Combining CBD with Other Supplements
Around 6 million Britons have tried CBD in the past, and many take it regularly. Most people take CBD to help with anxiety and depression or to support them with pain management and chronic pain. Some people take CBD to help with their sleep. Regardless, CBD in the United Kingdom is used as a food supplement, and it is considered as such by the NHS.
With the CBD market expected to increase in the coming years, many people plan on including it in their daily routines. What’s more, CBD can be combined with vitamins and minerals to boost your well-being.
It’s possible to create a personalised routine where you take CBD alongside food supplements that you feel improve how you feel and your body functions. But because CBD and supplements work through the same paths, it’s good to avoid unwanted interactions and to plan how and when you take them.
How CBD Affects Supplement Absorption
CBD is metabolized by the liver’s cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which is responsible for breaking down many substances in the body, including certain medications and supplements. Food and medicines are directed to the liver, where they are metabolised before entering the bloodstream. Part of the effectiveness of medicines and supplements is lost during this metabolising phase.
Because the liver can do so much at any given time, you should be careful in how you pair your CBD with other substances. For example, if you take your CBD pills alongside supplements, the liver will have to metabolise both of them simultaneously. Chances are that one or the other will be left to linger in the body until it can be safely metabolised. This means that you can’t be sure how much of your CBD or supplement ultimately reached your bloodstream.
The best thing to do is to pace your intake throughout the day to your liver time to rest and metabolise substances effectively.
Lastly, CBD is lipophilic: this means it likes fatty compounds. If you want to make the most of the CBD you are taking, air it with healthy fats like avocado, yogurt, smoothies, or coconut oil to improve its bioavailability in your bloodstream and the level of absorption. When CBD is taken with healthy fats, it stays in the body for longer, and it is not discarded as quickly as would be expected. It can then unravel its full potential more efficiently.
Supplements That Can Complement CBD
Melatonin
This natural sleep hormone is often paired with CBD as a way to help with poor sleep patterns. CBD has been found to help people relax and empty their minds. This is particularly helpful before going to bed, when all the thoughts and worries can seriously impact your quality of sleep.
While CBD helps with relaxation and anxiety, melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Together, they are an effective duo for people struggling with insomnia. You will find many CBD formulations that contain melatonin as well, which is tell-tale about how these two ingredients work in tandem.
Magnesium
Magnesium is often used for its calming effects. It helps with muscle relaxation and to reduce stress. It’s also good for the nervous system.
Magnesium with CBD can boost your overall sense of relaxation, as one ingredient feeds into the other. Magnesium glycinate, in particular, is great for relaxation; magnesium citrate may have the added benefit of helping with digestion.
Ashwagandha
There is increasing interest in this herb, which is thought to help with stress. Ashwagandha is thought to reduce cortisol levels in the blood. Cortisol is a hormone that is secreted when we are in danger, whereupon the body increases cortisol levels to escape danger.
While life-saving in the savannah, though, many people nowadays have permanently elevated cortisol levels, as if they are constantly in danger. This causes a number of problems for their mental and physical health.
Together with CBD, ashwagandha may provide a synergistic effect and help the body adapt to stress more efficiently.
Curcumin (Turmeric Extract)
Both CBD and curcumin have anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that combining the two could amplify their effects which could make a great combination for people looking to manage inflammation-related issues. Since curcumin has low bioavailability, you can take it with black pepper extract (piperine) or CBD in an oil-based form for better absorption.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is found in green tea and it promotes relaxation with drowsiness. Together with CBD, it may boost your mental focus and lower your stress levels. The combination of CBD with L-theanine can be particularly useful for individuals looking to remain productive and manage daily stress at the same time.
Probiotics
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in gut health. A large part of our immune system rests in the gut, so the healthier our gut, the healthier our body is.
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that help the gut function efficiently. They can balance digestion and together with CBD, probiotics could improve the gut microbiome and boost the effectiveness of CBD when it comes to mood and inflammation. It’s good to remember that around 85% of serotonin, which is the “happy brain” hormone, is produced in the gut and then travels to the brain. So, a healthy gut can lead to a healthy brain.
Supplements That May Interact Negatively with CBD
Not all supplements work well with CBD, though. Here is a list of supplements to avoid when you take CBD.
Blood Thinners (Fish Oil, High-Dose Turmeric, Vitamin K)
CBD may boost the effects of blood-thinning supplements, which can increase the risk of bleeding. People taking blood thinners should consult their GP before consuming any CBD.
Stimulants (Caffeine, Green Tea Extract, Yohimbine)
Many people enjoy taking CBD with caffeine for that extra energy boost early in the morning. Although this is perfectly understandable, particularly on dark and rainy Monday morning, high doses of both can cause unpredictable effects. CBD may counteract some of caffeine’s stimulating properties and cause drowsiness or reduced alertness. A lot depends on the quantity of the caffeine intake.
High-Dose Vitamin D
We need Vitamin D, as it boosts our immune function and lowers the risk of inflammation. Vitamin D also helps the body absorb calcium and helps our bones remain strong.
However, excessive amounts of vitamin D combined with CBD could overstimulate certain metabolic pathways. As with most things in life, it’s good to take supplements in moderation. If in doubt, check with your GP.
Sedatives and Prescription Medications
CBD has sedative properties, especially when taken in higher doses. These sedative effects can be amplified when taken with prescription sleep aids, anti-anxiety medicines, or other sedatives like valerian root. Together, they can cause excessive drowsiness, dizziness, or slowed reflexes. Be careful how you combine your food supplements, especially if you are going to drive.
Tips for Safely Combining CBD with Supplements
Start with low doses
If you are new to CBD, take it slowly. Start with a low daily dose of 10 to 15 mg and increase it slowly to see how your body reacts. If you are taking other supplements, introduce them one at a time and monitor how your body responds.
Space out intake
If you want to take CBD alongside other supplements, space out your intake. If you want CBD to keep you alert, take it in the morning. If you need it to relax before going to bed, take it in the evening. Spread your other supplements throughout the day. If some pairings go well with CBD, take them together.
Monitor effects
Listen to your body, it knows best. Keep track of how you feel and adjust dosages accordingly. Write down dosages and supplements on a daily basis to identify patterns and benefits. Having things written down makes it easier to spot a trend.
Choose high-quality products
Look for third-party, lab-tested CBD and supplements. If possible, choose organic CBD to avoid contaminants, heavy metals, and chemicals. Choose your other supplements carefully. Read the labels before you take anything.
Consult with your GP
If you are already taking medicines or have underlying conditions, consult with your GP before combining CBD with supplements.
Taking CBD with Supplements
CBD can work well with other supplements, as they can boost each other’s potential. You should, however, keep in mind that CBD interacts with other compounds, so check before you organise your strategy.
Also, remember that nothing can replace a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats. Be kind to your body and mind. CBD doesn’t work miracles, but it may help you work around your stress and anxiety or manage pain and inflammation. The secret lies in leading healthy lives and getting a natural boost from time to time when life gets too complicated or when your body needs a little extra support.
You can pair CBD with the right supplements to optimise each other’s benefits and get the most out of each. Be mindful of dosing, talk with your GP if in doubt, and experiment. Also, buy from reliable and trusted brands and check out CBD oil reviews and our list of the best UK CBD stores to be sure that the CBD you purchase is as pure and effective as possible.
Nicholas Rossis, PhD is a specialized, NSF-trained writer who has written hundreds of posts on CBD and nutritional supplements. His work combines critical acclaim with the analysis of the latest news, studies, research, and legal developments in the world of CBD, providing readers with valuable data and insights.
