17 Jun

Do I Have a Sleep Disorder?

Who doesn’t love a good night’s sleep? When we’re tucked up warm and cosy between the sheets, morning often comes far too soon. However, surveys have shown that many of us struggle with our sleep, either experiencing disrupted sleep or not quite managing enough hours each night. There are numerous contributors to a poor night’s sleep, including sleep disorders, which is what we’re looking at in this article.

Try To Avoid Over-Diagnosis

Many of us experience sleep difficulties on occasion, either with trouble falling to sleep or feeling like you haven’t had enough, leaving you tired throughout the next day. It is normal to occasionally have these troubles, with stress, diet, exercise, illness and travel all being contributors to whether you achieve your ideal seven hours.

If this happens a couple of nights in a row, it’s too easy to head on to Google and be immediately presented with different diagnoses; however, it could be something much more straightforward. Some of the more common reasons for trouble getting to sleep include:

Poor sleeping environment – temperature, noise lighting etc.
Uncomfortable or noisy bed
Lack of regular daily exercise
Too much caffeine, especially before bed
Too much food or alcohol late at night
Using devices with screens immediately before bed

If you’ve already looked to remedy these issues, then it’s possible that there is something deeper rooted causing your sleep problems.

What Are Sleep Disorders?

Sleep disorders can often be the root cause for regular troubled sleep. It’s important to remember that frequency is as significant as severity here, as we mentioned earlier, many people struggle with sleep, but often not as frequently.

There are a number of sleep disorders, and they are becoming more commonly known with both medicinal and at-home cure techniques continuing to develop. Here, we take a look at the most common sleep disorders.

N.B: If you are having any sleep troubles which are having an effect on your wellbeing, it is advised to speak to a health professional.

Person laying in bed with the shadows of blinds

Insomnia

One of the most widely known and most common sleep disorders, insomnia is the inability to get to sleep or have a prolonged period of rest at night. There are countless causes for insomnia which include:

Stress
Jet lag
A health condition or illness
Medicines you’re currently taking
Caffeine intake
Factors mentioned in the list above will also contribute

Insomnia could also be a by-product of an underlying mood disorder such as depression or anxiety. Severe cases of insomnia may call for specialist consultation; however, there are a lot of techniques which can be exercised at home to help improve your likelihood of securing your seven to nine hours a night. You should:

Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day
Relax for at least an hour before bed, such as listening to calming music, meditate, read a book or take a bath
Ensure you have a pleasant sleep environment. A dark bedroom away from noise and of the right temperature
Exercise during the day
Ensure your bed sheets and pillows are comfortable

For more severe cases, it may be suggested you visit a therapist for cognitive behavioural therapy. This will help to understand and change your thoughts and behaviours towards sleep. If you are thinking of using sleeping pills, these should be used as a last resort and only if you have tried all other methods.

Woman looking over a white duvet laying in bed

Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea, unlike insomnia, is a disorder which occurs during sleep. It is characterised by the stopping and starting of your breathing while you sleep, potentially causing gasping, snorting or choking noises. You may also wake up a lot during the night and/or experience loud snoring.

This can be just as frustrating as insomnia, as sufferers will feel very tired during the day, may find it hard to concentrate, experience mood swings and have headaches when waking up.

Sleep apnoea is hard to self-diagnose, and you may only notice the frequent waking up; therefore, we’d suggest checking with people you live with if they have noticed any of these symptoms.

Unlike insomnia, sleep apnoea will likely require a visit to the GP, especially if the symptoms are severe or persistent. Remedies may include using a CPAP machine, which pumps air into a mask you wear over your face while you sleep.

There are also some devices that represent gum shields designed to ensure your airways stay open when you’re asleep, to minimise the likelihood of your breathing stopping during the night.

The back of a woman's head laying in bed

Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome is an altogether different disorder which is part mental, part physical. The primary symptom of restless legs syndrome is an overwhelming need to move your legs. Additionally, sufferers may also experience an unpleasant creeping or crawling sensation on their legs and feet.

Generally, with restless legs syndrome, the condition worsens into the evening and at night. This condition is also associated with PLMS, known as periodic limb movement during sleep.

For restless legs syndrome, there is no one size fits all approach, as each case is unique to the individual. In some instances, the symptoms are mild; however, in more severe cases, the person’s whole sleep pattern and daily life can be affected.

Person's leg outside of the duvet cover in bed

For more information on wellbeing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, check out our blog here. You can also find more information on our CBD products here along with details on how we ensure each product lives up to our quality guarantee.

Here at ElleVance Sciences, we manufacture and supply CBD / CBDA products of the highest quality to a wide range of customers.

26 May

Report: How Hemp Can Help the Environment and the Economy

Concerns over how environmental damage will impact the economy in Europe have been growing for some time as research figures show an increase in unsustainable farming and manufacturing practices to help keep up with the demand of the growing population.

The Hemp Manifesto

In a report by the European Industrial Hemp Association, they predict that the already slowing European economy will continue to decline, causing unemployment and financial strain.

The report looks into the potential of the European hemp sector as a way to encourage a greener and more sustainable economy that can support long-term growth.

How Can Hemp Farming be Sustainable?

Hemp is known to be a particularly versatile crop, and its various qualities make it a key player in the future of sustainable agriculture.

