At A Healthy Solution Wellness Boutique, we continue to try and find new products that can help bring a better quality of and enjoyment in your life. While most of our products lean into the health and wellness side, we have decided to bring in a new product that can help those who or want an alternative/want to enjoy alcohol without the side effects or health concerns.

Why is Alcohol not good for you?
Drinking too much, even on a single occasion (but mostly over time), can cause a serious health issue. Here are some ways on how alcohol can affect your body:

Brain: Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and can alter the way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can modify your mood and behavior, making it harder to think clearly and move with coordination.

Heart: The heart can be very fragile if not cared for properly, so that can cause alcohol to cause problems for you, including: Cardiomyopathy – Stretching and drooping of heart muscle, Arrhythmias – Irregular heartbeat, Stroke, and High blood pressure.

Liver: Heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver and can lead to a variety of problems and liver inflammations including: Steatosis, or fatty liver, Alcoholic hepatitis, Fibrosis, Cirrhosis.

Pancreas: Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation in the pancreas that causes its swelling and pain (which may spread) and impairs its ability to make enzymes and hormones for proper digestion.

Cancer: Clear patterns have emerged between alcohol consumption and increased risks of certain types of cancer: Head and neck cancer, including oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx cancers, and esophageal cancer, particularly esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, people who inherit a deficiency in an enzyme that metabolizes alcohol have been found to have substantially increased risks of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma if they consume alcohol.

Liver cancer, Colorectal cancer, and Breast cancer: Research has shown an important association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer—even one drink per day can increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer by 5% to 15% compared to women who do not drink at all.

Immune System: Drinking too much can weaken your immune system, making your body a much easier target for disease.  Chronic drinkers are more liable to contract diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis than people who do not drink too much.  Drinking a lot on a single occasion slows your body’s ability to ward off infections – even up to 24 hours after getting drunk.

Why Choose Afterglow?
The creator of the company Free AF, Lisa King, shares her story:

“AF Drinks was created in 2020 by Lisa King – most well known as founder of kiwi social enterprise Eat My Lunch.

When Lisa cut back on alcohol at the beginning of the year, she became more aware of the sober curious movement, and the things that made it hard to cut back on alcohol, even when we want to.

AF Drinks makes it easier to help the sober curious explore a different relationship with alcohol. By creating a conversation and community for the sober curious and normalizing an alcohol free lifestyle. And by creating alcohol free drinks that give people a delicious, sophisticated, adult option when they’re not drinking alcohol.”

Here are some questions from the official website:

• Do your drinks contain any alcohol?

AF is a non alcoholic beverage, but like many beverages (eg. fruit juices, kombucha) is crafted from natural extracts and flavors, and may contain trace amounts of alcohol, but less than 0.5% alcohol-by-volume, as permitted by FDA guidelines.

• Why does it taste like an alcoholic drink?

Because we’re magicians in the kitchen, that’s why. We use natural flavors to replicate the taste of alcohol without the addition of any actual alcohol. And let’s not forget our secret weapon, Afterglow™, a natural botanical heat extract that produces a gentle warming sensation similar to the feeling of drinking alcohol.

• What is Afterglow™?

Afterglow™ is our secret sauce. It’s a natural heat extract that we have added to mimic the taste and sensation of alcohol. It produces a gentle warming in the back of the throat and chest very similar to the feeling you would get when drinking. It’s 100% natural and not considered an allergen.

• How much sugar is in the drinks

All AF drinks are low in sugar. The Cuba Libre, Dark and Stormy, and Apero Spritz have less than 5% sugar. All of the G&T’s have less than 4% sugar and the VØD%A Spritz has zero. All AF’s are significantly lower than their alcoholic equivalents.

• Is there anything unnatural in it?

Absolutely not! We only use the best, natural ingredients, with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

• Are your drinks safe to drink while pregnant or breastfeeding?

AF drinks were designed to be enjoyed by everyone. That said, check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about drinking AF while pregnant or breastfeeding.

• I’m in recovery. Can I drink this?

That is a very personal decision. We created AF Drinks to provide a credible alternative to alcoholic beverages. We did this by recreating the flavor, rather than de-alcoholising an existing spirit or wine. Our drinks are alcohol-free (they contain less than 0.5% ABV, as regulated by FSANZ guidelines). However, they do taste very similar to their alcoholic equivalent. The last thing we want is for our drinks to act as a trigger, so please make the best decision for you.

