Boosting your brain’s ability to learn, remember, and process complex decisions shifts from a want to a need as you get closer to the retirement years and beyond. Levels of antioxidants and neurotransmitters become depleted the older we get, and our cognitive function slows. We can no longer bounce back from chronic stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, a couple of alcoholic drinks, or exposure to toxic chemicals. Our brains become inflamed as we age, and our ability to clear cellular garbage from our brains is greatly reduced. In some people with genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, or Parkinson’s disease, abnormal proteins can accumulate in the brain and cause neurodegeneration beyond normal aging.
Whether your brain is healthy or facing rapid aging, natural supplements like CBD oil can help you stay sharp in your later years. CBD oil can protect the brain from further injury, reduce inflammation, improve memory, and boost brain function overall. In 2003, the United States government patented cannabinoids in CBD oil for their use as antioxidants and neuroprotectants in patent 6,630,507. Even though there is still ambiguity surrounding the idea of adult neurogenesis, CBD oil can stimulate the birth of new brain cells in the hippocampus, the learning and memory center of the brain. These new brain cells keep the brain young and flexible. Unlike THC-rich cannabis, which can harm memory, CBD oil promotes better memory. Out of all the terpenes in CBD oil, pinene is renowned for promoting focus, alertness, and even improving short-term memory. By activating CB2 receptors in the brain, CBD oil also improves blood flow, increasing delivery of nutrients and accelerating the removal of toxic cellular waste that could damage cells. Taking 15–30 milligrams of CBD oil each day can help you and your brain age gracefully.