Among the reasons people buy CBD, we hear a lot about its effect on inflammation. But what's the deal? Who has inflammation, and why would they take CBD?
You might be surprised how many everyday issues involve inflammation. Here, we'll explain some of them, and look briefly at what the research says about CBD and inflammation.
First Things First. What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, abbreviated to CBD, is a key ingredient in all strains of the Cannabis sativa plant, including legal industrial hemp. Hemp-derived CBD is in brisk demand for a range of benefits, but getting high is not one of them, because CBD oil has very strict limits on how much THC it can contain (never more than 0.3%). How safe is it? On the safety question, the Harvard Health blog cites the World Health Organization stating:
- CBD shows no abuse or dependence potential.
- No signs of public health risks have arisen from pure CBD.
Speaking of pure, it's very important to know exactly what you're getting and how it's sourced. There have been cases of adulterated products so stick to reputable companies that offer third-party tested products and that employ clean extraction techniques to derive their oils from the plant.
OK. What Is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the culprit under many kinds of health conditions and many types of pain. Triggered by things like toxins, physical trauma, or infection, it alerts the immune system of the need to respond to viruses or bacteria, or to protect and restore injured tissue.
Usually, the inflammatory response is an early part of healing. But harmful swelling or autoimmune diseases are instances in which inflammation can cause serious trouble. If it becomes chronic, inflammation can manifest itself as inflammatory bowel disease, for example, or in conditions with neurodegenerative and inflammatory elements such as multiple sclerosis.
Additionally, many forms of cancer are related to chronic inflammation: studies of human populations indicate that more than a fifth of all cancers are caused through DNA changes brought about by chronic inflammation. It is also in play in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's diseases, as well as in osteoporosis and strokes.
So, Inflammation Is an Issue for Everyone?
Yes. At some time in our lives, it's an issue for us all. Have you ever taken ibuprofen or other NSAIDS: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs? Everyone has inflammatory responses to ordinary materials and situations: cigarette smoke, asbestos, UV exposure, colds, headaches, dental work, anxiety. To some extent, inflammation is a normal part of living. But it's worth taking some time to learn about oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been linked to some pretty serious things, and has a connection to both inflammation and cancer.
To put it simply, our bodies need to effectively remove free radicals – unstable atoms that age us and that impose the kind of oxidative stress that wears on our cells and systems over time. What promotes free radicals in the first place? Inflammation in our bodies, and what we breathe in, absorb, or eat. This is why people who learn about the connection between food and health talk about the importance of antioxidants. Some people shift to a plant-based diet, or look to organic berries, green tea or even chocolate (yes, really!), and all of these measures are founded in science and proven beneficial. In addition, some people are asking whether CBD can engage the endocannabinoid system in ways that ease inflammation.
So now we must ask...
Is There Strong Evidence of the Benefits of CBD for Inflammation?
Research indicates that CBD is one of the cannabinoids that can ease pain and inflammation without the risks of NSAIDS.
While a study from the European Journal of Pain showed CBD could ease pain and inflammation due to arthritis, work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed how CBD confronts arthritis inflammation by reducing tumor necrosis. The CBD anti inflammatory research findings showed CBD's ability to deal with hard-to-treat inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
Moreover, as regular readers of this blog know, CBD engages our CB2 receptors, which are part of the internal cannabinoid receptor system in our bodies. Importantly, these receptors can impede inflammation.
We note these results not as medical advice, but for informational purposes. We expect to see this area of research continue to unfold in the near future, and we await corroboration through findings from human studies.
Is There a CBD Oil Dosage for Inflammation?
Speak with your doctor before using CBD for inflammation. Follow your doctor's dosage recommendation, if any. As of this time, as Healthline has pointed out, there are still no FDA regulations or dose recommendations available for CBD.
As for the general range, many people begin by trying a modest dosage for pain and inflammation: around 20 to 40 mg to start. That can be increased weekly by 5 mg until the symptoms ease. Is it guaranteed? No. Addressing free radicals is a holistic mission, and what we eat matters.
Kale Is Still Cool
Keep those benefits! If you frequently splurge on low-nutrient foods, your body will most likely lose a lot of the anti-inflammatory CBD effects. To boost your levels of antioxidants, it's important to stay hydrated, and try to go easy on the processed foods, dairy foods, fast foods, and sugary foods and drinks. As often as possible, make it a point to eat:
- Power-packed vegetables, like kale, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, carrots, cabbage, and broccoli.
- Berries and cherries.
- Foods containing healthful fats and proteins, like avocados, beans, oatmeal, whole grains, and a few nuts now and then.
If you would like to try CBD for its anti-inflammatory benefits, it’s essential to talk with your doctor about how you'd like to integrate CBD into your daily routine. Do consult your doctor about working it into a special diet, or if you take medication.
And of course you're invited to contact Mtiva if you have questions about our products. We're here for you.
https://www.natureandbloom.com/cbd-and-inflammation/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/301506
https://www.webmd.com/diet/anti-inflammatory-diet-road-to-good-health#1