• Where are they made?

AF drinks are made right here in Auckland, New Zealand.

At AHS, we want to offer a variety of alternatives to alcohol, to make sure that you can still relax but have a healthier choice. We always recommend speaking to a health care provider or our staff if you have any questions or concerns.

Many people in this life have gone their whole lives feeling a bit… different. They feel unable to focus, unable to properly regulate themselves in their personal lives, hyper fixate on different topics, have difficulties in their relationships, etc. For some people, this is their normal, and you may be wondering, why? How? Well, these may be symptoms of ADHD/ADD. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of this condition, and how it could be affecting you.

Before we go into the details, it should be known that these types of conditions are very much underdiagnosed in girls and women. Many of these neurodevelopmental conditions are either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed by doctors. If you have concerns about any symptoms that seem similar to those causing concerns, we always recommend doing your own research and speaking with a health professional for more details.

What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or it can be a combination of both. People with ADHD may struggle to impulse control, following directions, completing tasks, among other symptoms. ADHD is considered one of the most common mental conditions in children, with an estimated 6 million children ages 3 to 17 years having ever been diagnosed. While ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, there are still many people who go undiagnosed until adulthood.

How does ADHD affect Women?
ADHD can affect women in the following ways: Psychological distress, feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and chronic stress. Often, women with ADHD feel that daily tasks may seem incredibly overwhelming, especially compared to the average person. Culturally, women are expected to take the role of someone who “has it all together”. So, for someone with ADHD, it makes it much harder to organize or plan, thus causing many societal pressures increase the feelings of stress. Undiagnosed or underdiagnosed ADHD in adults can look like missing
deadlines, having greater difficulty focusing, and problems organizing different parts of daily life. It can also look like having trouble regulating your emotions, causing life to feel even more chaotic.

It can end up affecting your relationships, day to day life, work, and school. Friendships can be hard to navigate because of the social rules that are overly complicated and don’t always make sense. Maybe you become easily snippy at another person because you aren’t able to regulate your feelings. Or you may be perceived as chattier about the topics you like, and more disinterested in topics you aren’t interested in, causing your mind to drift off. Sometimes, you can find yourself talking excessively (this can look like over-explaining yourself or “info-
dumping,” an informal term for talking at length about something you enjoy). You can also experience conversational self-restraint issues (you frequently interrupt people or finish their sentences).

Other conditions and ADHD:
While many people can only have ADHD, it is also possible to have other conditions in addition. The most common conditions being anxiety and depression. It is also possible to have other mood disorders. Substance use disorders, such as addiction to alcohol or drugs, anxiety
disorders (such as social anxiety disorder (SAD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), sleep disorders, eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia), or even mood disorders (like depression or bipolar disorder).

How many people experience ADHD?
According to most studies, there is a 2 to 1 ratio of boys being diagnosed over girls in childhood. In adulthood, it becomes more likely for women to get a formal diagnosis. While research indicates that the condition is more common in boys and men, there is also evidence that it
often goes undiagnosed in women.

ADHD in women may be underdiagnosed for a few reasons:
Stereotypes of sex, gender, and behavior: ADHD-linked behaviors, particularly hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, are often considered more socially acceptable for boys and men. As a result, women may suppress or hide ADHD behaviors to fit in better.

Bias: Because ADHD is more common in men and boys, healthcare providers and educators may not look for the symptoms in women. That can make it harder for women to receive a correct diagnosis and treatment.

What can cause ADHD?
Researchers are continuing to examine why and how brain development is related to ADHD. However, they believe ADHD has a strong genetic link. If at least one of your parents has ADHD, your chances of having ADHD are higher, and then your children are also more likely to develop it. People who have ADHD are considered neurodivergent. That means that their brains develop and work differently than those who are neurotypical (which means that their brains develop, and work as expected). There has been additional evidence to show that brain
structure and brain chemistry, and hormones may cause some of the characteristics associated with ADHD.

What can be done to help?

There are many treatment plans that can be done to help with ADHD and its accompanying symptoms.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a really good method to help those with ADHD symptoms to be able to regulate themselves and work on strategies to cope with these symptoms. Talking to another person can help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms that can occur as well.