Hemp is a Carbon Sink

Hemp’s deep root system acts as a carbon sink by fixing CO2 to the soil, which is incredibly important in taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. As biomass, hemp also stores further carbon.

Power stations producing greenhouse gasses

Hemp Produces Zero Waste

Hemp can be transformed into a vast number of products including paper, textiles, insulation material, ropes, bioplastics, animal feed, fuel and compost. All parts of the plant, the roots, stalks, flowers and seeds are used in the manufacture of these products, meaning there is zero organic waste.

Hemp is a Catch Crop

Thanks to its fast-growing nature, hemp can be used as a catch crop which can improve revenue for farmers. In agriculture, a catch crop is a crop that can be grown between the plantings of a main crop. There is also evidence that growing hemp can improve the yield of the main crop as its root system takes heavy metals away from the soil, thus improving soil health.

Hemp Needs Fewer Inputs

Hemp is robust, and as a result, it needs fewer inputs than most other fibre crops, such as cotton; lower doses of pesticides, herbicides and water are also required. Manure and other natural materials total 50% of the fertilisers used.

How Can Hemp Farming Help the Economy?

The report states that, to allow for hemp production to support the economy, changes need to be made to policies across the EU and to the overall way we view hemp products.

· The use of hemp as food, feed and manufactured products should be promoted.
· Hemp farming’s environmental benefits need to be recognised.
· Drug control legislations should not apply to hemp or its products, providing they meet the requirement for minimum THC content.
· On field maximum THC should be restored to 0.3% to align with international standards.
· All EU countries should allow all parts of the plant to be used or marketed – currently, some do not allow the use of the leaves and flowers.
· Hemp should not be considered as a novel food.
· Guidance for THC in food and feed should be revised and reasonably established – the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) considers the current guidance to be outdated and strict.
· All hemp-derived raw materials should be allowed as ingredients for cosmetics.
· The EU should establish a sustainable value chain for hemp by encouraging its use in the production of short and long fibres for textiles and offering early producers incentives and training.
· Using hemp in construction in both the public and private sector should be incentivised over the use of less sustainable materials.

This data is an encouraging overview of the possibilities of hemp both as a crop and a product providing European governments are willing to make changes.

ElleVance believes in the use of hemp for the health of people and the environment. For more information on our CBD oil drops and products, please visit our website or contact us.

many phones being help in the middle of a table

20 May

Not Just Another Trend: The Rise of CBD

We tend to see products and fads come and go faster than ever before, aided by social media influencers and celebrity endorsements. Often, these products have little or no real benefit or use and are quickly pushed aside for the next big thing.

Occasionally, however, something comes along that contradicts the norm, and we find ourselves presented with a product that may have a real benefit. Recent years have revealed that CBD appears to be one of these products.

In this article, we take a look at how CBD has risen in the last few years, why it became so popular, and where it’s headed in the future.

Where Has CBD Come From?

Hemp has been used for medicinal purposes for nearly 5,000 years (the first records of its use date back to 2,900 BC, in ancient China). Cannabidiol (CBD), however, was not discovered until 1940, when Dr Roger Adams’ team isolated the molecule. CBD medicinal properties were elucidated some 40 years later but, by then, Cannabis plants were forbidden, and massive use of CBD was therefore inconceivable.

With time, we were able to isolate CBD from the psychoactive cannabinoids in hemp and its popular use started to gain momentum. In 2010, the UK approved the first prescription cannabis medicine (Sativex®) and in 2019 the European Medicines Agency approved the first CBD-based medicine (Epidyolex®).

The combination of the depenalisation of hemp and CBD with the scientific efforts invested in better understanding hemp derivates benefits have boosted the popularity of CBD across the world.

Hemp is the Ideal Crop

Farmers quickly realised that hemp is a great crop to cultivate compared to others like corn and cotton. Hemp plants are resilient, fast-growing and require less water, fertiliser, pesticides, and herbicides.

It became easy for farmers to meet the rising demand for hemp extract to use in the production of CBD products.

Why Has CBD Become So Popular?

With a regular supply of quality hemp, the CBD industry could go about creating, testing and marketing a variety of products, which were met with a definite interest from the public.

This demand, combined with compelling scientific research on the benefits of pharmaceutical-grade CBD, led to a sharp increase in the popularity of the product. Spurred on by a significant number of testimonials from both the general public and sporting names, CBD has quickly become a universal product.

Why is CBD Not Just Another Trend?

In today’s terms, a trend is something that isn’t expected to last and will be popular for a short amount of time, followed by a sudden, and often careless, drop off of the radar.

While CBD is undoubtedly spending some time in the limelight, many are not characterising it as a fashion or trend. The amount of scientific research going into hemp derivates and the gradually increasing regulations on CBD is securing a place for CBD and other cannabinoid-based products in the shelves of pharmacies, health shops and beauty salons.

CBD is Different

The ongoing research of the benefits of CBD products, along with its continued endorsement by thousands of users, appears to have solidified its place in today’s mainstream, with no sign of it dropping out.

Besides, its reputation has only been strengthened by the World Anti-Doping Agency’s decision to remove CBD from its list of prohibited substances for two years running.

Where Can I Buy CBD?

