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CBD and pancreatitis

CBD and pancreatitis

cannabinoids, CBD experiences, cbd for animals, Effect of CBD oil

Acute inflammation of the pancreas, i.e. pancreatitis, is a very unpleasant disease, which is typical among those who drink a lot of alcohol. In this article, we will get to know pancreatitis, the endocannabinoid system in the pancreas and the possible effect of CBD to support the treatment of pancreatitis.

 

Functions of the pancreas

 

The pancreas is a gland located in the digestive system, whose main tasks are the secretion of hormones and the secretion of digestive enzymes into the digestive tract.

The pancreas is located behind the stomach in the small intestine and is roughly pear-shaped. (1)

 

What is pancreatitis?

 

Pancreatitis is caused by pancreatic fluid that has leaked into the tissues due to too early activated digestive enzymes. It is easily detected through a urine or blood sample and is almost always a situation requiring hospital treatment. (1,2)

The most common cause of pancreatitis is alcohol. There are also other reasons for it, such as gallstones, but almost all cases are caused by long-term excessive alcohol use. Being overweight and smoking also increase the risk of developing pancreatitis. (1,2)

Pancreatitis affects approx. 5,000 Finns every year and 2-3% of them die from complications caused by it. (1,2)

 

Mild pancreatitis

 

Mild pancreatitis refers to pancreatitis occurring for the first time, which usually heals on its own within a few weeks. Even mild pancreatitis should be taken seriously, because it recurs very easily if the lifestyle that led to it is not changed. (1)

 

Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis refers to pancreatic failure resulting from heavy alcohol consumption, which is the result of repeated pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis also causes most of the time diabetes, as the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin decreases. (1)

Symptoms of pancreatitis

 

The symptom of pancreatitis is a belt-like, severe, abdominal pain that occurs in the upper abdomen and sometimes also radiates to the back. Symptoms also include nausea, vomiting and fever. Symptoms may worsen during the day and ease again at night. (1,2)

A man jogging on the beach at sunset.

Heavy alcohol consumption can be difficult to stop, but the positive health effects it brings are worth the effort.

 

Prevention

 

A healthy lifestyle is the only way to prevent pancreatitis, as it is caused by alcohol and gallstones. If the change in lifestyle is challenging for one reason or another, you should make some kind of plan for yourself, with the help of which, for example, you can monitor your own alcohol consumption and try to reduce it. If necessary, you should also ask for at least emotional support from loved ones, such as friends and family members.

Stress

 

Stress alone is not the cause of pancreatitis, so avoiding it is not really a way to prevent it. Stress in itself is hard on the body and it weakens e.g. resistance and optimal functioning of the body.

Effect of diet

 

In itself, the diet does not affect the development of pancreatitis, but it may even prevent it through detours. Pancreatitis caused by gallstones can be avoided by changing the lifestyle that causes gallstones. Gallstones are caused by e.g. overweight and overweight can be controlled with sufficient exercise and a healthy diet.

Avoiding certain foods during and after pancreatitis may make you feel better, because due to inflammation and recovery, some foods may not be digested properly. You should avoid high-fiber food, pay attention to the amount and quality of fat, and avoid foods that are generally difficult to digest, such as cabbage, beans, etc. reduce eating. You should monitor how you feel and reduce the foods that clearly cause symptoms. (3)

Alcohol

 

Alcohol is the biggest risk factor for pancreatitis and its moderate use is a prerequisite to avoid inflammation. Almost without exception, anyone who has consumed alcohol regularly and for a long time will experience at least mild pancreatitis. The strength of the alcohol has little to do with it, as pancreatitis can occur as a result of heavy consumption of both strong liquors and milder beers.

 

Care and home care

 

If the pancreatitis is caused by gallstones, the treatment is a quick operation that reopens the blocked bile duct.

The treatment of pancreatitis caused by alcohol is hydration and drug therapy, but the most important thing is to immediately stop or at least drastically reduce the use of alcohol, because pancreatitis recurs very easily. The more mild pancreatitis is behind, the more susceptible it becomes chronic and eventually causes failure, which is even a fatal disease. The pancreas may also become gangrenous, the removal of which requires surgery. (1,2)

The endocannabinoid system and the pancreas

 

Endocannabinoid system acting throughout the body monitors that all body processes are working properly. The system in question is found in all humans and almost all animal species, and its task is to act as the so-called as a back gate that guides the body’s functioning towards balance.

The endocannabinoid system consists of three parts; endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and enzymes that break them down.

Among the body’s cannabinoid receptors, the CB1 receptor is mainly found in the brain and is responsible for e.g. from the release of various neurotransmitters. CB2 receptors are found in the pancreas and it has its own important functions there.

Endocannabinoids also affect the body through other receptors, and in functions related to the pancreas, it seems that the TRPV receptor family of receptors and GPR receptors are also involved in the functions. (4)

Of the endocannabinoids, both anandamide and 2-AGhas been observed in the pancreas. They seem to regulate e.g. insulin production. (4)

 

CBD oil and pancreatitis

 

According to some studies, cannabis use may contribute to acute pancreatitis, but CBDhas been found to have a mitigating effect on it. (5,6)

CBD does not necessarily cure or treat pancreatitis, but it may have an alleviating effect on the associated symptoms. CBD oil may have an anti-inflammatory effect and may relieve pain. CBD has been detected to increase appetite and relieve intestinal diseases, thus it may also ease symptoms related to eating. CBD also has potential anti-nausea effects.

Due to these properties, CBD can also be suitable for relieving symptoms caused by pancreatitis in dogs.

 

Canine pancreatitis

 

Pancreatitis also occurs in dogs, but understandably it is not caused by excessive alcohol consumption. There are two types of pancreatitis in dogs, acute and chronic.

Symptoms of acute pancreatitis are sudden onset symptoms which include e.g. vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal pain, fever and fatigue. The symptoms can be very strong.

The symptoms associated with chronic pancreatitis are similar, but mild and almost imperceptible. Sometimes it can also be completely asymptomatic. (7)

Canine pancreatitis can be caused by many reasons, but typically it is caused by excess weight, fatty food, medications, or physical injury, such as a blow to the stomach. It is treated with painkillers and hydration. Healing depends on the intensity of the symptoms and the individual situation. (7)

Pancreatitis is more common in certain dog breeds and these include e.g. terriers, cocker spaniels and miniature schnauzers. (7)

 

Summary

 

Pancreatitis is an unpleasant disease, mainly caused by excessive alcohol consumption, which may even lead to death. The only way to prevent its onset is to use alcohol in moderation and after mild pancreatitis to stop using it completely. CBD oil may be helpful in relieving the symptoms of pancreatitis, although it cannot cure it by itself.

 

Sources

 

  1. 2022. Terveykylä.fi. Pancreatitis. https://www.terveyskyla.fi/vatsatalo/ylävatsa/haimatälätä. Referenced 13/03/2023.
  2. P. Mustajoki. 2020. Duodecim Health Library. Pancreatitis. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00017 . Referenced 13/03/2023. 2022. Terveykylä.fi. Pancreatitis. https://www.terveyskyla.fi/vatsatalo/ylävatsa/haimatälätä. Referenced 13/03/2023.
  3. Tays. 2019. Diet of a pancreatic patient. https://www.tays.fi/fi-FI/Ohjeet/Potilasohjeet/Vatsaelinsairaudet/Haimapotilaan_ruokavalio(46272). Referenced 13/03/2023.
  4. Cortes-Justo E., Ramirez-Garfias S. and Flores-Vilches A.. 2023. The function of the endocannabinoid system in the pancreatic islet and its implications on metabolic syndrome and diabetes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9815253/. Referenced 13/03/2023.
  5. Sly M, Clark K, Karaghossian G, Narang VK, Gill M and Ragland AS. 2021. Cannabis-Induced Pancreatitis in a Young Adult Male. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8312169/. Referenced 13/03/2023.
  6. Jaiswal V. et al. 2022. Acute pancreatitis as a rare adverse event among cannabis users: A systematic review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9239618/. Referenced 13/03/2023.
  7. Hilasvuori S. 2021. Own animal clinic. Canine pancreatitis. https://omaelainklinikka.fi/koiran-haimatulehdus/. Referenced 13/03/2023.
CBD and cannabis in pet care

CBD and cannabis in pet care

cannabinoids, cbd for animals, Hemp News

CBD and cannabis in pet care. This is a translated article, the original can be read from here .

Veterinary medicine has advanced significantly in recent years and thanks to the availability of more effective drugs, many pets are living longer than years before. With age, however, problems arise, such as rheumatism or other pain and inflammation conditions. The negative side effects of commonly used painkillers can damage the immune system , bowel functions, and kidneys and liver. In addition to these consequences, painkillers do not always work as we would like – both in humans and animals, the effectiveness varies from individual to individual. CBD and cannabis in the treatment of pets are becoming more common at a fast pace.

Of all the uses of cannabis in human and veterinary medicine, pain relief is the best documented. Studies have shown cannabis to be a significant pain reliever in various diseases. THC and CBD extracts have been shown in studies to give people relief from both cancer and nerve pain .

Studies evaluating the effectiveness of cannabis in the treatment of arthritis in dogs have been completed. A recent Cornell University study showed a decrease in pain levels in dogs with rheumatism in a test group that received CBD, compared to a placebo group. Pain levels decreased without negative side effects.

Many veterinarians and pet owners have seen firsthand the positive effects of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of arthritis and pain conditions. The research only confirms what many have found in practice.