Some people take medications to help them manage their symptoms. One of the most common medications used for ADHD is stimulants, some examples being methylphenidate and amphetamine. The purpose of stimulants is to boost and balance the brain chemical levels (aka
neurotransmitters). Other medications used to treat ADHD include nonstimulant atomoxetine and some antidepressants such as bupropion. Atomoxetine and antidepressants work slower than stimulants, but these may be advantageous if you can’t take stimulants due to health problems or if stimulants cause severe side effects. Though, we always like to inform people that just because this works for some people, it does not mean this method will work for everyone.

There are alternative medicines that can help in the CBD industry. Research is still being done on how cannabinoids help in terms of ADHD. As of now, it has been discovered that the compound called Cannabichromene (aka CBC) has shown decent results. CBC is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is among the most abundant in the cannabis plant, following CBD and THC and several others. While CBC shares structural similarities with CBD, their properties differ significantly. It helps with reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in the
brain, allowing the adhd symptoms to be more at ease.

Regardless of how you would like to go about treatment, we always recommend doing your own additional research and speaking to a health care professional to make sure you are getting the care you need.

Many people in this life have gone their whole lives feeling a bit… different. They feel unable to focus, unable to properly regulate themselves in their personal lives, hyper fixate on different topics, have difficulties in their relationships, etc. For some people, this is their normal, and you may be wondering, why? How? Well, these may be symptoms of ADHD/ADD. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of this condition, and how it could be affecting you.

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or it can be a combination of both. People with ADHD may struggle to impulse control, following directions, completing tasks, among other symptoms. ADHD is considered one of the most common mental conditions in children, with an estimated 6 million children ages 3 to 17 years having ever been diagnosed. While ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, there are still many people who go undiagnosed until adulthood.

Other conditions and ADHD:

While many people can only have ADHD, it is also possible to have other conditions in addition. The most common conditions being anxiety and depression. It is also possible to have other mood disorders. Substance use disorders, such as addiction to alcohol or drugs, anxiety disorders (such as social anxiety disorder (SAD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), sleep disorders, eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia), or even mood disorders (like depression or bipolar disorder).

How many people experience ADHD?

Depending on sex, genetics, and environmental factors, ADHD can affect many people. According to most studies, there is a 2 to 1 ratio of boys being diagnosed over girls in childhood. While research indicates that the condition is more common in boys and men, there is also evidence that it often goes undiagnosed in women

ADHD in men has more of the symptoms that are looked for when diagnosing ADHD Lack of attention/easily distracted: This is one of the most common symptoms, where you become disinterested in whatever you’re listening to and end up staring into space or moving on to the next thing before your current task or conversation is done.

Difficulty staying on task: Sometimes you have multiple projects you’re working on at once, all of those being somewhat complete. Then that causes an overwhelming pressure to get all of them done at once or it will never get done.

Having trouble listening: It can be difficult to listen to topics that aren’t catching your attention, more than the average person. You end up involuntarily zoning out of whatever or whoever you are listening to.

Lack of follow through: Whether it be forgetfulness or due to procrastination, sometimes a task or plans can slip through the crack regardless of if it’s intentional or not.

Disorganization: You forgot where you set your phone, or maybe your keys. Or was it your pen? It can be hard to keep track of items, or it can be difficult to keep everything in one spot and clean.

Procrastination: You may be asking yourself, “Do I have the mental energy for this task?” ADHD can cause a normal day to day task as simple as brushing your teeth or cleaning your room to feel like pulling teeth.

Forgetfulness: Did you forget what you were doing today? What did I need to do next at work? ADHD can cause you to be more forgetful than most people, not due to not wanting to do the task.

What can cause ADHD?

Researchers are continuing to examine why and how brain development is related to ADHD. However, they believe ADHD has a strong genetic link. If at least one of your parents has ADHD, your chances of having ADHD are higher, and then your children are also more likely to develop it. People who have ADHD are considered neurodivergent. That means that their brains develop and work differently than those who are neurotypical (which means that their brains develop, and work as expected). There has been additional evidence to show that brain structure and brain chemistry, and hormones may cause some of the characteristics associated with ADHD.

What can be done to help?

There are many treatment plans that can be done to help with ADHD and its accompanying symptoms.

