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For people afflicted with arthritis, living through painful stiff, and aching joints are their daily reality. Often, the bout of pain can be so intense that it makes so it difficult to move or function normally. Over 50 million adults and children in the US suffer from arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis. That means, regardless of age, race, or sex, arthritis can afflict just about anyone.  However, if you are suffering from the disease, you don’t have to endure the stiffness and ache. There are several ways to help reduce the pain and still live normally. Apart from sticking to your medical treatment, here are a few things you can try. Get moving The less you move and use your body, the harder it will be for your joints. Some simple exercises will help increase blood flow to your body after having been at rest all night and strengthen the muscles that support your joints.  Plus, engaging in non-impact physical activities like walking and yoga boosts the production of the feel-good hormones endorphin which can help you stay relaxed.  You can start by doing normal household chores like tending your garden or cleaning the living room. When you become more comfortable or if you feel you’re up for some challenge, try some aquatic exercises which studies say help those with osteoarthritis improved coordination as well as boost mood. Try mindfulness meditation Mindfulness meditation is all about being fully aware of the present and acknowledging your thoughts and feeling, including any pain that comes with arthritis. The key here is to avoid negative thinking, which could worsen stress, and in turn, can put a toll on your physical and mental health.  If you are not sure how to do it, try a guided meditation first to get you started. Breathing exercises can also help improve your focus and make you feel relax. While you’re at it, apply soothing topicals like the Verma Farms Coconut Vanilla CBD cream to aid relaxation.  Consider your diet A good, healthy diet is no cure for arthritis but it does bring benefits that can alleviate its symptoms. Besides, eating healthy food plus regular exercise can help you maintain a good weight, which is always better for your joints. Consider adding foods that have omega-3 fats, which help reduce inflammation, as well as whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and beans. Avoid processed foods as much as you can as they worsen arthritis symptoms. That doesn’t mean you have to stick to the same menu every day though. For example, you can try upgrading your morning fruit smoothie with our Peach CBD oil which is perfect if your taste buds are looking for something fruity and luscious. Spice up your breakfast experience by trying new dishes. There are thousands of good recipes online that are suitable for those with arthritis, especially to help battle inflammation. Get a massage A massage isn’t just a luxury or reward to pamper yourself. It can support your treatment plan, especially if you get the right type of massage. Studies say that a regular massage can reduce the pain and swelling that come with rheumatoid arthritis. It can also help boost joint function, improve your sleeping quality and make you feel energized during the day. Be sure to talk to your therapist and your physician to know what kind of massage is good for you. Some massage techniques for example may involve applying strong pressure to your tissues and joints, which could be uncomfortable. Remember that the massage should help alleviate the pain and the stiffness feel better, not worsen them. Try the hot and cold therapy Although they are different, alternating between hot and cold treatments can be good for reducing pain and tension in your body. A heat therapy like taking a warm bath or placing a heating pad or warm water bottle on your joints can soothe stiff and aching muscles. It also aids in circulation which in turn curbs inflammation in your body. Meanwhile, a quick 20-minute cold treatment like using a cold pack compression or wrapping an ice bag with a towel to your aching joints could reduce swelling and pain. This is especially useful if you are suffering from a joint caused by arthritis flair.