 

Alternatives to CBD products for pets

Animal CBD products are usually liquid oil, tablets, capsules or in the form of treats. Liquids are better because the dosage can be precisely controlled, and because CBD is better absorbed through the tissues of the mouth than through the digestive tract.

Vaporized or smoked cannabis should never be used to medicate pets. This can damage the pet’s lungs and lead to a harmful overdose.

On the same principle, edible cannabis products intended for human consumption should not be given to pets. They are difficult to dose accurately and may contain ingredients that are toxic to animals (such as raisins, chocolate, etc.).

On the other hand, almost all natural CBD products are also directly suitable for domestic animals, as long as there is nothing extra in the product, such as e.g. preservatives and additives. In other words, CBD oil can also be used at home, as long as you remember that just two drops of 2% CBD oil can get you a suitable dosage of approx. For a 10 kg pet. For smaller pets, even less can be enough.


How to choose the right medicine?

 

CBD and cannabis can be a good option for treating pets. When considering cannabis as a medical option for treating pain or inflammation, it is important to understand how the different components of a cannabis product can affect your pet. The following important factors should be kept in mind :

 

The Entourage Effect: The overall synergistic benefit of cannabis is related to the amount and ratio of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. These factors influence the degree of biological activity and the extent of the product’s effects.

Finding the right ratio of THC and CBD, as well as the dosage, are critical to success.

Take into account parallel medications and possible drug interactions .

Always talk to your veterinarian before starting a new drug or nutritional supplement to treat your pet’s illness.

The THC:CBD ratio varies from a very high ratio such as 20:1, to a balanced ratio of 1:1 and 1:2.

 

Dosage guide

Deciding which product or ratio to use for your pet’s pain and inflammation depends on the severity and origin of the pain. Below is a guide to choosing ratios to use for treating pain and inflammation in animals.

 

High CBD
4:1 – 20:1 / CBD:THC (little or no THC )
Mild to moderate pain such as arthritis and back pain

A balanced relationship

1:1 CBD/THC
Moderate pain such as arthritis and back pain.

High THC ratios

4:1 to 20:1 THC/CBD
Severe pain, such as cancer pain, nerve pain, and advanced arthritis.


When using cannabis as a medicine for pets, it must be remembered that significant side effects are unacceptable. The goal of cannabis treatment for pets is to relieve symptoms without other side effects. Pets’ normal behavior patterns should be unchanged after treatment.

The following are instructions for dosing THC and CBD for cats and dogs. Always talk to your veterinarian before starting to treat your pet’s illness with cannabis-based medicines.



Dosage of THC

THC is always a limiting factor in dosing .


0.2 to 0.6 mg of THC per 5 kg of body weight , twice a day.
Start with a small amount and slowly increase the dosage every 4-7 days.
Higher dosages may be possible/necessary on a case-by-case basis.
Keep a close eye on whether the pet shows any loss of balance or attention. Reduce the dose or stop the medication immediately if you notice significant side effects.

 

Dosage of CBD

0.5 to 5 mg of CBD per 5 kg of body weight , twice a day.
Start with a small amount and slowly increase the dosage every 4 to 7 days.
Often small doses are effective. Higher doses of CBD may be beneficial in certain conditions.

 

Medicinal cannabis can be of great benefit to animals in pain. The safe and effective use of cannabis requires an understanding of the milligram amounts of THC and CBD (or other cannabinoids ), the ratio of cannabinoids, and the appropriate dosing of the drug for animals.

Nothing is more important than your pet’s safety. So when it comes to the content or dosage of cannabis medicines, don’t leave anything to guesswork or make assumptions on your own.

The author of the original article, Gary Richter, one of the authors of projectcbd.org, is an Oakland-based veterinarian. You can read more about his work in the article CBD for pets .

You can read more about suitable dosing for animals here .

You can find the best CBD products in Finland in Hamppumaa’s online store .

 

Noora Peltola, hemp partner

Agrologist AMK, natural product developer & permaculture designer

www.hamppumaa.fi

CBD and Lyme disease

CBD and Lyme disease

cannabinoids, CBD experiences, cbd for animals, Effect of CBD oil

Borreliosis is an inflammatory disease caused by a bacterium spread by ticks, which in the worst case may become chronic and restrict movement. This article explains in more detail what borreliosis is, how the functioning of the endocannabinoid system can be seen behind it, and whether CBD could be of help in supporting the treatment of its symptoms.

 

What is Lyme disease?

Borreliosis, or Lyme disease, is a globally known disease caused by bacteria, which in some cases may also become chronic. Lyme disease is the result of the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which lives in small mammals, such as wild rodents, and is carried and spread around by ticks and taiga ticks. Rarely, but sometimes, borreliosis can be contracted from the bite of a tick or tick. (1)

Lyme disease gets its name from the small town called Lyme in North America, where the first cases of borreliosis were detected in the 1970s. Today, borreliosis is found all over the world, and in Finland it is most common in the Åland region, where a third of all domestic borreliosis cases are detected. According to estimates, you get a tick bite every year in Finland. 500,000 people, of which approx. 6,000 get Lyme disease. However, only approx. 50-80% of them get symptoms. (1)

Symptoms of borreliosis or Lyme disease

 

For borreliosis to be possible, the rule of thumb is that the tick should be attached to the person for at least 24 hours. Another condition for getting infected is that the tick carries the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium. The probability of borreliosis infection is very small, but still possible.

The most obvious symptom of borreliosis is a large, red rash-like area that develops around the tick or stinger injection site, the center of which often turns white. This red area is not actually painful, swollen or itchy, etc., and its appearance is not always a sign of borreliosis. If the rash continues to spread after several days, it is almost a sure sign of infection. However, in all cases of borreliosis, a red spot does not appear, so you should not just wait for it, but honestly observe your own condition a few weeks after the tick bite.

The most common symptoms, in addition to the red spot, are flu-like symptoms such as headache , fever, fatigue and muscle aches .

A red ring-shaped rash on a person's leg.

A red spot is a clear symptom of borreliosis, but it doesn’t always happen, but it’s good to watch for other symptoms after the bite.

 

 

Chronic borreliosis, or prolonged Lyme disease

 

In the absence of a red spot or if it quickly heals on its own, borreliosis may go unnoticed, in which case it also goes untreated at that moment. In untreated borreliosis, the bacterium spreads from the tick bite to other parts of the body, causing inflammation, for which antibiotics usually used in treatment may no longer be effective. Untreated borreliosis usually progresses to a more serious infection than the initial symptom of a red ring on the skin. The most common infections caused by chronic Lyme disease are e.g. arthritis, meningitis, nerve root infection or facial nerve palsy, but these are not actually symptoms of Lyme disease, but part of its acute disease picture. (1,2)

The most common symptoms of chronic borreliosis are pain in the joints, flu-like symptoms, and the aforementioned infections. If left untreated, the bacterium that causes borreliosis can even progress to the central nervous system, and this can be avoided by starting treatment early enough. (1,2)

 

Tick bite and borreliosis prevention

 

There are actually no preventive measures, but you can try to avoid tick bites. The best ways to do this are to protect the body with clothes, an effective check for ticks after going outside, especially in risk areas, and various herbal preparations that can be used to try to repel ticks and prevent them from getting attached.

Taking care of the body’s resistance is of paramount importance in the prevention of all diseases, and it may also help against diseases and parasites spread by ticks.

It is said that ticks do not like the smell of garlic(3) or St. John’s wort, and one way to prevent ticks from getting infected is to eat garlic or rub fresh St. John’s wort on trouser legs, shoes and ankles. There are also other different natural preparations based on herbs on the market that can be used to repel ticks, either directly on the skin or applied to clothes.

 

Treatment of borreliosis

 

A tick bite usually heals itself, but if the borrelia bacterium enters the body and causes symptoms, it is treated with strong antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment in the rash phase can prevent borreliosis from becoming chronic.

Lyme disease is often challenging to diagnose, especially if there is reason to suspect it outside of the typical tick season. Antibodies only develop in the blood within a few weeks, and by then the rash is often already gone.

Prolonged borreliosis, i.e. chronic Lyme disease, is treated either with a strong and long course of antibiotics or intravenously administered antibiotics. Treatment practices in Finland differ slightly from the way other countries treat borreliosis and chronic borreliosis. It is common for people suffering from borreliosis to travel to, for example, Germany, which has its own hospital dedicated to the treatment of borreliosis.

The endocannabinoid system in Lyme disease

 

The endocannabinoid system , which takes care of the balance of the entire body, makes sure that everything works and happens in the body as it should. The endocannabinoid system is not actually involved in the origin of Lyme disease or its course, but as in almost all diseases, changes have been noticed in the functioning of the endocannabinoid system compared to a healthy system.

 

CBD oil for Lyme disease?

 

Hemp contains numerous compounds, most notably cannabidiol (CBD), have been extensively studied and the positive effects on many diseases are undeniable in light of these. The relief of borreliosis symptoms with the help of CBD oil has only been studied a little, if at all, and the observations based on its therapeutic effect are mainly based on user experiences.

CBD or any other compound found in hemp does not cure Lyme disease or remove the bacteria that causes it from the body, but it may help alleviate the symptoms. CBD might relieves inflammation and affects various pains such as muscle pain (4,5). CBD oil is also protective of the nervous system and thus could potentially be good in the treatment of chronic borreliosis as well.

A book has been written about the use of CBD in the treatment of lyme disease, which you can buy for yourself in paper or e-version here Expert Guide on Using CBD Oil to Prevent and Cure LYME Disease. The book is written by American Ph.D Daniel Ross.