Some of the methods to helping with symptoms could be something as small as using post it notes to remember things or setting alarms to not lose track of time.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a really good method to help those with ADHD symptoms to be able to regulate themselves and work on strategies to cope with these symptoms. Talking to another person can help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms that can occur as well.

Some people take medications to help them manage their symptoms. One of the most common medications used for ADHD is stimulants, some examples being methylphenidate and amphetamine. Other medications can be prescribed, depending on the severity of the condition. The purpose of stimulants is to boost and balance the brain chemical levels (aka neurotransmitters). Other medications used to treat ADHD include nonstimulant atomoxetine and some antidepressants such as bupropion. Atomoxetine and antidepressants work slower than stimulants, but these may be advantageous if you can’t take stimulants due to health problems or if stimulants cause severe side effects.
Though, we always like to inform people that just because this works for some people, it does not mean this method will work for everyone.

There are alternative medicines that can help in the CBD industry. Research is still being done on how cannabinoids help in terms of ADHD. As of now, it has been discovered that the compound called Cannabichromene (aka CBC) has shown decent results in helping to reduce ADHD symptoms. Cannabichromene, often abbreviated as CBC, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is among the most abundant in the cannabis plant, following CBD and THC and several others. While CBC shares structural similarities with CBD, their properties differ significantly. It helps with reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in the brain, allowing the adhd symptoms to be more at ease.

Regardless of how you would like to go about treatment, we always recommend doing your own additional research and speaking to a health care professional to make sure you are getting the care you need. There are many treatment plans that can be done to help with ADHD and its accompanying symptoms.

What Are Allergies?

By definition, allergies are described as “exaggerated or pathological immunological reaction (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual”

It’s an overreaction in the immune system to certain foreign substances, some of these stimulants being more common than others. According to research that has been done, allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness. Common Allergies include; specific foods (peanuts and pineapples being examples), pets (this usually includes their fur), pollen/plants, mold, dust mites, specific medications, latex, insects, perfumes/chemical smells.

What is CBD and the Endocannabinoid system?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid, a chemical found naturally in cannabis (marijuana and hemp) plants. Early research is promising regarding the ability of CBD oil to help relieve anxiety. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another type of cannabinoid, CBD doesn’t cause any feelings of intoxication or the “high” you may associate with cannabis. CBD is also known for its ability to relieve stress and anxiety in the brain.

CBD is thought to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the human body. These receptors are most commonly found in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. These receptors are part of our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for so many of our daily functions. Many of these functions include mood, sleep, appetite, memory, etc. To this day, there is still a lot of information that is being discovered about this system in our bodies. All living beings have this ECS in our body, even if you haven’t had any form of cannabis in your system. When we are born, this system in our brains is a form of homeostasis, however, it can become unbalanced as we age and go through life. That’s where CBD can be utilized to help. The endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor, the effects that result depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to. The CB1 receptors are located in the brain and throughout the body, while CB2 receptors are found mostly in the immune and gastrointestinal system; although CB2 receptors are also found in the brain, they are not expressed quite as densely as CB1 receptors. Cannabinoids can help regulate the immune system by reducing inflammation in the body. When the body’s cannabinoid system is not functioning properly, inflammation and immune-related disorders, such as allergies, can occur. CBD helps your body through allergies by reducing the inflammation in your body. CBD comes in topical and ingestible forms. Depending on your specific allergy type, and how much it affects you, CBD can be a useful and healthier alternative for your body. Though, we always recommend speaking with a health care professional if your symptoms are severe or seem to worsen.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid, a chemical found naturally in cannabis (marijuana and hemp) plants. Early research is promising regarding the ability of CBD oil to help relieve anxiety. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another type of cannabinoid, CBD doesn’t cause any feelings of intoxication or the “high” you may associate with cannabis. CBD is also known for its ability to relieve stress and anxiety in the brain.

How does that exactly work?

Well, let’s start by talking about the human body and its many different receptors. CBD is thought to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, respectively. These receptors are part of our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), this system in the brain is responsible for so many of our day-to-day functions. A few of these functions include mood, sleep, appetite, memory, etc. There is still a lot that is being discovered about this system in our bodies.