There is a certain level of discomfort when humans get hit with arthritis. That sharp, throbbing pain can cause discomfort and constraints in movement. And sadly, our pets can get this, too. Just like with humans, arthritis in pets is usually caused by the breaking down of cartilage that causes pain and swelling. And it’s an equally discomforting experience for pets. Unfortunately, pets cannot speak our language to tell us about the pain and discomfort they are feeling.  So how can furparents detect arthritis? If your pet starts to become less active, shows slowness of movements, and stiffness, it could be already a sign of arthritis. Are they having more difficulty with climbing the stairs or jumping into the couch compared to how they usually would? These could be the signs to look out for.  Pets who are experiencing pain and discomfort, such as from arthritis, can also show reluctance to groom themselves.  As our pets age, their risks of having arthritis gets higher. At the same time, pets of any age can also show signs of arthritis. Some breeds are also more prone to getting arthritis than others.   The sad part of a pet getting arthritis is, there’s no cure to it. But there are actions you can take to slow down the progression of arthritis. Here are some tips on what to do when you start noticing signs of arthritis in your pets: Seek veterinary expertise Signs of arthritis in pets means it’s time to go see a veterinarian. When any arthritis manifestation occurs, you should act fast to avoid the further progression of joint swelling and avoid more aggressive operations. Tests like x-ray or MRI can help confirm whether your pet indeed has arthritis.  Your veterinarian may recommend medications that may help slow down the progression of your pet’s arthritis. These medications usually help increase fluid production and blood flow in pets’ joints. Use CBD products as supplements Giving supplements to your pets, such as Cannabidiol or CBD products, can help strengthen your pets’ muscles and assist in managing pain, such as from joint inflammation. CBD products can also help reduce stress and anxiety for pets. You can infuse CBD into your pets’ diet through oil tinctures, which you can administer directly into your pet’s mouth. Or an easier option is through tasty CBD treats.  Try the Verma Farms CBD Pet Starter Bundle, which includes apple smacks, steak bites, and salmon CBD oil. You can also look into our CBD pet collection. Consult your veterinarian if taking CBD along with other medication would be beneficial for your pets. Watch your pet’s weight Owners should ensure that their pets are having a balanced diet -- this is vital for any pet’s overall health. This is because when pets get extremely heavy, their excess weight can bring additional pressure and discomfort to their swollen cartilage. If this is a concern, weight management must be considered.  Start by watching, and if necessary, controlling your pet’s food intake. Integrating an omega-3 rich diet for your pets can also help reduce inflammation. You can also seek advice from your veterinarian about diets for your pet’s joint health.  Give your pets therapy There are various forms of arthritis management programs that can help ease the pain associated with pets’ arthritis. Some of these are cell therapy, acupuncture, as well as massage and water therapy. You can consult your veterinarian to check the best recourse to take for your pet's current situation.  You can also conduct home massage sessions through gentle kneading in the affected area. Engaging your pets into daily light exercises, such as walking, could also be a form of therapy for your pets. Exercise will help with increased blood flow in pets and boost their flexibility.  Pet proof your home Your home is also your pet’s home. And in the event that your pet gets arthritis -- or even before it does -- it may be helpful to pet proof your home. You can do this in various ways.  You can add protections, such as rugs or carpets, on slippery floors. Ramps may also be helpful for pets who find difficulty in climbing the stairs. You may also want to consider providing an orthopedic bed for pets who have arthritis. This type of bed uses memory foam that will help provide support and comfort for your pet’s joints. 

Losing weight is seldom a small feat. Changing your lifestyle, such as starting regular exercise and following a diet are not easy tasks. They require dedication and a strong desire to achieve consistent progress toward your weight loss goals.  Even though there are some prescription weight loss treatments that have been approved by the MHRA, many people still look for alternative ways to lose weight. A quick Google search will turn up a plethora of weight loss tips, some backed by science and others based on personal stories.  CBD has many surprising benefits and recently, it has gained popularity as a way to help people lose weight – but what does the evidence say? How Does CBD Help You Lose Weight? Our bodies are natural producers of cannabinoids, which are parts of the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is involved in many bodily functions, such as mood, appetite, pain perception, and memory. It also helps control our energy levels and metabolism. CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The weight loss health claim is based on the idea that adding CBD to our bodies will help change our appetite and speed up our metabolism.  However, does the science that we know so far back up these claims? What Do the Studies Show? Early research points to a positive link between CBD and weight loss, which we will talk about in more detail below. Lowers Appetite Levels CBD, unlike the other well-known cannabinoid THC (the part of marijuana that makes you feel high), is not linked to making you hungry. In fact, the opposite is true. CBD blocks the CB1 receptor, which is the opposite of what THC does. When the CB1 receptor is stimulated by THC, a hormone is released that makes you want to eat.  