There is also a book on the effect of cannabis, i.e. hemp containing THC, on Lyme disease, which can be purchased either in paper or e-version here Amazon.com: Cannabis for Lyme Disease & Related Conditions: Scientific Basis and Anecdotal Evidence for Medicinal Use eBook : White, Shelley, McIntyre, Julie: Kindle Store .

A dog is lying on the grass with a human hand with a tick in front of it.

Although borreliosis is rare in animals, it is still possible. CBD oil may also ease the pet’s borreliosis symptoms.

 

 

Lyme disease, ticks and CBD in animals

 

Ticks are a very common problem especially for cats and dogs in the summer, because they walk with their noses stuck in the grass almost all the time. Lyme disease can also be transmitted from ticks to animals, but this is very rare, especially when compared to the fact that animals may have several ticks attached to them after just one run. There are specific preparations for animals to repel ticks, from collars to herbal preparations, and you should check their suitability and functionality for your own animal species from your veterinarian. For example, a homemade peppermint alcohol product intended for dogs is not suitable for cats. The recipe for this preparation find here .

CBD oil is mostly suitable for animals for the same ailments as for humans, and it may therefore be worth trying to use CBD oil also for the treatment of animal borreliosis and to alleviate the symptoms. You should always visit a veterinarian if you suspect that your pet is infected with borreliosis.

 

Summary

 

Borreliosis is a very unpleasant disease, especially when it develops, which fortunately can be cured with strong antibiotics at the latest. It’s easy to notice a tick attached, but sometimes the tick has time to detach before you notice the bite. A red, rash-like spot often appears at the bite site, but this does not automatically mean Lyme disease. Ticks also infect pets and they can also get borreliosis, although it is much rarer. CBD oil may have positive effects on borreliosis and its symptoms, but there has been very little research into this.

 

Sources

 

  1. Lumio J. 2021. Duodecim terveyskirjasto. Borreliosis (Lyme disease). https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00063. Referred on 23/01/2023
  2. Lumio J. 2021. Duodecim terveyskirjasto. Prolonged and chronic Lyme disease. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk01188/pitkittynyt-ja-krooninen-lymen-tauti. Referred on 23/01/2023.
  3. Siippainen A. 2020. Helsinki news. MT: This basic spice in every home repels ticks effectively – don’t give it to the dog
    https://www.helsinginuutiset.fi/paikalliset/1315828 . Referred on 5/19/2023
  4. Lorena C. et al. 2021. The anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol and cannabigerol alone, and in combination. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1094553921000596. Referred on 03/03/2023
  5. Mlost, J. et al. 2020. Polish Academy of Sciences.. Cannabidiol for Pain Treatment: Focus on Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/22/8870/html. Referred on 03/03/2023
CBD, kidney failure and nephritis

CBD, kidney failure and nephritis

cannabinoids, CBD experiences, cbd for animals, Effect of CBD oil

The kidneys are an important body cleansing organ, whose smooth functioning is an absolute prerequisite for optimal health. Kidney-related diseases are rapidly becoming more common, side by side with type 2 diabetes. In this article, we will learn about kidney failure, kidney inflammation, the endocannabinoid system behind the kidneys, and whether CBD oil could be helpful in supporting the treatment of kidney diseases.

 

Functions of the kidneys

 

Normally, a person has two kidneys, located below the ribs, on either side of the spine. Kidneys have several important functions in terms of life. They both clean the blood and body fluids of waste materials, but also regulate the body’s acid-base, fluid and salt balance. (1)

Kidney-related diseases are rapidly becoming more common and are found in men almost twice as often as in women. Kidney diseases are often accompanied by other diseases as well.

 

Kidney deficiency

 

In kidney failure, the blood is not cleaned properly, and fluids do not circulate in the body quickly enough. Impairment progresses individually depending on the cause of the impairment.

Impairment is determined by the plasma creatinine concentration (P-crea), which is affected by the ability of the kidneys to filter blood. The calculated renal filtration rate, GFR, classifies the severity of the impairment, and if it is less than 15 ml/min, it is already worth considering dialysis treatment. Readings below 60 ml/min indicate that the kidneys are working poorly. (2)

Creatinine is a metabolic product of muscles, and its elevated amount in the blood indicates a weakened ability of the kidneys to filter the blood. Of course, there are other reasons for an elevated creatinine concentration, e.g. dehydration or obstructions in the secretion of urine, and it does not always indicate that the kidneys are functioning poorly. (1,2)

As you get older, the GFR value naturally decreases, and kidney failure is most common among the older population. The most common causes of impaired function are type 2 diabetes, aging and diseases related to vascular health.

 

Sudden (acute) kidney failure

 

Sometimes dehydration, i.e. profuse vomiting/diarrhea or profuse bleeding, infection, surgery, etc. may cause sudden, short-term kidney failure. Most of the time, the condition goes away on its own with the removal of the cause, such as adequate hydration.

 

Symptoms

 

Kidney failure causes almost no symptoms until the need for dialysis treatment is already close. At that time the symptoms are e.g. itchy skin, nausea, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Mild kidney failure is often discovered by accident in connection with other research or, for example, an occupational health check-up, because it can be seen in a normal comprehensive blood count as an increase in the value of P-crea and P-urea. (1,2)

 

Care

 

The best way to treat the kidneys is to prevent their failure. Of course, it is not always possible, because the impairment can develop suddenly, e.g. as a result of severe diarrhea, but good, health-supporting lifestyles also contribute to kidney health. Exercise, diet, moderate alcohol consumption and not smoking are the best ways to prevent kidney-related diseases. Moderate use of anti-inflammatory drugs during life can also promote the well-being of the kidneys. (3)

In mild cases, kidney failure is treated with diet, lifestyle changes and medication, but if the situation is already long-standing and the failure is severe, the treatment is dialysis, i.e. treatment that replaces kidney function or a kidney transplant.

 

Kidney-friendly food on the table.

It is possible to influence the health of the kidneys with a healthy lifestyle, such as diet.

 

Diet

 

Diet plays a significant role in the treatment of kidney failure, as it is also often largely the cause of its onset. A diet that supports the kidneys is low in salt, contains moderately good, high-quality fats and a wide variety of foods such as vegetables, fruits, meat and eggs. (3)

Especially in the case of advanced insufficiency, attention should be paid to excessive potassium and phosphorus, because their excessive intake and the inability of the kidneys to take care of the salt balance is a bad combination from a health point of view. (3)

 

Renal failure in cats and dogs

 

Cats and dogs also have kidney failure, which is mostly acute kidney damage. Clear symptoms include e.g. copious drinking and urination, as well as fatigue and vomiting. Sudden kidney damage is often caused by poisoning or lack of oxygen in the kidneys, which are the result of unsuitable food or e.g. from drying out the body.

When acute kidney damage occurs in pets, it is important to get treatment quickly, because the situation progresses quickly. It is estimated that up to half of the deaths of cats and dogs are caused by acute kidney injury. (4,5)

 

Kidney infection

 

Kidney infections are rare and they occur when bacteria that cause inflammation enter the kidneys. More commonly, kidney-related infections are known both as urinary tract infection, which does not always progress to the kidneys, and as mole fever, which is always accompanied by inflammation in the kidneys and their impaired function. Inflammation of the glomeruli, or glomerulonephritis, is caused by streptococcal bacteria, but is very rare, whereas TIN, or inflammation of the kidney tissue and interstitial tissue as well. (6)

Symptoms and treatment

 

Symptoms include red-brown urine, burning when urinating, pain on both sides of the lower back, nausea and fatigue. Of course, nausea and fatigue alone are not a sign of kidney-related inflammation, but they also need some other typical symptom. (6)

Kidney infections are always treated based on the cause, usually with medication.

 

Effect of alcohol on the kidneys

 

Abundant use of alcohol can damage the kidneys, as alcohol interferes with e.g. maintaining the body’s salt balance. The use of alcohol itself has numerous properties that negatively affect health, and several of these eventually also affect the health of the kidneys.

More information about the effects of alcohol on health, as well as the use of CBD together with alcohol can be found here .

The endocannabinoid system and the kidney

 

The endocannabinoid system is a system that has a balancing effect on the background of all body systems. The system in question is found in all humans and animals, and its operating principle is the same for all. The endocannabinoid system includes endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG , their corresponding receptors CB1 and CB2 and the enzymes that break them down, mainly FAAH and MAGL enzymes.

Since the endocannabinoid system affects the background of almost all functions of the body, its components are everywhere in the body, including the kidneys and the background of their functions.

Anandamide affects the kidneys at least in maintaining the body’s salt balance, and 2-AG seems to be involved in at least repairing kidney-related damage. (7,8)

Changes in cannabinoid receptor levels have been observed in connection with kidney diseases, and depending on the disease, they are either low or high compared to a healthy person. Both receptors are found in the kidneys and have several important functions. (7,8)

CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in the hemp plant that, according to research, has effects on health. CBD has been observed good e.g. to reduce inflammation, sleep quality to equalize, restless legs to soothe, cardiovascular health impressive, for pain relief and to reduce nausea . CBD has other good properties, but these effects could be helpful in supporting the treatment of kidney-related diseases. (9)

 

Summary

 

The kidneys are an important organ whose tasks include, for example, maintenance of fluid balance. Sometimes the deficiency can be difficult to notice, as the symptoms may be quite imperceptible. CBD oil has properties that may alleviate symptoms of kidney failure and inflammation.