What has been discovered is amazing. We all have this ECS in our systems, even if you haven’t had any form of cannabis in your system. When we are born, this system in our brains is in a form of homeostasis, though over time it can become unbalanced. That’s where CBD can come in to help. The endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor, the effects that result depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to. The CB1 receptors are located in the brain and throughout the body, while CB2 receptors are found mostly in the immune and gastrointestinal system; although CB2 receptors are also found in the brain, they are not expressed quite as densely as CB1

receptors. We have another blog that goes deeper into this topic.

What type of CBD can help with my anxiety?

At AHS, we have many different products that help with differing levels of anxiety. For example, we have our personal brand of gummies that have shown amazing results with clients. One of the most popular choices is our AHS Clarity gummies. What makes this product so special is the unique CBG/CBC compound. These ingredients together help with higher anxiety, mood, focus, mental clarity, and even pain. This product has 20mg CBC, 30mg CBG, 25mg Ashwagandha, and 5mg Full Spectrum CBD. All of these ingredients together give your body the relaxation it needs to come down from high anxiety. This has be shown to help alleviate these symptoms within half an hour or so. This form of intake goes through your digestive system, which the CBD (also having anti-inflammatory properties) can also help with any stomach aches or pains you may be having.

Another intake option would be a tincture/CBD oil that works throughout your entire body and more with your brain’s receptors. While gummies are good for anxiety you’re having at the moment, a tincture helps with overall anxiety and bodily care. You take the oil by leaving it under the tongue for about thirty seconds to a minute, allowing the CBD to enter into your blood stream faster. The CBD oil works best when taken in the morning and before bed so it can stay in your system for a full 24 hour period. The tincture can help with overall health by putting your brain in homeostasis as mentioned before. It’s like putting part of your body in an optimal setting.

Though, if you’re having other medical conditions, always speak to your doctor before trying new treatments. For generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that CBD has been shown to reduce stress in animals such as rats. Study subjects were observed as having lower behavioral signs of anxiety. Their physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, also improved. CBD may also benefit people with other forms of anxiety, such as social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may help treat anxiety-induced insomnia as well. In 2011, a study researched CBD’s effects on people with SAD. Participants were given an oral dose of 400 milligrams (mg) of CBD or a placebo. Those who received CBD experienced overall reduced anxiety levels.

If you take any medications or have any questions on how you should take CBD, we have many specialists and a nurse on staff at AHS who can help answer any questions you may have.

When you breathe in one of these triggers, your airways end up becoming more inflamed and swollen. This narrows the space for the air to travel in and out of your lungs. The muscles wrapped around your airway tighten and it makes breathing more difficult. This is referred to as an asthma flare-up, asthma episode, or an asthma “attack.” Asthma can start at any age, sometimes people have asthma from a young age. There are also a few different types of asthma. Exercise-induced asthma, which occurs with physical exertion. Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases or dust. Then there’s Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen, mold spores, or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets (pet dander)

Medicines used for asthma:

The types of medication used to treat asthma are as diverse as the symptoms and include inhaled corticosteroids, short- and long-acting relief medications, oral steroids, leukotriene modifiers, mast cell stabilizers, and immune modulators.

Inhaled Corticosteroids is prescribed for asthmatic patients to help decrease the frequency of asthma attacks. It won’t relieve said attack immediately once it has started, so be careful of that. These steroids can also offer side effects not limited to the entire body. After long term use you can have possible side effects such as “Thrush” a common fungal mouth infection, sore mouth or throat, hoarseness of voice,
and can even have deepening effects such as decreased bone density in adults, or even slight reduction of growth in children.

Oral steroids are another common medication used for asthma patients. If your symptoms are more severe, an oral medication will be recommended if you are more at risk than most patients. but do not require hospitalization. Side effects are similar to those for inhaled steroids, but more common and severe. With oral steroids you could experience weight gain, fluid retention, elevated blood sugar which
can lead to diabetes.

These are just side effects for the most common medications used to help treat asthma patients. We want a medication that will heal, rather than cause future health issues. We should want our medications to solve the issue not give more issues that will eventually need more medications just to stabilize the problem. As most of these medications offer more and more side effects, we are only stabilizing the problem for a moment.

What makes CBD beneficial for asthma?