On the other hand, CB1 receptor antagonists in CBD may aid in appetite suppression and obesity management. This is due to the fact that CB1 receptor antagonists inhibit or "inactivate" the receptor. Turns Bad Fat Into Good Fat Brown fat is useful fat that helps keep your body's temperature steady by making heat. White fat, on the other hand, stores extra calories that the body can use when it needs more energy, and it's where we store calories from excess food intake. When the body needs to store more energy for physical activities, it turns white fat into brown fat.  Brown fat is stored in small amounts in the neck, collarbone, kidneys, and spinal cord. White fat is usually stored in the hips, thighs, and stomach. Brown fat is interesting because it can store more energy in less space than white fat. The brown color comes from increased mitochondrial density, and these extra mitochondria are what turn the stored fats into forms of energy our bodies can use. Lean people tend to have more brown fat than those who are overweight. Because of this, white fat is sometimes called "bad" fat and is linked to a higher risk of many long-term diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Researchers have discovered how CBD interacts with fat in the body. A study from 2016 found that CBD helped white fat cells change into brown fat cells. This means that the body can burn more fat overall, which can help with weight loss. CBD Products That Aid With Weight Loss Companies are now exploring different techniques so people can receive the benefits of CBD, including the consumption of oils and gummy candies to the topical use of creams and balms. Here are two of the most popular products available in the market: Oils CBD is most often available as an oil. These carrier oils are used as a vehicle for the active component in products, with a pipette enabling for simple absorption under the tongue. CBD oils are available in a variety of flavors such as pineapple and peach. Sweets CBD gummies are a fun and light-way to consume CBD. While CBD gummy bears are less optimal than oils due to their sugar content, they are easy to consume and appealing in flavor. Considerations While preliminary evidence suggests that CBD supplementation may be useful for weight loss, it is critical to see it as just that: a supplement. The MHRA has not yet authorized the active ingredient as a therapy for obesity, and it should not be used in lieu of a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and frequent exercise.  However, in light of the many studies demonstrating the efficacy of cannabidiol, it's definitely worth a try to complement your weight loss journey with CBD. Just make sure to also exercise and eat healthfully so you reap the full benefits.

Whether you’re a professional MMA fighter or a regular gym-goer just trying to stay fit, then you understand the importance of reaching peak performance. Unfortunately, reaching peak performance isn’t always easy, and it requires plenty of hard work and dedication. This means that it can be easy to slack off in your efforts to reach that peak performance goal if your body doesn’t feel right or something else gets in the way of your goals. Fortunately, CBD can help you reach your goals in a number of different ways. Let's find out how. Natural Ingredients If you’re planning on training for an event or looking for everyday support in your daily work-out routine, hemp-derived CBD is a great natural option. When researching CBD brands, it is important to check the label and see if the company responsibly sources the products and the extraction method used. CBD is best when it’s an organic product that is pesticide-free and GMO-free. It is generally well-accepted by the body, which means you can also experiment with the dosage. For example, the best CBD oil contains below the government-regulated THC content threshold of 0.3%, which means getting high is not likely. Discuss CBD in advance with your doctor to see which products and dosage can work best for your specific needs. Post-Workout Relief One of the best possible benefits of CBD is its anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for muscle relief after an intense gym session or run. It can be used topically to directly treat an area of the body that needs special attention. Applying a CBD topical is like giving yourself a couple shots of pure cannabinoid extract in specific areas—for instance, your shoulder muscles. And because you’re not ingesting anything (hence zero results on a drug test), you can get away with using higher concentrations of all major cannabinoids. In addition to per-application dose considerations, certain conditions require different applications when using cannabis topicals. Try low doses or consult with your doctor until you find what works best for you. Performance Anxiety Athletes are put under tremendous pressure to perform and to succeed. Even seasoned athletes still carry that same pressure. Performance anxiety comes in many forms, which could bring your body into a tense state. CBD can be used to treat performance anxiety since it contains properties that can help you calm you down, making you more capable of dealing with stressful situations. It can help you stay focused on your task at hand instead of getting lost in your thoughts or worrying about other things. CBD gummies or CBD oil before a high-stress event or match can help ease tension or racing thoughts, allowing you to perform your best. A Good Night's Sleep Sleep is critical for athletic performance. Regular sleep schedules are essential, because athletes need to make sure their body is getting enough rest so that they’re ready to give 100% in training and competition. Research shows sleep deprivation can weaken memory, slow reaction time, and impair judgment; all of which are crucial skills for athletes. However, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Taking a decent amount of CBD gummies or CBD oil can help ease the mind and induce sleep. It’s also used by people who may have trouble falling into sleep or with disturbed sleep patterns, as it can help ease racing thoughts or anxiety that can prompt insomnia.