 

Sources

 

 

  1. Kidney and Liver Association. Kidney deficiency. https://www.muma.fi/sairaudet/munuaiset/munuaisten_vajaatoiminta. Referenced 03/07/2023.
  2. Saha H.. 2019. Duodecim health library. Kidney failure (uremia). https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00587. Referenced 03/07/2023
  3. Nylund P.. 2018. The best treatment for kidney failure is effective prevention. https://sic.fimea.fi/verkkolehdet/2018/1_2018/munuaiset-ja-laake/munuaisten-vajaaainningen-paras-hoito-on-ehtokas-ennaltaehkaisy. Referenced 03/07/2023.
  4. Sympathetic expert vets. Sympatti oy. https://www.sympaatti.fi/artikkelit/munuaisten-vajaatoiminta-kissalla-ja-koiralla. Referenced 03/07/2023.
  5. Gordin E., Viitanen S. and Spillmann T.. 2018. Sic!. Acute kidney damage in cats and dogs must be detected early and treatment started quickly. https://sic.fimea.fi/verkkolehdet/2018/1_2018/palstat/kissan-ja-koiran-akuutti-munuaishähö-on-todettava-varhain-ja-hoito-aloitettava-nopeasti . Referenced 03/07/2023.
  6. Jalanko H.. 2021. Duodecim health library. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00632. Referenced 03/07/2023.
  7. Chua JT, Argueta DA, DiPatrizio NV, Kovesdy CP, Vaziri ND, Kalantar-Zadeh K. and Moradi H.. Endocannabinoid System and the Kidneys: From Renal Physiology to Injury and Disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6653784/. Referenced 03/07/2023
  8. Ho C., Martinusen D. and Lo C.. 2019. A Review of Cannabis in Chronic Kidney Disease Symptom Management. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.sagov/pmc/articles/PMC6388458/. Referenced 03/07/2023.
  9. Park F., Potukuchi PK, Moradi H. and Kovesdy CP. 2017. Cannabinoids and the kidney: effects in health and disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5792153/. Referenced 03/07/2023.
Treatment of glaucoma with CBD

Treatment of glaucoma with CBD

cannabinoids, CBD experiences, cbd for animals, Effect of CBD oil

The effect of the cannabinoid CBD on glaucoma has been studied for a long time. Eye pressure disease, even causing permanent blindness, is an unfortunate, incurable disease in humans, which fortunately progresses slowly in most cases. In this article, we will get to know glaucoma as a disease, the endocannabinoid system behind it, and also whether CBD oil could be helpful in lowering eye pressure or other factors behind the disease.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma, i.e. intraocular pressure or cataract, is a disease affecting the optic nerve, which is the most common cause behind permanent visual impairment. In Finland, it affects just under 100,000 people, and it is more common only in people over 65. However, approx. 1% of people aged 40+ have glaucoma, often without knowing it. The risk of getting sick increases with age, but the disease is also sometimes found in children and young people. (1)

The cause of eye pressure is not known, but the eye pressure is usually elevated for a long time before the onset of the disease. The increase in pressure causes metabolic and blood circulation disturbances in the optic nerve, which eventually damages the optic nerve. Pressure on nerve fibers also affects the onset of the disease. (1)

Glaucoma in children always has a clear cause behind it, such as eye damage or an inflammatory disease . (2)

Glaucoma symptoms

Glaucoma is usually asymptomatic until the disease is already too advanced to stop it. The first symptoms are observations that you cannot see properly with the other eye. As the disease progresses, vision deteriorates in areas of both eyes, sometimes faster in one than the other. Glaucoma is also associated with tube vision, i.e. a condition where the field of vision has shrunk to a small tube in the middle of the field of vision. (1)

A sudden attack of intraocular pressure (acute angle-closure glaucoma) is accompanied by strong symptoms. The eye pressure suddenly rises dangerously high and then the symptoms are a severe headache and pain in the eye area, redness of the eye and reduced vision in the affected eye. Sometimes the seizure is not triggered by medication, but it is necessary to open the corner of the eye with the help of a laser. (1)

The symptoms of glaucoma, i.e. eye pressure disease, are related to the weakening of vision.

The first symptoms of glaucoma are usually a loss of vision in one eye. As the disease progresses, the vision usually deteriorates in areas of both eyes.

 

Prevention of intraocular pressure

Ocular pressure is partly hereditary and myopia may also contribute to its occurrence. There is not much that can be done to prevent it, but you can and should take the best possible care of eye health in general.

Some factors may have an effect on the development of glaucoma. For example, activities that put pressure on the head, such as weight lifting, high blood pressure, stress and even playing fans may make it possible for the intraocular pressure to rise permanently, but these have not actually been classified as risk factors, and they do not directly lead to the onset of glaucoma.

Glaucoma diagnosis and treatment

Most of the time, the eye pressure is elevated if there is reason to suspect glaucoma, but this is not always the case. Eye pressures can be at a normal level and therefore just measuring the eye pressure is not enough to confirm the diagnosis. Usually, studies use a combination of several methods, which take into account intraocular pressure, visual field, nerve pressure layer and the chamber angle of the eye. (1)

Glaucoma is treated both with eye drops that equalize the eye pressure and with drugs taken internally that affect the pressure. Keeping the pressure as low as possible is its most important treatment method. Treatment of the ventricular angle with laser and pressure surgeries are also used alongside medical treatment. (3)

Glaucoma cannot be completely cured, but medications slow down the progression and alleviate the symptoms. Glaucoma usually progresses slowly, and in almost all cases it does not lead to complete blindness.

Endocannabinoid system underlying glaucoma

The endocannabinoid system balances all body functions. Its most important task is to maintain and ensure the functionality of vital functions. The endocannabinoid system consists of the body’s endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), their corresponding cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), and their decomposers.

The body’s endogenous cannabinoids have numerous important functions in the eye area, and both of them have been observed in the eye area, excluding the lens (4). Endocannabinoid in glaucoma with anandamide (AEA) has a role e.g. in keeping intraocular pressure steady and low. The functions of arachidonylglycerol (2AG) in glaucoma are not yet completely clear, but they are related to anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects (4).

Cannabinoid receptors are also found throughout the eye area. On the retina, their activation improves e.g. nerve flexibility. The background of glaucoma seems to be influenced especially by the CB1 receptor, which has been widely observed throughout the entire eye area. (5)

Does CBD help glaucoma symptoms?

CBD is a well-known and researched compound called cannabinoid found in hemp, which naturally has several therapeutic effects. CBD oil may not directly affect eye pressure by lowering it, but its certain properties may slow down the progression of glaucoma.

At first it was thought that cannabinoids, both endo- and exocannabinoids, would affect the eye and intraocular pressure via the central nervous system. Studies have since shown that cannabinoids act locally through the direct mediation of receptors (5). CBD does not work through the known cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, but through other receptors in the body such as e.g. through the serotonin receptor.

The effect of CBD is transmitted through body receptors

Endocannabinoids respond to the endocannabinoid system’s own receptors, but they also have other receptors in the body through which they act. Listed below are a few receptors outside of the endocannabinoid system that have some role in glaucoma.

5-HT1A, a member of the serotonin receptor family, has been found in animal experiments to be a pathway that alleviates keratitis, through which CBD can influence. (6,7)

The GRP18 receptor is a newly identified and even suspected cannabinoid receptor, which has been widely observed e.g. in eye tissues and retina. CBD might have an eye pressure-lowering effect through the GPR18 receptor (6). GRP18 is also activated by anandamide (4).

GPR55, assumed to be the third cannabinoid receptor, is activated by both phyto-, endo- and synthetic cannabinoids. CBD also acts through this receptor and it has been found that this connection would have an inhibitory effect on the growth of the growth cone of the eye. (6,7)

TRPV channels are relevant channels in the CBDin the background of the effect of , both in the eyes and in the body. In the eyes, they are at least involved in the background of the anti-inflammatory properties. (6,7)

CBD protects the nervous system and reduces inflammation

CBD has been found to have nervous-protective and calming properties. Glaucoma is caused by nerve damage, the calming of which could reduce the strain on the optic nerve and nerve fibers (7). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory, i.e. anti- inflammatory, effects are also behind the eye health-related healing properties.

 

CBD is best absorbed through the skin

 

It is often recommended to dose CBD through the skin, because it is quickly absorbed directly into the bloodstream and travels quickly throughout the body.

In relation to eye pressure, in order to get the best results, it has been thought that CBD should be dosed locally through the skin, as the absorption is not optimal when taken orally. It seems that not enough CBD reaches the eye to easily detect a drop in eye pressure. Another challenge associated with lowering intraocular pressure with CBD is that CBD has such a short duration of action that it should be dosed practically all the time. (6,7)

You can read more about the transdermal effect of CBD here .

 

A cat suffering from glaucoma, i.e. eye pressure.

Ocular pressure can also occur in cats, dogs and other animals.

 

Glaucoma in cats and dogs

Eye pressure also occurs in animals. Glaucoma in cats and dogs is similar to that in humans; it is accompanied by visual impairment and possible blindness. Glaucoma in animals is also treated with drugs and, in extreme cases, with surgery. Interestingly, cat glaucoma usually gets better, but dog glaucoma does not. Glaucoma in animals can be difficult to detect at first, and they have the same challenge as humans, i.e. it is often diagnosed too late. Regular eye examinations for animals are also important, so that possible diseases, including glaucoma, are noticed in time. (8,9)

 

In summary

Glaucoma is a common sight-damaging disease that unfortunately is often diagnosed only when the disease has already progressed far. It is initially asymptomatic and as a slowly progressing disease does not initially cause such a great harm to life that it would be investigated. CBD has been found to affect e.g. the properties that protect the nervous system and affect glaucoma mainly come from them and the properties that reduce inflammation.