Unfortunately, as is often the case, with the rise in popularity of a product comes a plethora of companies offering the same thing in varying quality.

CBD is available to purchase legally in the UK both in shops and online; however, buyers should proceed with caution. Some companies offer CBD products with little or no active ingredient, which results in minimal, if any, perceivable benefit.

Furthermore, there are even more out there who offer a poor-quality product consisting of CBD isolates, which only provide partial support.

Always Look for a Full-Spectrum Product

The most effective CBD products are what are known as full-spectrum. Full-spectrum (or whole plant) extracts contain not only CBD but also other cannabinoids (like CBDA), terpenes and flavonoids.

All these natural chemicals work together to achieve a better result in what is known as “the entourage effect”. Furthermore, companies who are confident with the quality and strength of their products will happily share with their customers the results of independent laboratory tests to prove their authenticity.

The most important thing to remember is to research a company before purchasing CBD from them properly.

Summary

While there is no doubt that CBD is having a moment, the industry, scientists, and regulators behind it do not show signs of plateauing, which suggest that it is here to stay. In the future, we are looking forward to the results of in-depth, further research on the effects of CBD and its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

For more information on CBD oil and other products, please feel free to explore the ElleVance Sciences website. As the providers of maximum strength full-spectrum CBD products, we are happy to share with our customer’s further details and lab reports; please contact us at customersupport@ellevancesciences.co.uk.

04 May

World Anti-Doping Agency Removes CBD From Prohibited Substances

If you are an athlete, sportsperson, or keen spectator, you may have heard by now that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has removed CBD from its prohibited substances list. The move demonstrates the ongoing global recognition of the safety of CBD. It presents professional athletes the opportunity to use CBD as part of their training programmes.

In this article, we take a look at what the new move means for athletes and the CBD industry.

What is the World Anti-Doping Agency?

Established in 1999, the World Anti-Doping Agency is an independent, international agency dedicated to the education, research and development of anti-doping capacities. The WADA also monitors and governs the World Anti-Doping Code, which is the document that unites anti-doping policies across the world in all sports.

As international sports are played across countries and borders, it is necessary to have a universal code that controls the use of performance-enhancing substances to allow for fair sportsmanship.

The WADA is an independent organisation and is funded equally by the governments of the world and the sport movement.

horse rider jumping over a jump on brown horse

What is the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods?

The List of Prohibited Substances and Methods is produced and updated each year, and it outlines the substances and methods that are prohibited in sport. The list is split into two categories:
• Prohibited at all times.
• Prohibited in competition. (Each sport defines the period in which the substance is banned).

Examples of substances included in the list are stimulants, anabolic steroids, diuretics, narcotics and stimulants.

The Permitted Use of CBD – Can Athletes Use CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol has been left off the list for the last two years; it is stated that:

-“All-natural and synthetic cannabinoids are prohibited except for cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis, hashish and marijuana are prohibited. Products, including foods and drinks, containing cannabinoids, are also prohibited. All synthetic cannabinoids that mimic the effects of THC are prohibited.”

It is up to the athlete to be responsible for the contents of the product they are consuming. The WADA states:

-“CBD is not prohibited; however, athletes should be aware that some CBD oils and tinctures extracted from cannabis plants, may also contain THC and other cannabinoids that could result in a positive test for a prohibited cannabinoid.”

What Does it Mean for Athletes?

The new rules mean that athletes are now permitted to experiment with CBD regarding their performance and wellbeing, from helping with muscle recovery to easing nerves before a big day. Big names in the sporting world have since begun advocating, and in some cases endorsing, CBD products, including the NFL, rugby, and world boxing stars.

Athletes are advised to use caution, however; as many CBD products contain tiny amounts of THC, which will not affect the user but may still be detectable in a WADA drug test. There are specialised CBD products available on the market which contain 0% THC and can be used by athletes and sportspeople.

The CBD Industry is Expected to Thrive

Over the coming years, the CBD industry is expected to thrive with additional attention and research being paid to professional sports. Not only can the industry focus on how CBD could help regular people, but also take a closer look at its potential benefits on a more refined level.

Looking forward, the continued use of CBD will give scientists and athletes a better idea of the effects of long-term usage. Its permittance by the WADA demonstrates the global shift towards the acceptance of its safety and effectiveness. Read more about How Athletes Manage Injuries in our blog.

At ElleVance Sciences, our vision is to research, manufacture and supply high-quality CBD products for a range of uses. Our dedication to our brand, our maximum strength products, and their quality, allow us to deliver our customers with a blend of cannabinoids and terpenes that is perfectly suited to their needs.

27 Mar

What can Veterinary Practices do to Respond to the Coronavirus Crisis?

In every country, veterinary practice owners and hospital teams are working hard to manage through this unprecedented Coronavirus crisis. We have never seen anything like it before – but, can we learn from other countries that have gone through the tunnel and are emerging from the other side?

Across China, most small animal veterinary clinics shut for 4-6 weeks during the lockdown. Those that stayed open had to adapt quickly and put in place a range of practices to succeed.

This week, we talked with Mr Cleveland Ngan – the CEO of Ringpai through the crisis – to see what learnings could be applicable in the UK and other countries. Ringpai is the second-largest corporate chain of veterinary hospitals in China with over 300 small animal hospitals in 50 cities. There are approximately 18,000 small animal clinics in China, of which about 8,000 offer full-service care, and circa 2,500 are part of corporate groups.

