Feeling Good, Does Cannabis Make You Feel Better?

Summertime is right around the corner. For many people this is an indication that it is time to work on that beach body! At Sufuria Life we believe a balanced diet and a consistent fitness routine are important for maintaining overall wellness. We also believe that everyone is uniquely beautiful in their own way and that beach bodies come in varying shapes and sizes. This blog we will focus less on what we or society thinks we should look like on the outside. Instead, as summer approaches, we aim to shift our focus to ways to feel good on the inside. Feeling good can positively effect your mood and help you better enjoy those summer activities, like going to the beach.

In addition to physical fitness, feeling good and a good mood can also positively impact one's overall wellness. Recent research was conducted to explore the link between both momentary and long-term mood reports and measures of inflammation. Although additional research is required to confirm these findings, feeling good may positively effect the immune system.There is research that suggests smiling can make a difference in building immunity. For some, smiling and telling oneself “I’m happy” isn't enough. We acknowledge there are numerous and legitimate reasons that contribute to one not feeling happy. Our hope, by sharing the information below, is to shine a light on the numerous techniques people use to assist them in feeling good and elevating mood.

Eating Healthy And How It Affects The Mood

Eating healthy carbohydrates and lean proteins can assist in weight loss. Eating foods like sweet potatoes, oats, and quinoa can increase the feel good chemical in your brain called serotonin. When you have type 2 diabetes, fluctuations in blood sugar may lead to a surge of adrenaline or epinephrine also known as the “stress hormone". Consuming unhealthy carbohydrates and sugar could worsen our response to stress.

Consuming more leafy foods and fruits could have a positive effect on your happiness. A two year nationally representative panel survey of 12,000 adults from Australia, Oswald, and Mujcic revealed that fruit and vegetable consumption predicts an increase in happiness, general life satisfaction, and well-being. Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all shown to boost happiness.Fruits and vegetables can prevent genes from sending negative messages to the body, thus putting you in a good mood.

Consuming Vitamins Could Increase Cheeriness.

Vitamin D

• Vital for brain health & mood

• Lifts serotonin levels

Eating salmon, mackerel, sardines, dairy, and eggs will provide Vitamin D. Protected exposure to sunlight also increases Vitamin D levels.

Zinc contribution to the immune system

• Helps Concentration

• Helps Memory

• Could lower risks for mood swings and over excitability

Eating oysters, beans, nuts, meat and certain types of seafood can be a great source of Zinc.

Magnesium

• Boost mood

• Balances your hormones

• Used to treat depression

Foods high in magnesium include; leafy greens, avocado, dark chocolate, nuts, seeds, legumes

Iodine

• Increases levels of serotonin and dopamine.

Iodine can be found in shellfish, whole eggs, milk, yogurt, and lima beans. Serotonin is associated with feelings of happiness, focus and calm, whilst dopamine is associated with feelings of rewards, motivation, and being productive. Dopamine and serotonin are considered the ‘happy hormones’ as they play a role in increasing positive moods and emotions.

Consuming B vitamins to relieve stress.

• B1- thiamine

• B2 - riboflavin

• B3 - niacin

• B6 - pyridoxine

• B7 - biotin

• B9 - Folate

• B10 - cyanocobalamin

Foods that increase your dopamine and norepinephrine levels, chemicals in your brain that play a part in your concentration, mood, and motivation include:

• Fish

• Chicken

• Beef

• Tofu

• Eggs

• yogurts

It’s extremely important that we provide our bodies with the necessary nutrients that help us feel good. Did you know certain botanicals such as cannabis could also have a positive effect on your mood?

Cannabis Consumption, Does It Make You Feel Good?

Affects of CBD and THC for mood regulation include:

• CBD affects serotonin availability in a way that may help with depression.

• CBD has anti-anxiety properties.

• CBD may improve sleep, inadequate sleep may negatively impact mood.

• THC stimulates neurons in the reward system to release the signaling chemical dopamine in the short term. Dopamine plays a role in how we feel pleasure. However, there are studies that show long term heavy use of THC may reduce dopamine levels.

• THC may help those who suffer from insomnia. Sleep deprivation may negatively impact mood.

For more information about the differences between THC and CBD and how they are consumed, visit Very Well Mind.

BONUS! Cannabis May Help You Feel Better Physically.

According to a study that was conducted in Hawaii between July 2010 - February 2011. One hundred participants, approved for medical marijuana, were given surveys and asked to use cannabis for one year. On average participants rated their pain at 5 (previous pain level was at 7.5). Participant's also reported having decreased stress/anxiety, relief from insomnia, decrease in nausea, improvement in appetite, and elevated mood.

Also, in recent news, NBC News Researchers found that women with Breast Cancer are using cannabis. Not for the euphoria associated with use, but to ease the side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea and pain. An anonymous study surveyed 600 women and concluded that 42 percent of women use some form of cannabis to relieve pain such as; nausea, anxiety, stress, vomiting and insomnia.

As Stigma regarding cannabis use is reduced, older people are beginning to view cannabis as a viable treatment option. According to Health Harvard Publishing, "Cannabis use among the elderly is growing as there is more public acceptance and reduced stigma. Medical cannabis is increasingly viewed as an effective option for managing insomnia and chronic pain." Health Harvard Publishing suggests "most adverse effects associated with cannabis usage are dose-related. So, it is important to know the strength of the cannabis you are taking and to work your way up to a dose that alleviates your symptoms with a minimum of side effects." Cannabis is a natural pain reliever. But, be sure to talk to your doctor and find the right dosage for you to best alleviate your pain.

A healthy lifestyle and positive state of mind starts from within. Educate yourself and be mindful of the pros and cons associated with what you are putting into your body. A healthy diet, including leafy foods, fruits, key vitamins, mineral and cannabis use may support a healthy lifestyle. Most importantly, having a conversation with your doctor is necessary prior to making any changes related to diet and consumption, especially if you have been diagnosed with conditions such as cardiac, endocrine and cognitive illness. Harvard Health Publishing , suggest "most adverse effects associated with cannabis usage are dose-related. so it is important to know the strength of the cannabis you are taking and to work your way up to a dose that alleviates your symptoms with a minimum of side effects." Talk with your doctor about cannabis usage and whether or not it is right for you and your overall health. As more states legalize cannabis, more people will have access to the substance, either for medical purposes or adult-use. Do not be ashamed, afraid, or embarrassed to broach the subject with your doctor or healthcare provider.

As you are elevating those mental and physical vibes, we decided to attach links to some of our favorite tunes that definitely help us feel good.

1. Lizzo- Good As Hell- https://youtu.be/vuq-VAiW9kw

2. Katrina and The Waves- Walking on Sunshine- https://youtu.be/iPUmE-tne5U

3. Queen- Don't Stop Me Now- https://youtu.be/HgzGwKwLmgM

4. Maze Ft. Frankie Beverly - Happy Feelin's- https://youtu.be/ZZjI45kBTMI

5. James Brown- I Got You (I Feel Good)- https://youtu.be/oIZx93Y4Yas

6. Janelle Monáe- Tightrope- https://youtu.be/pwnefUaKCbc

7. Pharell Williams-Happy- https://youtu.be/pwnefUaKCbc

Be Well And Enjoy!