Sources

 

  1. Seppänen M.. 2021. Health Library Duodecim. Eye pressure (glaucoma). https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00452. Referred on 5/11/2022.
  2. Vaajanen A., Gielen F. and Tuulonen A.. 2017. Period book Duodecim. Glaucoma and alternative treatments. https://www.duodecimlehti.fi/duo13857. Referred on 5/11/2022.
  3. Rotten. M.. 2018. Period book Duodecim. Glaucoma treatment – fine art between efficacy and adverse effects. https://www.duodecimlehti.fi/duo14506. Referred on 5/11/2022.
  4. Cairns EA, Baldridge WH and Kelly MEM. 2016. Neural Plast. The Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target in Glaucoma. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26881140/. Referred on 5/11/2022.
  5. Tomida I., Pertwee RG and Azuara-Blanco A.. 2004. Cannabinoids and glaucoma. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1772142/. Referred on 5/11/2022.
  6. Aebersold A., Duff M., Sloan L. and Song ZH.. International journal of experimental cellular physiology, Biochemistry and pharmacology. Cannabidiol Signaling in the Eye and Its Potential as an Ocular Therapeutic Agent. https://www.cellphysiolbiochem.com/Articles/000371/. Referred on 5/11/2022.
  7. Passani A., Posarelli C., Sframeli A., Percipalli L., Pellegrini M., Guidi G and Figus M.. 2020. Journal of medicine. Cannabinoids in Glaucoma Patients: The Never-Ending Story. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/12/3978/htm. Referred on 5/11/2022.
  8. Evidence. 2019. Glaucoma or eye pressure disease in dogs. https://evidensia.fi/hoitovinkit/glaukooma-eli-silmanpainetauti/. Referred on 5/11/2022
  9. Bauhaus JM 2018. Hill’s Pet. Cat Eye Care: Identifying and Preventing Six Common Cat Eye Problems. https://www.hillspet.fi/cat-care/healthcare/common-cat-eye-problems. Referred on 5/11/2022
Four ways to choose the best CBD oil and CBD product

Four ways to choose the best CBD oil and CBD product

cannabinoids, CBD experiences, cbd for animals, Effect of CBD oil

 

At fairs and presentations, the most common questions about CBD products are: Which of these would be the best CBD product for me? So it’s time to tackle the question on the blog too! We will tell you four ways to choose the best CBD oil or the best CBD product. CBD or CBDA? Read more about the difference between cannabinoids and cannabinoid acids.

 

 

Precise and comprehensive well-being with the help of CBD

 

 

We always start by asking about the needs of the life situation. People have different symptoms for which they seek help from our products, the effectiveness of which is based on the endocannabinoid system . Sana-hemp product family the products can cover very different needs both in crises and in everyday well-being. The choice of a CBD product is also influenced by the preference for the composition of the dietary supplement and how one wants to consume the dietary supplement.

For some, it is easier to take CBD capsules, while others like to mix CBD products with a smoothie or, for example, coffee. Tincture and CBD oil can be dripped directly into the mouth or added for food and drinks to your own taste. In this case, the chemical composition of the product can also change to the desired form (CBDA> CBD) before consuming it. Lozenges, on the other hand, are a neat and easy way to boost the endocannabinoid system “on the go”.

Decarboxylation_decarboxylation_cbd_oil_cbda_activated_activation_raw_cannabis_acid_cannabidio_cannabidiol_cannabis_hemp_oil_raw_cannabisoil_cannabinoidacid

Figure 1. CBD decarboxylation

 

1. How is the CBD product absorbed?

 

CBD capsules, taken first thing in the morning, reach the intestines and the cannabinoid receptors located there. CBD capsules can be swallowed as they are or open and mix with drink/food. The capsules are absorbed through the intestines, reaching the middle body area, and acting through the endocannabinoid receptors located there, supporting lasting well-being.

CBD oils, CBD tinctures and CBD lozenges are absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth directly into the bloodstream and reach the endocannabinoid receptors in the head area quickly. The receptors in the head area have a positive effect on the whole being. Through the blood circulation, the products are effectively transported throughout the body and where help is most needed.

cb1_cb2_best_cbd_oil_cbda_product_finish_effect-locations-in-the-human-body-min

Figure 2. The internal cannabinoid system and cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.

 

2. What are your body and mind needs?

 

Cannabis Sativa oils are the most popular products for the needs of the body and mind in crisis, as well as a clear deficiency state of the endocannabinoid system .

We recommend starting with a powerful combo that includes CBD capsules and Activated CBD oil. Capsules in the morning to nourish the body and mind and oil in the evening for a restful sleep. This combination goes a long way!

Mind-body messages start in the gut. The gut is ours cradle of health, which contains as much intelligence as a cat’s brain. Most of the receptors that need cannabinoids such as CBD / CBDA are located in the intestines. If you need support for gut health , CBD capsules are probably the best CBD option for you.

If you have already tried our products and need stronger CBD oils (10% and 20%) to maintain your endocannabinoid system .

Four ways to choose the most suitable CBDA product. The endocannabinoid system.

The internal cannabinoid system. CB1 and CB2 receptors

 

3. What is the best way for you to remember to take CBD?

 

No product is effective left in a jar. So what is the best and easiest way for you to remember to take CBD oil / CBD products?

When you need easy and accurate dosing, CBD Capsules are your solution. The fat in the capsules improves the absorption of cannabinoids many times over.

Is your morning tea or smoothie the basis of your day? Then you can add CBD oil or CBD products to breakfast. The best of CBD oils the choice is Natural CBDA / CBD oil , because based on experiences and feedback, it is not perceived as tiring.

In a mobile life situation, the product’s small size and portability are convenient. Small-sized CBD oils and CBD capsules slip easily into handbags and backpacks.

The best way to take a CBD product regularly is to combine the consumption of the products with your daily routine – such as taking CBD oil with an evening snack or consuming it after lunch.

 

4. Do you need a very precise dosage of CBD?

 

Different bodies have different needs and sensitivities. For others, a few drops are enough and someone else feels that they need twenty drops to get the desired effects . This is influenced by e.g. the person’s size, age, metabolism and life situation. When talking about animals and children, the dosage is particularly accurate.

Encapsulated products can be precisely dosed, as can ingestible CBD products. For animals, we recommend using CBD oil that can be easily mixed with food, for example. Dosing should start with one drop. Read more in the article how much CBD can be given to animals .

Sometimes it is difficult to see the number of drops if you drop it directly into your mouth. You can refine the dosage of the tincture and CBD oil by first dropping it on a spoon or even on the back of your hand. This way you can see and count the drops. Differences of a few drops are not dangerous for an adult, but if you want to be particularly careful, you can drop the product in front of a mirror, for example.

For all our products, you can find the recommended daily dose and more detailed instructions in the product information. There have been no reports of overdoses, but with large amounts the body’s state of alertness has been perceived to decrease.

Ordering CBD Oil. We hope that you will find the right product for you with these instructions in our online store !

Four ways to choose the best CBD product

Order CBD products and CBD oil for pets here .

 

 

CBD and asthma

CBD and asthma

cannabinoids, CBD experiences, cbd for animals, Effect of CBD oil

The most common respiratory disease, asthma, is a nasty disease that can strike people of all ages, but it is also possible to get rid of it completely.

In this article, we get to know asthma as a disease, see how the endocannabinoid system in the respiratory system works, and consider whether CBD oil could be helpful in addition to the treatment of asthma.

What is asthma?

 

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lungs, which is characterized by the narrowing of the bronchial tubes, resulting in an unpleasant feeling and shortness of breath. The lung mucosa in a state of inflammation irritates the airways, causing symptoms typical of asthma. (1)

Asthma affects almost 10% of Finns and it can strike people of all ages. It is the most common chronic respiratory disease. It is also found in animals such as cats, dogs and horses. It is possible to treat asthma without symptoms, and in children and young people it usually gets better by adulthood. (1)

Both hereditary and environmental factors predispose to asthma. (1)

 

Asthma symptoms

 

Typical asthma symptoms are cough, shortness of breath, mucus secretion and wheezing. Children also experience fatigue and playful withdrawal. Usually, the symptoms vary depending on the day and time of day. It may be easier during the day compared to night and early morning, when symptoms related to breathing may arise. (1)

Dust, animal hair, freezing air, strong smells and stress often worsen the symptoms, especially in those who also have an underlying allergy. Bad indoor air is more significant for an asthmatic in terms of worsening symptoms than outdoor pollens, air pollution, etc. Poor ventilation in the home and daycare center/school, humidity problems, dustiness, own or a family member’s smoking, various molds, etc. both cause and worsen symptoms as well as allergies and atopic dermatitis. (1,2)

It is possible to take an asthma test online, which allows you to check your own symptoms for possible asthma. The breathing association test can be found here Asthma test | hengitys.fi .

Asthma attack

Asthma is associated with sudden attacks of shortness of breath, characterized by strong coughing fits, difficulty breathing and wheezing. The seizure can be intense and cause a very scary situation where the spirit seems to run out completely. For these situations, there is a medicine that opens the airways and calms the lungs, but if the medicine does not help, you should see a doctor immediately.

Asthma in children and young people often causes fatigue

 

Asthma in a child can be challenging to identify, as the symptoms are mostly mild, and actual asthma attacks do not necessarily occur. The symptoms are a wheezing exhalation, a night cough and a decrease in general endurance, which can be seen e.g. as an increased need for sleep and being tired of games.