1. Support and train the staff

The health, safety and morale of the team are crucial. Identify essential staff and develop work rotas to reflect the reduced workload and reduced physical contact between workers. Clearly explain how staff will be kept safe on-site and emphasize the essential nature of the remaining services that will be available for sick pets.

2. Provide the tools

Ensure the hospital has enough protective equipment and disinfectant. In China, hospitals monitored the health of their staff, including daily temperature readings, and put in place protocols to disinfect the clinic at least every two hours.

3. Define what services to offer

Decide what services to provide, how pet owners can reach out to the clinic, and how the pet should be brought to the clinic. Create protocols for pets coming from households in self-isolation. Then share that with pet owners through all channels (email, SMS, web site, WeChat). Proactively reach out to pet owners to reschedule vaccinations, preventative care and other elective procedures. Evaluate if a drop off service for medications would be beneficial.

4. Communicate effectively with pet owners

When requesting an appointment, pet owners were asked to email the hospital with symptoms (including photos and videos of their sick pet) for a pre-screening. In emergencies, these prerequisites were not applied.

Video conferencing tools can also be used, such as Zoom and WeChat (the Chinese version of WhatsApp). At Ringpai, a software tool was created to capture all digital interactions with pet owners in their practice management software.

5. Encourage staff to use downtime proactively

Fewer pet visits and ‘work from home’ requirements equal more free time. Outbound calls to pet owners and online appointments can help. Take the opportunity for CPD – manufacturers will be rolling out more webinars and online education. Also, this is an excellent time to update hospital SOPs.

6. Plan now for the return to normality

In China, pet owner visits have bounced back after 2.5 months to near normalcy. Reschedule appointments soon and prepare marketing campaigns to get pet owners off “Dr Google” and back into the practice.

ElleVance Sciences supply and manufacture high-quality full-spectrum CBD / CBDA products. Click to shop our full range of CBD oils.

Found this article interesting? Take a look at our overview on How Will the Coronavirus Affect Veterinary Practice?

27 Mar

How Will Coronavirus Affect Veterinary Practice? The China Experience

Veterinary practices in the UK and around the world are trying to figure out how to operate in the new reality of Coronavirus.

Should we stay open? What service should we provide to keep pets healthy? How can we keep our staff safe? What can we do to minimize the damage to the business?

We could start by looking to a country that has already been through coronavirus lockdown and is now emerging at the other end to see what we can learn. COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province in China and the country took drastic action between January and March to control the spread. The whole of Hubei was locked down by January 31st, and all 430 animal hospitals in the Province were closed.

Other Provinces locked down in early February, and by the 13th, 67% of medium/larger sized practices across China were closed* (there are approximately 18,000 small animal practices in China). In the less affected areas, clinics rapidly reopened, and by February 20th only 55% were closed, down to less than 10% by the last week of March. Veterinary practices that stay open had to adapt quickly.

Stock Shortages

There were initial shortages of critical items, such as disinfectant and pet foods, due to courier disruption but that rapidly resolved. Pet owners proactively cancelled visits to the clinic especially for vaccinations, preventative care and less serious issues. Over 65% of pet owners said they shifted to “Dr Google”. In response, hospitals put staff on the phone and on-line to communicate with clients, screen patients, and reschedule less critical visits.

New Safety Protocols

Local sanitary authorities visited each day to check staff health status and records to confirm disinfection protocols. Clinics had to establish new safety procedures, including thorough disinfection every two hours, etc. Finally, in China, pet owners were not used to booking appointments, but that has become a requirement to minimize pet owner time in the waiting room. Interestingly, in the US, curb-side pet drop-off has become the norm this month, and pet owners are typically not allowed into the practice. Moreover, some states, including Pennsylvania, prohibit elective procedures.

Impact on Revenue

Chinese clinics that stayed open, revenues dropped significantly (60+%) in February driven by fewer pet visits. Still, the average transaction value increased due to the percentage of sick patients and the time available to work up each case. These figures have since rebounded. For Ringpai – a corporate chain of 300 hospitals across China – customer visit approached normal levels by the end of March. Their top hospitals are back to 100% of their pre-crisis weekly revenues, after only 2.5 months. Will the UK follow the same path – only time will tell.

During this time, ElleVance Sciences are continuing to provide CBD / CBDA products including our full-spectrum CBD oil, to surgeries to meet the needs of the cases that they have on prescription.

*This data is from a Zoetis survey of 6,273 medium to large-sized hospitals.

pink and yellow balloons with smiley faces

19 Mar

Coping with Stress

Stress, worry, anxiety and struggling to sleep can sometimes be your body’s response to outside pressures and influences. It is always essential to deal with stress when it arises. However, in light of the recent events surrounding the outbreak of COVID-19, some people may be experiencing elevated levels of worry and stress. With this in mind, we are sharing with you some information on how you can help you and your family to de-stress and unwind.

NB – If you are experiencing severe levels of anxiety and are worried, please speak to a healthcare professional as soon as possible by calling your GP surgery or 111. For the recommended guidance on how to protect you and your family, please visit the government’s advice page on https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

snow capped mountain range on a still day

What is Stress?