Do you feel bogged down by stress and anxiety? Are you beginning to wonder if traditional medicine is the best treatment? Are you open to natural ways to get the relief you’re seeking? While there are many ways to treat stress and anxiety, no two people respond in the exact same manner. So, for this reason, it’s best that you learn as much as you can about all the options that are available to you. And that means taking the time to learn more about natural ways of treating your concerns. Here are five ideas to experiment with: Try Herbal Remedies The use of herbal remedies is on the rise, with many people turning to it as a means of treating stress and anxiety. Check out this statistic: an estimated 64 million Americans have tried a natural supplement to help with anxiety. In other words, if you decide to go down this path, you’re not alone.  If you’re unsure of what to buy or what type of natural herbs would work best for you, a quick online search will provide you with all the guidance you need. There are a lot of products to choose from, so choose wisely.  Note: there are other natural products, such as lavender oil, that can help with stress and anxiety. Yoga  If you’ve practiced yoga in the past, you’re likely to have some idea of the impact it can have on your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. While many people turn to yoga to stay in shape, it can do just as much good for your mental state. You don’t have to practice yoga every day but stick with it long enough to find a schedule that works for you. This will give you something to lean on when you feel that your stress and anxiety levels are out of control. Take a Walk There are many reasons to get into the habit of taking a walk, and they go well beyond the physical benefits. If you’re looking for a way to use walking to decrease stress and anxiety, find a quiet place for a stroll. For example, it’s always better to take a walk through a park or on a nature trail, as opposed to fighting heavy traffic in a city setting. Meditate For hundreds upon hundreds of years, people have been meditating as a means of becoming one with their bodies. When you focus on your body, not external factors, your stress and anxiety will melt away.  Perhaps the biggest benefit of meditation is that you don’t have to spend a lot of time on this activity for it to positively affect your mind, body, and soul. Start with 10 to 15 minutes per day to see where it gets you. From there, consider increasing the amount of time you meditate, as well as the frequency. Take a Warm Bath Is there anything more relaxing than lowering your body into a warm bath? From the moment the water touches your skin, you’ll feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders. The water itself will work wonders on your mental state, but don’t be afraid to mix in other elements, such as Epsom salt.  If you don’t have a bath available to you, there’s nothing wrong with taking a shower. It may not provide the same experience, but it’s still helpful. Tip: muscle tension is a sign of stress and anxiety. A warm bath can help relieve this symptom.  Experiment With All These Ideas You never know what will help you reduce (or eliminate) your stress and anxiety until you try a few of these ideas. Maybe one will work. Maybe a handful will give you the results you’re looking for. Get into the habit of trying anything that can bring you relief. You never know when you’ll find that one special technique that puts your mind at ease.  Final Thoughts on Naturally Dealing with Stress and Anxiety As you can see, there’s no shortage of natural ways to deal with stress and anxiety. Experiment with all the ideas above, keep track of the impact they’re having on your life, and settle on an approach that suits you. Once you have a plan in place, you’ll feel better about your ability to control your stress and anxiety without traditional medicine. And when that happens, you’ll feel like you have more control over your life.