Childhood asthma affects approx. 5% of Finnish children and most of the time it gets better before adulthood. (1)

Asthma in young people is as common as asthma in children, but in addition to the diagnosis, just as many have symptoms of asthma. Asthma in young people also often improves by adulthood, and it is not an obstacle, e.g. for work or hobby activities. (1)

Allergic asthma

We talk about allergic asthma when there are allergies in the background that worsen or cause symptoms. Symptoms are caused by e.g. animals, street dust, pollen and other small particles in the air. Atopic skin often worsens asthma symptoms.

Aggravation of allergic asthma symptoms is usually caused by immune cells on the surface of the inflamed bronchus, which react to external stimuli, regardless of whether these come directly into the airways or not.

A woman in the sunset, happy because the oxygen flows.

Asthma treatment is largely about taking care of environmental factors, diet, indoor air quality and all kinds of dust contribute to the onset of asthma.

 

Treatment of asthma

 

Asthma is treated with medication and self-medication with lifestyle choices. Asthma is an inflammatory disease and it is maintained not only by environmental factors but also by general lifestyles that cause inflammation in the body, such as a poor-quality diet, smoking, alcohol and too little exercise.

Environmental factors, such as poor indoor air, are a significant cause of symptoms, and keeping the home clean of dust may alleviate the symptoms significantly. However, you should not clean too much, especially with strong chemicals, because lungs sensitive to inflammation may also react to chemicals in detergents, such as fragrances. (1,2)

Asthma medicine

 

The purpose of asthma medications is both to soothe inflammation of the bronchi and to soothe physical symptoms such as bronchial constriction and shortness of breath.

Inhaled cortisone preparations or tablets are used as asthma medication. In most cases, you have to take an anti-inflammatory medicine taken daily and a medicine used to control the seizure, taken as needed.

Untreated asthma

Untreated asthma causes permanent changes in the bronchial tubes and in the worst case may even lead to death. If left untreated, asthma worsens over the years to such an extent that you probably feel like seeking treatment at some point.

Endocannabinoids

The endocannabinoid system , which balances the body and monitors everything in the background, also affects the processes that control lung function.

The receptors CB1 and CB2 belonging to the endocannabinoid system, as well as the corresponding endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG , all have their own functions in the background of lung function and inflammation in the lungs.

Cannabinoid receptors both have important functions in the lungs and related diseases. The CB1 receptor seems to be more behind normal functions, while the CB2 receptor is involved in inflammation-related functions and their prevention. (3,4)

The endocannabinoid anadamide has been found to relax the respiratory system. It also has anti-inflammatory effects just like 2-AG. According to research, both of these endocannabinoids are strongly present in lung function and have been shown, e.g. regulating and relaxing the pulmonary arteries. (3,4)

CBD oil for asthma symptoms?

 

A compound found in hemp called cannabidiol or CBD is a molecule that has been studied for decades and, according to studies, has numerous effects on the health of both humans and animals. CBD mainly acts on other receptors in the body, such as TRPV receptors and serotonin receptors, but it also has the effect of activating the cannabinoid system’s own receptors.

According to animal experiments, the CB1 and CB2 receptors activated by CBD have a reducing effect on bronchial inflammation and structural changes. The effect of reducing the hypersensitivity of the airways was observed, as well as the reduction of the inflammatory and relapsing processes of allergic asthma. (5,6)

According to studies, CBD has anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties effect. It also relaxes the muscles and may reduce bronchoconstriction. (5,6)

In addition to the fact that CBD has been found in several studies, e.g. to relieve inflammation and has numerous other properties that may be helpful in relieving the symptoms and side effects of asthma. CBD might help in sleep- related challenges, stress and depression .

 

Cat and dog asthma

 

Asthma is also quite common in pets such as cats, dogs and horses. In cats and horses, asthma is clearly more common than in dogs, and the symptoms are all quite similar to those in humans, i.e. cough, wheezing, fatigue and breathing difficulties. (7,8)

CBD oil has also been found to be suitable for treating animals and may have positive effects on animal asthma as well. Usually, CBD oil is dosed to animals according to their body weight.

 

Summary

 

Asthma is a common inflammatory disease characterized by a long-lasting cough, increased mucus production in the respiratory system and a tight feeling in the chest. Asthma gets worse over time, if it is not treated, and since the treatment is largely self-medication in addition to medication, it is possible to prevent and treat it even before asthma is diagnosed.

CBD oil is versatile, safe and, according to research, an effective reliever of inflammation, and since asthma is an inflammatory disease, it might also help reduce inflammation as a support for asthma treatment.

Sources

 

  1. Hengitys.fi Asthma. https://hengitys.fi/astma/astman-oireet/#Astmakohtaus. Referenced 2/14/2023.
  2. Salomaa ER.. 2020. Duodecim health library. Asthma. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00009. Referenced 2/14/2023.
  3. Bozkurt TE. 2019. Endocannabinoid System in the Airways. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Bozkurt%20TE%5BAuthor%5D. Referenced 2/14/2023.
  4. Simon A., Einem von T., Seidinger A., Matthey M., Bindila L. and Wenzel D.. 2015. Nature communications. The endocannabinoid anandamide is an airway relaxant in health and disease. Referenced 2/14/2023.
  5. Vuolo F., Abreu SC, Michels M., Xisto DG, Blanco N., Hallak JEC, Zuardi A., Crippa J., Reis C., Bahl M., Pizzichinni E., Maurici R., Rocco P., Pizzichinni MM, Dal-Pizzol F.,. 2019. Science direct. Cannabidiol reduces airway inflammation and fibrosis in experimental allergic asthma. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014299918306836?via%3Dihub. Referenced 2/14/2023.
  6. Vuolo F., Petronilho F., Sonai B., Ritter C., Hallak J., Zuardi A., Crippa J and Dal-Pizzo F.. 2015. Mediators of inflammation. Evaluation of Serum Cytokines Levels and the Role of Cannabidiol Treatment in Animal Model of Asthma. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/mi/2015/538670/. Referenced 2/14/2023.
  7. Own animal clinic. Feline Asthma. https://omaelainklinikka.fi/kissan-astma/. Referenced 2/14/2023
  8. Equivet. Equine asthma. https://www.equivet.fi/hevosen-astma/. Referenced 2/14/2023.
Experiences with CBD oil

Experiences with CBD oil

cannabinoids, CBD experiences, cbd for animals, Effect of CBD oil

The use of CBD oil may be associated with uncertainties related to legality and e.g. to its possible intoxicating effect. Although the use of CBD is legal in most parts of the world, there is a strong stigma associated with it, which is based on the classification of hemp as a narcotic drug due to the cannabinoid THC present in it. Both the illegality and the intoxicating effect are both myths, which future generations will certainly have to do to disprove, and this article explains for what purpose people and animals use CBD oil and what experiences they have with it.

Hemp and CBD

Hemp is an ancient plant that has been used e.g. as a medicine for thousands of years. It is special in the sense that, in addition to its medicinal properties, you can actually make everything a person needs in life from it; food, fuel, building material, fabric and rope, paper, plastic, etc.. In addition to these properties, hemp is a very effective land improvement and land purification plant, which binds carbon dioxide from the air many times compared to a growing forest. The icing on the cake is its fast growth rate, because even in Finland, hemp grows to its full size in one summer, and in countries where it is warm all year round, it can grow several crops a year.

Hemp contains a huge number of different compounds, which together or alone form hemp’s possible properties that have a positive effect on health. Cannabinoids such as CBD and THC , more than 120 different types and other compounds such as terpenes are known, flavonoids etc. is more than 450.

Mainly the cannabinoids are what made hemp interesting and still interest both researchers and people suffering from various ailments. Cannabinoids and their effect on humans and animals have been actively studied since the 1940s until today.

 

How is CBD made?

 

CBDoccurs naturally in hemp, especially in inflorescences and leaves, from which it can be pressed and extracted into an easily usable form. Extraction using carbon dioxide is the safest and most popular way to make CBD products.

CBD can also be isolated from the plant in laboratory conditions into an almost pure crystal, which is called CBD isolate. Synthetic CBD is also produced, but its use still involves many questions and perhaps even risks, because CBD is not a streamlined cannabinoid that works in the same way for all humans and animals.

 

Non-intoxicating CBD

 

CBD oil is non-intoxicating as it is made from plants that do not contain the psychoactive substance called THC cannabinoids. In natural unprocessed hemp or hemp processed for seed and fiber use, THC is present in very small amounts at most. Those strains known to be intoxicating and highly medicinal have been bred to produce a higher amount of THC than strains that have been specifically bred CBD for production or so-called industrial hemp varieties from which CBD oil is most commonly produced.

Cannabis shop sign.

The use of CBD has been legal in many places even for decades and it has been used with good results for many different diseases and to relieve their symptoms.

 

CBD use in the world

 

CBD has been widely used around the world for years, so there has been plenty of experience to support the research results. For example, in Canada, where the use of hemp has been legal since 2002, CBD is used for mental challenges such as stress, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as in the treatment of serious diseases such as cancer.

According to studies and user experiences, CBD has mitigating effects at least on the symptoms of MS, epilepsy and various cancer symptoms, as well as the side effects caused by chemotherapy. Challenges related to sleep and skin, pain and general physical and psychological well-being are also reasons why CBD oil used in the world. Dentists also recommend the use of oral care products containing CBD. In addition, CBD has been proven to have good effects on periodontitis and tartar.