It is important to remember that stress, and the situations that cause it, will vary from person to person. The broad definition of stress is feeling overwhelmed, unable to cope or unable to manage a situation; however, it is generally accepted that it doesn’t have to be so severe to be considered a problem.

Stress can be caused by a vast range of reasons including work, family, relationship and money problems or worries. Some people also experience stress as part of broader societal or economic circumstances, such as damage to the environment or, as we have seen recently, a pandemic.

What are the Effects of Stress?

Stress is a natural adaptive response by our bodies caused by the release of stress hormones that trigger our natural ‘fight or flight’ response. It is not always negative as these hormones can help us to respond quickly to dangerous situations.

However, long term stress can result in damage to both physical and mental health.

How can I De-Stress and Unwind?

If stress or worry is having a negative impact on your life, it is essential to take steps to try and reduce it. The following advice can be applied in many stressful situations.

Breathe

Spending a few minutes focusing purely on deep breathing can help to lower heart rate and distract a racing mind. Stop and breathe in and out, counting to three each time if you can. Remind yourself that everything is going to be okay and there are always options.

Talk to Someone

If stress is overwhelming and you feel unable to cope, it is a good idea to speak to someone. It can be a professional or a friend. If you are unable to visit them physically, even a simple phone call can help significantly. Do not feel as though you are an unnecessary burden to friends or family. Stress and anxiety can sometimes cause people to become emotionally isolated, which can aggravate symptoms further.

Switch Off

Switching off both in a mental and literal sense may be necessary and helpful. In the current circumstances regarding the coronavirus outbreak, many individuals are finding that continuous news coverage and constant updates are causing higher levels of anxiety. If this is the case, take a break from the news and screen time such as social media, and do something relaxing, such as reading, drawing or watching a film.

Practice Methods to Reduce Anxiety

There are plenty of other methods out there that are useful tools to reduce feelings of worry, anxiety or stress. Meditation and exercise are both scientifically proven to help. CBD oil and, most notably, cannabinoids and terpenes rich hemp extracts, are also known to help reduce stress. Several studies showed the positive effects of complete-spectrum extracts on sleep and anxious feelings. If you would like some more advice on how CBD / CBDA rich hemp extracts could help you, please get in touch via social media, we are happy to chat.

ElleVance Sciences manufacture and supply high-strength, quality CBD / CBDA products. Our oil contains a unique blend of terpenes, CBD and CBDA to provide full system support and maintain the bodies endocannabinoid system.

10 Mar

A Chat with Andrew Cotton: Professional Big Wave Surfer

One of the UK’s most celebrated and fearless surfers, we took the chance to catch up with Andrew and talk about his experience in professional sports, time in recovery and how he has used CBD over the years.

About Andrew

Known affectionately as Cotty, Andrew’s talents are not limited to sport and surfing. He is an accomplished and inspirational public speaker, having spoken out on a range of topics, from achieving goals and dealing with failure, to the environment alongside charities such as Surfers Against Sewage. Andrew’s other endeavours include global Surf Fitness Retreats and media work.

Surf Career

From humble beginnings surfing the coast of South West England, Andrew discovered a passion for big wave riding that took him across the world to countries such as Australia, Hawaii and Portugal. It was in Nazare that he got to ride some of the biggest waves ever attempted, reaching the dizzying heights of waves in excess of 70ft.

from the water image of andrew riding a big wave

Using CBD

In a devastating accident in November 2017, Andrew suffered from a compression fracture in his spine, which had to be followed by a long period of recovery. Andrew used CBD throughout the recovery process; however, he explains that he had already been using it.

“To be honest, I think I was using CBD before that, I was looking into ways to recover after training; you read loads of different things, and CBD came up quite a lot.”

“I was looking into ways to sleep better and recover faster after training sessions. I tried various different products and methods of taking it.”

When asked his preferred method of taking CBD, he explained he’d tried several different stages, including adding it to food and coffee.

“But I think the best is just drops under the tongue” he adds.

Thankfully, he made a full recovery and spent several months regaining his fitness. As someone who has used CBD for a long period of time, he realises the importance of taking regular doses and allowing it to build up in the body.

“It’s part of something that I’ve put into my daily routine; it’s not something I would take just before a contest, it’s something that I take every day and build it up so it’s constant. It’s getting into your daily routine like you might take vitamins or supplements, I take CBD.”

“We get into this habit of wanting something instant, with CBD it takes time.”

He adds, “With CBD, it’s not like normal prescription drugs, where you feel like you can almost feel the effects immediately. I think it takes time to build up, we get into this habit of wanting something instant, with CBD it takes time.”

He also warns people to do their research before purchasing a CBD product. “There are a lot of different products out there, and some are better than others, it’s not until you start reading into it a bit more you start understanding it. Not a lot of stuff is amazing.”

Admitting he was unsure about its effectiveness before taking CBD, he says: “There are a lot of claims that it does a lot of different things, and that straight away got me quite sceptical. How can something do so much? But for me, it was all about recovery and trying to sleep better, and it did that.”

Andrew goes on to discuss the importance of sleep in both sport and everyday life. “I think sleep and recovery for anyone, whether you’re an athlete or do whatever, it’s really important and I think for me, that’s why it’s helped. It’s what’s helped me get over injury, but it’s also helped me get over training sessions and big wave sessions.”

