Friday Q&A: CBD gummies for sleep; multivitamins; testosterone for women; & IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

💥 Enjoy the long weekend! 💥

ICYMI 👉

• Are You Getting Enough Rest?

• Five Tricks for Aging Gracefully

• It’s Okay to Not be Okay

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The first question (on CBD gummies for sleep) is free for all subscribers. Questions 2-4 (about multivitamins; testosterone for women; & IBS) are for paid subscribers only. If you would like a paid subscription but it’s not in your budget, please message me directly.

Click here to submit your questions (about anything) for future Q&A posts!

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are entirely my own. They do not reflect those of my employer, nor are they a substitute for advice from your personal physician.

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QUESTION #1: CBD GUMMIES FOR SLEEP

Thank you for your recent post about sleep. Over the past few years, I've had trouble staying asleep. Falling asleep is fine but I wake up at 4 am and can be up for an hour. My husband wants me to try CBD gummies. I was never a big marijuana fan. What do you advise your patients?

-Joan

Hi Joan, 

Taking CBD (or cannabidiol) is generally safe. What is it? It’s a compound found in cannabis plants, and it is often promoted as a natural remedy for various conditions such as anxiety and insomnia. So far, the research on CBD seems to back this up.

The good news about CBD is that it is not psychoactive, meaning that it doesn't produce the "high" associated with THC, another compound found in cannabis. CBD also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is generally well-tolerated, however some people may experience side effects, such as fatigue, changes in appetite, or diarrhea. 

Some other things to consider:

• The safety of CBD products depends on their quality and purity, so it's essential to choose reputable brands to ensure they meet safety standards.

• People may react differently to CBD. What works for one person may not work the same way for another. It's advisable to start with a low dose and gradually increase if needed.

• The regulation of CBD products varies, and the quality of products on the market may differ. It's crucial to choose products from trusted manufacturers.

Remember: a good night’s sleep hinges on four essential ingredients, so before you pop a pill, make sure you are addressing your sleep issues with a wide-angle lens. As always, it’s wise to consult with your doctor for sleep-related problems because of the diversity of root causes—for which CBD may or may not help.

Sleep tight! 💤  

Photo by Ray Hennessy on Unsplash

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QUESTION #2: MULTIVITAMINS

I see a lot of hype about all women over 50 needing multivitamins. Any general advice for women in their 50s about this? :)

-Lindsey

Dear Lindsey,

It seems intuitive to take a multivitamin, right?