Also, for example, in Israel, North America, Australia and some European countries such as Switzerland, Holland, Spain and the Baltic countries, CBD products are used successfully, although sometimes there may be some restrictions on its use, manufacture or sale.

CBD or hemp as a plant is of course not a cure-all miracle drug and is usually used both for the prevention of diseases and for treating and alleviating their symptoms, not for actual healing. The best effect is obtained from full-spectrum CBD oil , which contains all the active substances of hemp. CBD has been found to work best synergistically, i.e. in such a way that all the compounds are involved in supporting each other’s activity.

CBD oil, according to studies, is a mild but effective support for treating many diseases and it could be recommended in Finland too, e.g. doctors and therapists. As the general atmosphere is still a bit reserved, it is less often recommended to use it. CBD and many products containing it such as CBD candies, CBD cosmetics, CBD oil, CBD capsules and various extracts and tinctures offer the opportunity to find a suitable and pleasant way to enjoy CBD.

 

The potential benefits of CBD

 

Various diseases and the effect of CBD on them have been studied in a variety of ways, both with animal and human experiments. CBD oil does not necessarily work directly on the root cause of the disease, but on common side symptoms of various diseases such as insomnia , nausea and it might help the appetite. A few of the most common uses for CBD are listed below.

 

Symptoms of MS

 

MS and related side symptoms such as stiffness and tremors have been in the research field of CBD for a long time. According to studies, CBD slows down the progression of the disease, mitigates the side effects caused by drugs and calms the trembling, involuntarily moving body. More about MS and the effect of CBD on its symptoms can read here .

 

Epilepsy and CBD

 

The effect of CBD on epilepsy is perhaps one of the oldest and most studied equations. According to research and user experience, CBD affects both the number and intensity of seizures, and maybe one one of the most well-known CBD use experiences is the story of a child named Charlotte Figi’s epilepsy. Already as a baby, he had up to 300 strong epileptic seizures per week, the number of which decreased to 2-3 seizures per week after starting to use CBD oil. Charlotte’s development had practically stopped due to strong seizures, but soon it was able to continue and Charlotte learned e.g. to walk and talk.

Unfortunately, Charlotte’s life ended due to complications from the flu at the age of 13 in 2020, but her legacy lives on strong in the form of a CBD strain named after her (Charlotte’s web) and as an extremely important reminder of how powerful nature is in its healing power.

Read more about CBD and epilepsy .

 

Mind challenges and CBD

 

Diseases that affect mental health, such as depression and chronic or post-traumatic stress, have also been the subject of CBD research for a long time. CBD is a cannabinoid that calms the nervous system, which may have a very effective anxiety-relieving, mood-elevating and emotional memory erasing effect. Read more about the effect of CBD for depression here and stress here. On supporting post-traumatic stress disorder with CBD can read here.

 

Pain and CBD

 

According to studies, different types of pain can be alleviated by the effect of CBD oil. Especially for chronic or muscular pain, CBD may have effects and it is possible read more here .

 

The gut and CBD

 

According to studies, CBD also affects the functioning of the intestines. More about the effects of CBD oil on the gut can read here and about the user experience related to CBD capsules and their effect on intestinal challenges here .

 

Meditation and CBD

 

Meditation and yoga are globally known ways to calm the mind, relax the body and get closer to the deepest self. CBD may also have a positive effect on the practice and experience of yoga and meditation can read here .

 

A woman is happy on the beach under the clouds.

The use of CBD is becoming more common in the world and it is perceived as a well-tolerated support alongside other treatment.

 

CBD oil is also suitable for animals

 

CBD oil is used for pets for very similar reasons as it is for humans; to raise the mood, reduce inflammation in the body, calm down, improve appetite, relieve side symptoms of various diseases and calm the nervous system. According to studies, CBD is very suitable for animals, and it doesn’t seem to have any unpleasant side effects for them either. For animals, CBD is dosed according to the product and the animal’s weight, and according to experience, it has been used successfully at least for dogs, cats, rodents and horses. More on using CBD oil for animals can read here .

 

Summary

 

CBD is a very versatile, single-plant compound that is safe to use, especially when it is in its natural form together with hemp’s other active compounds. Hemp is guaranteed to be one of the oldest medicinal and useful plants, and the unnecessary labels associated with it have unfortunately only been born within the last century at the most. CBD oil is generally well tolerated and, according to studies, has several potential uses, including children and pets. Its use and research on it will hardly decrease, as treatment targeting the endocannabinoid system will become a significant part of the treatment of diseases.

 

CBD and stress

CBD and stress

cannabinoids, CBD experiences, cbd for animals, Effect of CBD oil

Stress is defined as any stimulus that upsets the body’s balance. The stimulus can be real or imaginary, and regardless of it, stress can be prolonged very easily and become a state of being that dominates life. In this article, we will consider stress, the mechanism of its occurrence, the most common symptoms and whether it could CBD oil can help relieve stress.

What is stress?

 

In the past, stress was mostly seen as negative distress, but today it is known that short-term stress is actually good and makes us strive for things (1). A demanding job that needs to be completed, overdue library books that need to be returned, an empty fridge that requires a trip to the food store. Things like this will be handled specifically with the help of stress; a person can’t get an undone task out of his mind and rather tackles it than constantly running the same thought over his mind. Also events related to survival, such as threatening situations, are often triggered by the “fight or flight” reaction caused by positive stress.

 

Chronic or prolonged stress

 

When there are too many challenges or burdensome things in life, a person experiencing stress can also notice physical symptoms. Challenges related to sleep, brain fog, problems related to concentration, forgetting things, etc. are symptoms from which it can be concluded that stress has been prolonged. With chronic stress, hormonal activity may change and go into a knot, and it may take a long time to recover from it.

Stressed woman reads books.

Stress can be short-lived and it can get unfinished business done. Chronic, i.e. prolonged, stress may, on the other hand, cause visible harm such as a stress belly, rashes and pimples on the face.

 

Stress on the body and mind level

 

Nothing in itself directly causes stress. Many things influence its experience, such as a person’s worldview, their current resources, tolerance and resistance, and their attitude to life (1). Not all stress is bad either; what matters is whether the stress is short or long-term and whether there are ways to alleviate it!

 

Stress affects several body systems and quickly causes changes in neurobehavioral processes. These changes cause symptoms of stress such as sweating, headaches or tension.

 

HPA axis

 

The first event of stress is the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, and the second is the activation of the HPA axis. The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis regulates the body’s stress response and is responsible for producing cortisol. The HPA axis is involved in the regulation of acute, chronic, psychological and physical stress.

 

Cortisol

 

Stress activates the hypothalamus in the brain, which sends signals to the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce a steroid hormone called cortisol, which is also known as a stress hormone. The HPA axis is responsible for producing cortisol, and its function is regulated by the endocannabinoid system. The secretion of cortisol in a stressful situation is normal and necessary, and its amount naturally varies during the day. However, as a result of chronic, prolonged stress, cortisol production may be disturbed and it may cause e.g. insomnia, immune system disorders or even heart disease and diabetes .

 

Stress and the endocannabinoid system

 

The endocannabinoid system, and the system’s signaling, extends to all body functions, including the brain, where stress also occurs. The endocannabinoid system is one of the most important regulators of the stress response; it restores the HPA axis and facilitates the habituation of the stress response to repeated stress experiences (2,3). The endocannabinoid system also regulates the stimulating and balancing effects of neurotransmitters. In addition to these, the endocannabinoid system also affects stress at higher levels such as emotional and cognitive levels. (3)

 

Endocannabinoids from a stress perspective

 

There are two known endogenous cannabinoids in the body, anandamide and 2-AG ( 2-arachidonoylglycerol). Studies show that the concentration of the cannabinoid 2-AG increases in the hypothalamus of the brain during stress, while the amount of anandamide decreases. A decrease in anandamide activates the HPA axis and contributes to the generation of stress. Correspondingly, an increase in the amount of 2-AG prevents stress and calms the HPA axis. (2,4)

The insufficient presence of endocannabinoids is caused by the accelerated activity of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). FAAH is a molecule that breaks down cannabinoids and its activity accelerates in the almond nucleus up to 24 hours after a stress reaction.

 

Cannabinoid receptors in a stress situation

 

CB1 receptor activation is essential as a negative feedback provider of the stress response in addition to its neuroprotective properties (3,4). It has also been suggested that the CB1 receptor is responsible for the ability of the endocannabinoid system to suppress the HPA axis (2).

 

Symptoms of stress

 

The symptoms of stress can really be anything. There is no clear, specific kind of pimple or one and only feeling that defines the body as a state of stress, but anyone suffering from chronic stress will certainly feel the symptoms of stress and notice if it has been prolonged.

The most typical physical symptoms are e.g. headache, stressed stomach, skin rashes , palpitations, nausea, flu cycle and sweating. Mental symptoms include irritability, anxiety , depression , tension, memory problems, fatigue and insomnia . Stress can also affect relationships, e.g. as the isolation of the stressed (5).

 

Headache caused by stress

 

Headache may even be the most common physical symptom associated with stress. Headache occurs as a symptom of both acute and chronic stress and is also caused by unconscious stress.

 

A person suffering from stress stomach and symptoms of stress keeps his hands on his stomach.

A stressed stomach is a common symptom of stress. Prolonged stress can cause challenges for the stomach’s function and it can also appear as a rash.