“Sleep has kind of become hard, it’s hard for me, but I think taking CBD has definitely helped that.”

“It’s surprising how many people don’t sleep as much as they should. I think this day and age, managing to turn the brain off and get a good 8 to 10 hours sleep has kind of become hard, it’s hard for me, but I think taking CBD has definitely helped that.”

He’s also confident with recommending CBD to others:

“My dad’s in his 70s, and I’ve been trying to get him to start taking it for his arthritis, and he’s pretty old school, if it doesn’t work that day, he thinks it doesn’t work. I’ve been trying to get through to him that you’ve got to give it a proper month or a few weeks to get the benefits. Sometimes he doesn’t notice the benefits because he’s living with it, but I think I notice a difference.”

We really enjoyed chatting with Andrew and wish him the best in future competitions!

Visit the ElleVance Sciences website for CBD oil and other related products. We pride ourselves in our maximum strength, full-spectrum hemp extract, which contains our unique blend of CBD, CBDA and terpenes providing all-round balance and support.

24 Feb

What is Wellness?

It’s a word we see everywhere, but how many of us understand wellness and know what it means? Not to be dismissed as a trend dreamt up to help companies sell products, wellness is a holistic approach to life dating back to ancient civilisations.

In the modern-day, the concept of wellness involves a range of things that allow us to focus on our lives and help us to feel our best both physically and mentally. Not merely the pursuit of happiness, incorporating wellness into our lifestyles can help us to negotiate the ever-increasing chaos of the world. In this article, we break into the basics of wellness and discuss its benefits.

Family standing together on a beach at sunset holding hands

What is Wellness?

The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health. The key term here is ‘active pursuit’. Wellness is not a static state of being, rather the culmination of choices, intentions and actions that help us to move toward, and maintain, a higher state of health and wellbeing.

While conventional approaches and modern medicine play their part in this, the dynamics that are covered also lend themselves to more holistic alternatives. Furthermore, when we think of wellness as a lifestyle and mindset, we can begin to see how the various factors come together.

Physical

Physical wellness refers to the health of your body. There are a plethora of elements that relate to our physical health – including nutrition, exercise and sleep.

Mental

Mental wellness is the general state of your mental health, which can include your mood, outlook and ability to deal with problems and emotions.

Emotional

Emotional wellness elaborates on your mental state and involves your ability to be aware and able to express your emotions healthily, as well as consider the feeling and emotions of others.

Spiritual

Not necessarily referring to religion or belief, spiritual wellbeing is the search for, or acceptance, of purpose and meaning.

Social

Social wellbeing means you are connecting with others and maintaining a level of social interaction that helps you to feel included.

Environmental

Relating to the environment, both your immediate and broader, environmental wellness covers a healthy living space, connection with nature and an awareness of your impact on the world. In extension, making choices that are less damaging to the environment.

What are the Best Ways to Promote Wellness?

Once you have a better understanding of wellness, you may wonder how it is possible to incorporate it into your lifestyle. In truth, it is not as hard as it may seem to begin making wellness choices. As we discussed earlier, it is an individual and active journey to be more aware; there is no bar or end goal. So, how can you begin to promote personal wellness?

Choose More Ethical Brands

Whether it’s for travel, groceries, skincare or clothing, there are many brands out there who are promoting a more sustainable and ethical approach to their products or services. Not only does this fit in with environmental wellbeing choices, but often these products contain more organic and authentic ingredients.

Incorporate a Healthier Lifestyle

You don’t have to go to the gym five nights a week and eat a salad every day to make healthier lifestyle choices! Simple alternatives such as choosing an active weekend excursion with the kids, or gently tweaking your diet to be more nutritious are examples of the proactive pursuit of wellness.

Person exercising and doing yoga at sunset

How Does CBD Contribute to Wellness?

CBD on its own does not necessarily promote wellness. Instead, its benefits cover a range of physical and mental factors, that when bought together can contribute to your wellness journey. Based on scientific research and studies, genuine CBD products can help improve the quality of sleep, reduce the symptoms of chronic pain conditions and have a multitude of benefits for regular exercisers and those suffering from anxiety.

link to click to find out more about cbd

At ElleVance Sciences, we are dedicated to helping our customers live a more active life. Our products, which contain our unique blend of hemp plant extract, have been extensively researched to provide the perfect balance of cannabinoids and terpene. In joining us, you will become part of the ElleVance community. Here you can share your experience with other members, keep up to date on the latest research, and discover more about CBD on the broader wellness industry. For CBD oil in the UK, please visit our website.

An athlete kicking a football on a pitch.

21 Feb

How do Athletes Manage Injuries?

At the top of their game, athletes train their bodies regularly to ensure they are performing at their peak. People who invest themselves in sport take it on as not merely a passion or a way to make money, but also as a lifestyle choice, and it becomes their way of living.

Injuries can be severe enough to significantly reduce, or even stop, a training programme, which in turn can have an impact on an athletes physical and mental health.

It’s not just athletes who suffer from injuries, and it can be equally as damaging for an active individual to be out of action. With this in mind, to provide you with some advice, we take a look at how professionals manage their injuries.

