemy, aging requires less inflammation and more vibrant health which is cellular recovery and resilience.  Also, prematurely aging from the inside out related to ROS is interrupted with ingesting CBD.  Being proactive and supplementing with CBD could be your new secret weapon! 

Dr. Dana Lillestol, PhD

Holistic Doctor, Health Educator, Health Advocate, and Entrepreneur

docdanalillestol@gmail.com