The inflammation of the air passages causes a temporary narrowing of the lungs, which reduces the amount of oxygen carried throughout the body. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the lungs’ airways, and cannabis happens to be a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. CBD is a well-known anti-inflammatory, interacting with cannabinoid receptors throughout the body, including the lungs.

Muscle Spasticity, or bronchial spasms, are a sudden constriction of the muscles in the lungs. Causing difficulty in breathing. CBD is known to be antispasmodic. The strains found in CBD have muscle spasm relief effect. By Relaxing the muscles in the lungs, the airways expand, allowing for an increase in airflow.

It is well documented that CBD is a very potent bronchodilator and useful in the treatment of asthma. CBD can dilate the respiratory air passages and inhibits bronchoconstriction, which is the main problem of asthma patients. When a patient is undergoing an asthma attack, bronchioles become constricted, and the flow of oxygen is constrained. CBD, when taken orally or inhaled, opens the bronchioles, and
dilates the respiratory passage making it easier to breathe.

CBD reduces inflammation by affecting activity in the body’s endocannabinoid receptors. That goes for both chronic inflammation and acute inflammation. So, whether you are having inflammation in the lungs or anywhere else in the body, CBD can help reduce and condense the response your body is creating. Thus, making it easier to recover from an asthma attack.

How should you use CBD with asthma?

As we are all thinking, “there is no way an asthma patient should be smoking anything!” Well in terms of vaporization, this is beneficial for an asthma patient. Vaporizers open the airways rather than restrict the airways making this a good option for asthma patients. Typical inhalers contain adrenaline-like stimulants, which work well but tend to heighten anxiety. CBD helps balance anxiety not add to it. When
CBD oil is vaporized it provides the maximum amount of concentration. Vaporizing CBD oil also does not have negative effects on a person’s throat or lungs. In some cases, individuals may not be able to use a vaporizer if their symptoms are too severe or would prefer another method of consumption.

During an asthma attack, a CBD vaporizer or tincture is ideal as it will give immediate results without irritating the system. However, if vaporizing CBD leads to coughing or worsening of symptoms then try using an edible form of CBD. Keep in mind edibles are not reliable when facing an attack.

Tinctures are a great way to really help continuously coat the lungs internally. A few drops of oil go under the tongue for 15 seconds as this allows the oil to be absorbed into the blood stream. Swallow and relief is typically found immediately.

Taking CBD by any method shows a result in decreased airway resistance. A daily dosing of CBD necessary to get a starting point of medication in the human system to control asthma more easily. Asthma patients can use CBD to improve their overall functions of the body, more importantly, their lungs.

Does my diet play a role in asthma?

What you eat effects your entire human body system. In a case such as asthma it is important as well to be cautious of certain foods we eat. Eating to maintain a healthy weigh is important as individuals who are overweight, this can increase asthma symptoms. By eating a variety of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, this can help to reduce lung swelling. There’s evidence that people who eat diets higher in vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, flavonoids, magnesium, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids have lower rates of asthma. Keeping away from processed foods can not only reduce symptoms but also prevent asthma from developing.

If we feed our bodies a whole diet, of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and limit our meat consumption, we can see improvements in the overall wellbeing of our bodies. Eating a healthy diet can help to prevent, treat, and even reverse many healthy concerns.

When using CBD combined with a nutritional diet plan you will see the results come in greater form. Keeping the body healthy helps to aid the function of CBD in the body.

Feel free to speak with one of our CBD specialists to learn more or if you have any additional questions about CBD or how to take it with any medications. We always have specialists available and a nurse on staff to help you with any of your CBD needs.

For now, let’s dive into what CBD exactly is and what is the best way to take it to help you. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid, a chemical found naturally in cannabis (marijuana and hemp) plants. Early research is promising regarding the ability of CBD oil to help relieve anxiety. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another type of cannabinoid, CBD doesn’t cause any feelings of intoxication or the “high” you may associate with cannabis. CBD is also known for its ability to relieve stress and anxiety in the brain. But how does that exactly work? Well, let’s start by talking about the human body and its many different receptors. CBD is thought to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, respectively. These receptors are part of our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), this system in the brain is responsible for so many of our day-to-day functions. A few of these functions include mood, sleep, appetite, memory, etc. There is still a lot that is being discovered about this system in our bodies,
what has been found out is amazing. We all have this ECS in our systems, even if you haven’t had any form of cannabis in your system. When we are born, this system in our brains is in a form of homeostasis, though over time it can become unbalanced. That’s where CBD can come in to help. The endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor, the effects that result depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to. The CB1 receptors are located in the brain and throughout the body, while CB2 receptors are found mostly in the immune and gastrointestinal system; although CB2 receptors are also found in the brain, they are not expressed quite as densely as CB1
receptors. We have another blog that goes deeper into this topic.