NB – this is a guide and a general overview, if you are suffering from a sports injury, we advise that the first thing you do is speak to a health professional.

Acceptance

Severe injuries may come with a fair amount of healing time. To help with the physical and mental recovery; it is essential to accept the damage caused and begin to come to terms with it. Acceptance is often the first step to recovery, and it can be a useful tool to help stay positive and begin to move forward.

Learn About the Injury

The more you learn about your injury, the better equipped you will be to recover at a faster rate successfully. By asking the right questions, you can plan a thorough programme that will not inhibit the recovery process and feel a greater sense of control over the situation. Knowing about how and why you were injured can also help to prevent it from happening again.

Questions you should ask include:

Do I need treatment or physiotherapy?
Do I have several options for treatment?
How long will the recovery take?
What amount of exercise can I still do?
What type of injury do I have?

A broken shoulder bone shown on an x-ray.

Types of Injury

By understanding which type of injury you have, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect.

The most common kinds of injury include:

Tendon or ligament tears
Muscle strains
Joint dislocation
Bone fractures

If exercise is something you love to do, the mental strain on missing out can be quite severe. It isn’t uncommon for those who suffer from an injury to experience low mood or even symptoms of depression. Planning your recovery, maintaining an interest in other areas of your life and talking to others can help you to stay positive. If possible, you could try talking to others who are either going through or have experienced, a similar situation to you.

Set Goals

Setting yourself achievable goals help to maintain a positive outlook and provide a useful schedule for recovery, so you don’t rush or overdo it and cause further injury.

Learn About the Healing Process of the Injury

Maintaining and nurturing the healing process is perhaps one of the essential areas when on the road to recovery. Understanding the healing process will help you come to terms with the injury, as well as see the smaller bits of progress that may otherwise be missed.

Be sure you know the amount and type of exercise you are okay with and try to get into a routine as it is essential to maintain fitness levels when out of action.

A Holistic Approach

Some athletes also choose to supplement their recovery with additional, more holistic treatments, for example, sports massage. CBD products are becoming an increasingly popular choice. Growing research and testimonials have shown that cannabinoids like CBD and CBDA can help to manage some of the pain associated with common sporting injuries. Athletes can use CBD oil safely after the World Anti-Doping Agency removed it from their list of prohibited substances in 2018.

See how ElleVance can help you.

Maintain an Involvement in the Sport

Even if you unable to train or play, maintaining active involvement in your sports club or organisation can make a considerable difference mentally as well as helping to receive support from fellow teammates and members.

Injury can be a frustrating time, but with the correct approach, it is possible to manage the recovery process and keep the healing time to a minimum. At ElleVance Sciences, we are enthusiastic about helping people to lead an active life and be the best versions of themselves. For more information on CBD products, please take a look at our article on cannabinoids.

17 Feb

The Present and Future of Cannabinoids: an interview with Stephen Cital

In the UK and US, it is only relatively recently that CBD products have been made available, thanks to the US Farm Bill, which has allowed farmers to begin producing hemp on an industrial scale. From here, those in the industry have been able to swiftly start research and trials, to expand the world’s knowledge of the cannabinoids and their benefits.

While research remains in its infancy, leaps and bounds have been made in how we understand the bodies endocannabinoid system, and the effect it has on mood, appetite, the immune system and more. The future for CBD products is looking strong and to find out a little more, we’ve teamed up with ElleVet advisory board member, Steven Cital to discuss his professional views on CBD and his hopes for the future. We have also included questions asked by you, which we hope will help you to better understand CBD and what it’s used for.

Stephen, whose goal is to educate both medical professionals and the public, has spent the last few years building a strong reputation as an expert on the use of cannabinoids.

Hi Stephen, thank you for taking some time to talk to us. You are a leading specialist on the safe and effective use of Cannabinoids, and we have compiled a few questions that ElleVance’s customers have sent us for you.

When did you first hear of CBD and what compelled you to begin studying it?

I first starting hearing about general cannabinoid use about seven years ago. I then started seeing use, so started investigating the legitimacy of the molecules for my patients in a more serious fashion in 2016. Once I started reading some of the pre-clinical data, I knew I was on to something that has huge potential that we have been ignoring for decades!

What has the rise in awareness of CBD products meant for the industry?

The interest in the industry had been good in the sense of normalising the discussion of cannabinoids but has also unfortunately given rise to less than credible characters and companies making miracle claims without the data to back it up. Despite taunts and even threats, I have really tried to make it my mission to get out accurate information. Everything I say when educating on the topic, you can be assured I have a scientific reference to back it up.

How do hemp products help with sleeping – are they the same as CBD?

This is a fantastic question, with many physiological complexities to understand. If I were to break it down, I would say that our body has a number of naturally occurring molecules known as endocannabinoids that help regulate several different physiologic functions and responses (i.e. appetite, our response to stress, immune response, etc.) including sleep cycles.

I believe we all understand in this day in age we have so many triggers that can interrupt our bodies normal responses to things such as medications, general stress and environmental factors that can disrupt normal endocannabinoid production and function. Supporting our bodies with plant-based molecules, known as phytocannabinoids, might be the best option for some individuals to help naturally bring our bodies back into homeostasis-which includes normal sleep cycles.

