All-natural CBD has gained immense popularity for the numerous benefits it offers. CBD oil produces several calming effects on the body and is an effective pain relief measure. It’s also great for anxiety reduction in pets and humans alike. The several benefits derived from high-quality CBD is the result of the impact CBD oil has on the body’s neurotransmitters.
How Does CBD Oil Increase Dopamine?
Neurotransmitters are responsible for the communication of messages between neurons. An imbalance in the level of neurotransmitters in the body can lead to several neurological disorders. Dopamine is one such neurotransmitter produced by two main regions of the brain:
- Ventral tegmental area
- Substantia nigra
Dopamine is what activates the brain's pleasure centers. CBD oil can alter dopamine levels in the body to offer a range of benefits and influence behavior.
CBD and Dopamine
CBD doesn’t have a direct influence on dopamine levels in the body. It acts on the 5-HT1A receptors present in numerous brain regions, specifically the pleasure areas where dopamine activity takes place.
CBD also has an impact on numerous non-cannabinoid receptor systems of the brain. It interacts with several receptors that are sensitive to many drugs and neurotransmitters. CBD raises the levels of anandamide in the brain. This is one of the naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the body. Anandamide helps in the regulation of other chemicals in the brain, which includes dopamine and serotonin. Through this effect, it helps to increase the level of dopamine in the body. CBD also stimulates the adenosine receptor to encourage the release of glutamate and dopamine neurotransmitters. Through its interaction with dopamine receptors, it helps to raise dopamine levels and regulate cognition, motivation, and reward-seeking behaviors.
Despite being a cannabinoid, high-quality CBD doesn’t interact directly with CB1 and CB2 receptors. In fact, its interactions help in reducing the extreme effects of THC. It also raises the body’s level of naturally produced cannabinoids through inhibition of the enzymes that break them down. CBD also interacts with opioid receptors to regulate the perception of pain in the body.
Importance of Dopamine for the Body
Dopamine doesn't just activate the pleasure centers in the body. It's also responsible for the regulation of other functions such as:
- Memory & focus
- Digestive processes
- Executive functions
- Sleep
- Reward-seeking behavior
- Motor control
- Emotions & mood
- Blood flow
- Stress response
- Processing of pain
- Functioning of heart and kidney
- Pancreatic functioning
- Regulation of insulin
- Learning, productivity, planning
- Motivation
Deficiency in the body’s dopamine levels can result in several disorders, apart from just having an impact on one’s mood. Parkinson’s disease is the result of degeneration of neurons that secrete dopamine in the substantia nigra. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is also associated with a drop in dopamine activity, making concentration and focus difficult. Depression is another mental health disorder that can result from low levels of dopamine in the body. This can result in loss of motivation as well as reduced pleasure experienced from daily activities. Low dopamine levels in the body are also likely to lead to greater struggles with addiction.
In such instances, raising dopamine levels in the body proves to be an effective solution to alleviate several symptoms of these disorders. High-quality CBD can increase dopamine levels in the body and help tackle some of these issues effectively. You can get CBD in North Carolina and experience the benefits for yourself.