With this, how can CBD help with different levels of anxiety? At AHS, we have many different products that help with differing levels of anxiety. For example, our SoCal gummies (peach rings, neon rings, and sour bears) are an ingestible CBD that is good for on-the-go anxiety or stress. If you feel any precursors to an anxiety attack or know something that causes you stress is coming up, you can take a gummy and
it may help alleviate these symptoms within half an hour or so. This form of intake goes through your digestive system, which the CBD (also having anti-inflammatory properties) can also help with any stomach aches or pains you may be having. Another intake option would be a tincture/CBD oil that works throughout your entire body and more with your brain’s receptors. While gummies are good for anxiety you’re having in the moment, a tincture helps with overall anxiety and bodily care. You take the oil by leaving it under the tongue for about thirty seconds to a minute, allowing the CBD to enter into your blood stream faster. The CBD oil works best when taken in the morning and before bed so it can stay in your system longer. The tincture can help with overall health by putting your brain in homeostasis as mentioned before. It’s like putting part of your body at optimal settings, though if you’re having other medical conditions, always speak to your doctor before trying new treatments. For generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that CBD has been shown to reduce stress in animals such as rats. Study subjects were observed as having lower behavioral signs of anxiety. Their physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, also improved. CBD may also benefit people with other forms of anxiety, such as social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may help treat anxiety-induced insomnia as well. In 2011, a study
researched CBD’s effects on people with SAD. Participants were given an oral dose of 400 milligrams (mg) of CBD or a placebo. Those who received CBD experienced overall reduced anxiety levels.

If you take any medications, or have any questions on how you should take CBD, we have many specialists and a nurse on staff at AHS who can help with whatever you may need.

For now, let’s dive into what CBD exactly is and what is the best way to take it to help you. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid, a chemical found naturally in cannabis (marijuana and hemp) plants. Early research is promising regarding the ability of CBD oil to help relieve anxiety. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another type of cannabinoid, CBD doesn’t cause any feelings of intoxication or the “high” you may associate with cannabis. CBD is also known for its ability to relieve stress and anxiety in the brain. But how does that exactly work? Well, let’s start by talking about the human body and its many different receptors. CBD is thought to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, respectively. These receptors are part of our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), this system in the brain is responsible for so many of our day-to-day functions. A few of these functions include mood, sleep, appetite, memory, etc. There is still a lot that is being discovered about this system in our bodies, what has been found out is amazing. We all have this ECS in our systems, even if you haven’t had any form of cannabis in your system. When we are born, this system in our brains is in a form of homeostasis, though over time it can become unbalanced. That’s where CBD can come in to help. The endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor, the effects that result depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to. The CB1 receptors are located in the brain and throughout the body, while CB2 receptors are found mostly in the immune and gastrointestinal system; although CB2 receptors are also found in the brain, they are not expressed quite as densely as CB1 receptors. We have another blog that goes deeper into this topic.

With this, how can CBD help with different levels of anxiety? At AHS, we have many different products that help with differing levels of anxiety. For example, our SoCal gummies (peach rings, neon rings, and sour bears) are an ingestible CBD that is good for on-the-go anxiety or stress. If you feel any precursors to an anxiety attack or know something that causes you stress is coming up, you can take a gummy and
it may help alleviate these symptoms within half an hour or so. This form of intake goes through your digestive system, which the CBD (also having anti-inflammatory properties) can also help with any stomach aches or pains you may be having. Another intake option would be a tincture/CBD oil that works throughout your entire body and more with your brain’s receptors. While gummies are good for anxiety you’re having in the moment, a tincture helps with overall anxiety and bodily care. You take the oil by leaving it under the tongue for about thirty seconds to a minute, allowing the CBD to enter into your blood stream faster. The CBD oil works best when taken in the morning and before bed so it can stay in your system longer. The tincture can help with overall health by putting your brain in homeostasis as mentioned before. It’s like putting part of your body at optimal settings, though if you’re having other medical conditions, always speak to your doctor before trying new treatments. For generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that CBD has been shown to reduce stress in animals such as rats. Study subjects were observed as having lower behavioral signs of anxiety. Their physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, also improved. CBD may also benefit people with other forms of anxiety, such as social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may help treat anxiety-induced insomnia as well. In 2011, a study researched CBD’s effects on people with SAD. Participants were given an oral dose of 400 milligrams (mg) of CBD or a placebo. Those who received CBD experienced overall reduced anxiety levels.