These plant-based molecules have a very similar structure to the endocannabinoids our bodies create, making them an excellent option to try. It must also be noted that besides the homeostatic properties, these molecules appear to have other therapeutic benefits that can address other issues that may interrupt sleep.

On the current market, what are your favourite trends/products?

I have always been a “Western” minded practitioner and seeing my own evolution into more natural methods has opened my eyes to not only the potential of plant-based supplements but also the efficacy I see every day in patients. I keep reminding myself that Mother Nature has been doing things a lot longer than any of us. It’s about time we listen to her and utilise what the plant has provided, without trying to leave our human mark on what has already been working for aeons.

What do you see in the future for CBD research and products?

As this industry evolves, I expect to see more research on different phytocannabinoids and their therapeutic use for many different conditions. I believe we will see specific phytocannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids in various concentrations for very specific conditions and more research confirming the already known safety of these molecules.

In your opinion, what are the biggest limitations facing the industry currently?

In my opinion, I believe our biggest limitations are not only the slow pace of regulations catching up to the pace of the industry and science, having to educate medical professionals on the safe and effective use of phytocannabinoids, and also the public.

What’s your advice for someone who is looking to give CBD a try?

For anyone wanting to try CBD, I would urge them to utilise a company that is willing to give you a Certificate of Analysis and has some data showing safety and dosing. Also, an efficacy study and has full traceability of all the supplies used to produce their product. I would also urge them to consider a complete spectrum product that has as many of the molecules maintained in the product as the plant naturally produces. Researchers have already found that broad and complete spectrum products work better than isolate products by stimulating the “entourage effect”.

Thank you for speaking with us, Stephen!

ElleVance Sciences prides itself on its continued research into full-spectrum CBD and CBDA products. If you are interested in CBD oil or more research and articles, take a look at our website or follow us on social media.

03 Feb

How Sport Can Improve Mental Health

Exercise has long been hailed as ‘nature’s antidepressant’ and there is a good reason for this. Exercise can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and help improve self-esteem and positive feelings.

How Does Exercise Improve Mental Health?

Exercising triggers the release of brain chemicals that increase our happiness and our relaxation, and usually, sport is a great form of exercise.

A study from the Mental Health Foundation showed that participants had an elevated mood after 30 minutes, from some form of exercise. This could have been anything from gardening to walking, in comparison to those who participated in an inactive activity such as reading.

The benefits of sport on your mental health

Sports Encourages Friendship

Friendships are one of the most important relationships we have in our lives and are crucial to mental health. When it comes to sport, if you are part of a team, this is the perfect environment for friendships to blossom. Team sport relies on trust and loyalty and these two components can facilitate bonding. Having friendship in your life is an innate need for the majority of us and fulfilling this boosts our mental health.

Sport Reduces Depression and Stress

Being physically active takes your mind away from daily stressors. It only has one thing to focus on, and that is what sport you are participating in right at that moment. When you are exercising, the process reduces the stress hormones in your body and stimulates the production of endorphins and endocannabinoids. These are chemicals that can help keep stress at bay and alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms.

Sports Improve Sleeping Habits

Sleep is absolutely vital to us. Not only is it important to how our body can perform, but it’s also very important to how our brain performs. Lack of sleep can cause all sorts of issues, ranging from hormonal imbalances, tiredness, and a slower rate of healing, amongst others. Sport helps us get a much better quality of sleep, which of course has a positive effect on our mental health.

Sport Boosts Your Self Confidence

Sport usually offers a chance to practice regular exercise. Because of this, we are able to see our stamina, flexibility, endurance and other skills improve over time, which can be a great confidence booster. Along with physical health improving, the energy that comes with it will only fuel the desire to keep practising the sport, and in turn, progress with it. This will reinforce that you are capable of anything you set your mind to!

Sport Boosts Your Cognitive Function

Did you know, exercise boosts your brain function? According to Start Active, Stay Active (2011), there is clear evidence that daily physical activity can reduce the risk of cognitive decline in adults, with a risk reduction of 20-30%, of those developing dementia. It is also said that physical exercise can reduce the likelihood of experiencing cognitive decline in people who don’t have dementia. Keeping your cognition as healthy as possible can help prevent mental health issues, as mental health issues are associated with a disruptive cognition.

Sport and Mental Resilience

Engaging in sport and exercise is a healthy and effective way to cope with life stressors, rather than turning to substances such as alcohol, smoking, or other negative behaviours that could further the issues of mental health problems and worsen your physical state. When faced with mental or emotional challenges, sport gives one of the best kinds of healthy relief, and along with this, regular exercise improves your immune system which is important for both physical and mental resilience.

Sport and Hemp

There are numerous benefits of taking hemp oil for sport. Quality hemp products are rich in CBDA, which acts as an anti-inflammatory, and in CBD, which preserves the nerve cells structure and function. Hemp can also help speed up the recovery process after sport, which means you can get back to exercising in no time, enabling you to keep a routine that supports both your physical and mental health.

Summary

Participating in sports is a fantastic way to improve your health. Not only by having the support of peers and building friendships but also for the physical effects it has on your body. Why not try out a new sport?

Here at ElleVance Sciences, we have a range of supplements that can support your active lifestyle. Read here to find out how CBD oil can improve wellbeing and give our online store a browse!