If you take any medications, or have any questions on how you should take CBD, we have many specialists and a nurse on staff at AHS who can help with whatever you may need.

So, what is CBN? And what is it able to do for ALS?

Cannabinol (CBN) is one of the many cannabinoids in hemp and cannabis plants. But CBN is unique in that it develops much differently from fan-favorites like CBD or THC. Typically, the plant’s natural genetics controls the cannabinoids it produces. But CBN is different. Hemp and cannabis plants produce CBN as a byproduct of THC oxidation. What does that mean? Over time, as the plant is exposed to heat and light, THC transforms into CBN. Cannabinoids, the bioactive compounds of cannabis sativa, exert their activity by binding to the CB1 and CB2
receptors. The cannabinoid system seems to be involved in the pathology of ALS. Indeed, the spinal cord of ALS patients has been shown to present motor neuron damage triggered by immune system’s cells (microglia and macrophages) that express increased levels of the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. Cannabinol (CBN) is generally used to ease symptoms and side effects of neurological conditions, including epilepsy, seizures, and uncontrollable muscle stiffness. THCA. Tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) is similar to THC, but it does not cause any psychoactive
effects.

“According to a single observational study of patients with ALS, only the 10 percent who admitted consuming cannabis revealed moderate relief of several symptoms, including appetite loss, depression, pain and drooling,” researchers wrote. “In addition, spasticity is also a major problem for ALS patients, which reported that cannabis can subjectively improve spasticity.”

However, most of the studies proving the ability of cannabinoids in delay disease progression and prolong survival in ALS were performed in animal model, whereas the few clinical trials that investigated cannabinoids-based medicines were focused only on the alleviation of ALS-related symptoms, not on the control of disease progression.

While there is no current cure for ALS, CBN is able to help alleviate the symptoms and give some a better quality of life.

Please consult your primary care physician before starting a new treatment.

Our team of specialists are always available to provide you with education and assist you with any questions regarding CBD and any other cannabinoids you may be curious about.

If a dog is too dependent on people, they can become incredibly anxious and distressed when their owner is away.  While it is not always known what causes separation anxiety in dogs, it can be more common in rescue or shelter dogs or in certain breeds (Labs, Shepherds, Chihuahuas, and Spaniels). It can also be set off by specific events.

These events include being left alone for the first time (this is more common with puppies), being left alone after being used to constant companionship, feeling abandoned like they are being left somewhere such as a kennel or boarding class, changing household routine and structure, or the loss of a family member or another pet.

It is crucial to recognize some of the signs, so you know if your dog is struggling with this common issue.  Some common signs of separation anxiety are incessant crying, whining, barking, howling, pacing, acting restless, scratching, or digging at doors and windows, destructive behavior, vomiting, peeing, or pooping in the house, chewing, or eating at walls, doors, cabinets, and following you around the house when you come home.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant known for its potential therapeutic effects. CBD oil can be given directly using a dropper to put it in your dog’s mouth or drizzled over food. CBD treats are portable and convenient and make it easy to provide your dog with all the benefits of CBD in a tasty snack.

Two products that we carry that are the best recommendation for separation anxiety are our AHS 500mg Pet Tincture as well as our Treatibles CBD pet treats.

The Treatibles come in a variety of flavors.  Large treats are for dogs 40lbs and up while the smaller treats are for dogs under 40lbs.  Serving sizes are recommended based off your pet’s weight.

Our AHS 500mg Pet Tincture is also a quick and way to help soothe any anxiety your pet may be having.

Always consult your primary care physician (or in this case Veterinary expert) before starting a new treatment.

Our team of specialists are always available to provide you with education and assist you with any questions you may have regarding CBD.