 

Stressful stomach

 

As a result of stress, the body’s protective mechanisms may be weakened and the result may be sensitization of the nervous system and disturbance of the sense of pain. Although a stressed stomach is not a physical problem, studies show that stress has real effects on bowel function and the feeling of stomach pain. Symptoms of a stressed stomach include, for example, bloating, flatulence, constipation/diarrhea and abdominal pain. (5) CBD has positive effects bowel function and you can read more about it here .

 

Stress pimples and stress-related rashes

 

Stress can also cause rashes. Even a short-term stressful situation can raise pimples on the chest and face. Pimples are caused by rapid hormonal changes in the body caused by stress. As a result of prolonged stress, the skin may start to develop lines, acne and various rashes. by the effect of CBD oil you can read about eczema and other skin symptoms here and here.

 

CBD oil can relieve stress

 

CBD is a versatile cannabinoid. It has been found to have a relatively weak direct effect on the known cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, but it also affects other targets in the body. CBD seems to prevent stress-induced changes related to the serotonin receptor (5-HTA1) and promotes receptor signaling (2,3,4). CBD also has an alleviating effect on stress-related neuroinflammation, and it appears to bind to stress, depression and to anxiety contributing TRPV1 receptor. (2,3,4)

It has been shown that CBD:n one of the most significant tasks in relation to stress would be to increase the activity of CB1 and CB2 receptors by preventing the breakdown of anandamide (2). CBD can help reduce acute stress-related anxiety, but also normalize abnormal stress reactions. (3,4)

 

Natural treatment for stress

 

Fortunately, however, there are many natural and easy ways to relieve stress quickly. During difficult times, you should remember your own well-being and take care of versatile, nutrient-rich food and a sufficiently long, restful night’s sleep. Silencing smart devices, taking a sauna and walking in nature are simple but effective ways to calm down. It is essential to try to prevent stress, and it can be made easier by getting to know your own resources and finding suitable ways to deal with acute stressful situations.

CBD oil dosing for dogs.

The symptoms of stress in dogs are similar to those in humans and can be alleviated with CBD oil.

 

Pets also experience stress

The stress of other family members, such as a dog or other pet, can also cause concern and cause similar symptoms of stress, which personal challenges can also cause. Domestic animals and pets are easily stressed by big changes in their living environment. Traveling and loneliness in particular can cause stress. CBD oil is also given to dogs, cats and other household pets. Read more about the dosage of CBD oil for pets .

 

In summary

 

The body’s balancing endocannabinoid system is a fascinating multifaceted entity that is present everywhere, but not solely responsible for anything. It is even involved in the creation and calming of stress, embodying that reaction caused by the senses that strongly affects peace of mind. CBD oil has been in several studies, and in connection with the studies, it has emerged as an effective and safe aid for many physical and mental symptoms caused by stress!

 

Sources

 

  1. Duodecim ; Stress. 2022. Mattila A.. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00976. Referred on 23/05/2022
  2. Functional Interactions between Stress and the Endocannabinoid System: From Synaptic Signaling to Behavioral Output. 2010. Hill M, Patel S, Compolongo P, Tasker JG, Wotjak C, Bains JS.
  3. Enhancing Endocannabinoid Control of Stress with Cannabidiol.. Henson J., Viettää L., Quezada M., Hall S.. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/10/24/5852/htm. Referred on 23/05/2022
  4. Neurobiological Interactions Between Stress and the Endocannabinoid System. 2015. Morena M, Patel S, Bains JS, Hill MN. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Hill%20MN%5BAuthor%5D. Referred on 23/05/2022
  5. Bee ; Stress. https://www.mehilainen.fi/mielenterveys/stressi. Referred on 23/05/2022
CBD and epilepsy

CBD and epilepsy

cannabinoids, CBD experiences, cbd for animals, Effect of CBD oil

Epilepsy, which causes uncontrolled bursts in the electrical activity of the brain, is the most common of the disorders related to brain activity. It’s a challenging, life-affecting disease for which you can’t always find a suitable medicine, at least not a very easy one. In this article, we explore epilepsy, the endocannabinoid system behind it, and whether it could CBD oil can be helpful in the treatment of epilepsy.

 

What is epilepsy?

 

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease that affects the brain’s electrical activity. It is the most common of the serious neurological diseases and occurs more in men than in women. Epilepsy also occurs in children and animals such as dogs and cats. Globally, the diagnosis of epilepsy is approx. percent of people.

Epilepsy involves both a disorder of the brain’s electrical activity and inflammation of the nervous system in the brain. (1)

A disturbance in the electrical activity of the brain is either excessive discharge or synchronous activity of neurons (1). Inflammation of the nervous system is believed to be part of the cause of epileptic seizures because it occurs both before and after seizures (2). Inflammation of the nervous system is a normal, natural reaction of the body, but it seems that there is an overreaction in the sick brain. The endocannabinoid system is involved in inflammatory pathways and is involved in both the activation of the inflammatory response and its extinguishment (2,3), CBD oil has been found to alleviate inflammation (4,5) .

 

Epilepsy symptoms

The symptoms of epilepsy are clear and very similar in almost all sufferers. Epilepsy is accompanied by episodes of unconsciousness or loss of consciousness, during which the body can convulse violently. The symptoms vary slightly depending on the type of epilepsy and the patient, but the characteristic features are very similar to each other.

Epilepsy can occur in connection with another disease, such as a brain tumor, and sometimes a brain tumor or another neurological disease can cause an epileptic seizure. A seizure, which is the clearest and first symptom of epilepsy, is often a frightening experience for both the person having the seizure and their loved ones. After the first seizure, other possible seizure-causing diseases are ruled out, and if there are more than one seizures and no reason for the seizure is found, it is always treated as epilepsy. (1)

 

Epilepsy with local onset causes premonitory symptoms

 

Localized epilepsy occurs in the brain only in the neurons of the other hemisphere, usually very locally. These attacks are characterized by premonitory symptoms, which appear as sensory hallucinations such as auditory and visual hallucinations. Soon after, the consciousness becomes blurred, and the person no longer reacts to external stimuli. Limbs may jerk and make uncontrollable movements, and the others did not have any of this. Seizures of local onset usually last a few minutes and may progress to a convulsive attack. (6)

 

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

 

Adolescent myoclonic epilepsy (Janz’s epilepsy) is often difficult to detect. To get a correct diagnosis, an EEG study that measures the electrical activity of the brain and an in-depth picture of the disease are always needed. Adolescent myoclonic epilepsy usually starts between 13 and 16 years of age and is characterized by mild absence seizures and especially morning muscle twitching. Video games, sleep deprivation and heavy alcohol consumption increase myoclonic symptoms. (7,8)

Epilepsy is caused by bright and flashing lights and can be alleviated by CBD.

Bright and flashing lights may trigger epileptic seizures or symptoms typical of epilepsy, even if epilepsy has not been diagnosed.

 

An epileptic seizure

 

An epileptic seizure can happen to anyone. One in ten people will have a one-time epileptic seizure during their lifetime, but a single seizure is not yet actually a sign of the disease. An epileptic attack is the result of too large an electrical discharge in the neurons of the brain (1) and they are classified according to the types into three; focal, generalized and unknown seizures.

An epileptic seizure is characterized by violent spasms of the body and twisting of the limbs. Often during an attack, a person bites their tongue and may also defecate underneath. Foam may form at the mouth and there is a risk of suffocation. The attack usually passes within a few minutes, but the confusion and fatigue can continue for hours after the attack. (1,10)

CBD oil seems to reduce seizures even surprisingly effectively. Studies have shown that depending on the dose, type of epilepsy, etc. depending, the seizures clearly decreased in almost half of the participants in the studies. (4,5,12)

 

A long history of epilepsy

 

Epilepsy has existed among humans and animals since the beginning of time. It was originally believed that epilepsy was a demon sent by the moon god and the two even had the same name; Puppet. Later, more demons were added to the list of culprits, and for a long time epilepsy was believed to be of supernatural origin. Epilepsy was treated with exorcism spells and magic, but also with hemp extracts. By the time the attack was over in a few minutes, as it happens today, false notions arose that belief treatments such as spells had made the patient more effective and cured. Today, it is no longer believed that epilepsy was caused by a demon, but its birth and origin is still as big a mystery as it was thousands of years ago (9).

Epilepsy of a child

 

The reasons behind a child’s epilepsy can be very diverse. It can be a structural defect, brain damage at birth or hereditary sensitivity. Sometimes no explanation can be found. In children, epilepsy is slightly less common than in adults, but the seizures are very similar. On the other hand, children often have more seizures than adults and they can be very violent. They include loss of consciousness or blacking out, as well as muscle and body twitching and convulsions. The quality, number and type of scenes may vary, but their basic features are very similar.

Epilepsy in children is usually treated quite well with medication, and only about a third need more than one medication. (10)

Medicines do not work for epilepsy in about a third of patients. Children often have more severe forms of epilepsy and their treatment with CBD has been studied surprisingly much. For example, Epidiolex®, a product containing CBD isolate approved by the FDA for epilepsy in 2018, has been studied and also used as a medicine, either alongside other treatments or individually. It is prescribed from the age of 1 and has been found to be both suitable and has a good effect on children. (5,13)

 

Charlotte’s web

 

Charlotte Figi, an American girl born in 2006 (d. 2020), who suffered from genetic childhood epilepsy from the age of 3 months deserves a special mention. Charlotte had up to 300 strong epileptic seizures every month, which of course eventually affected her age-appropriate development as well. Charlotte’s epilepsy was drug-resistant, meaning that the seizures could not be controlled with existing drugs, and finally Charlotte’s parents decided to try CBD oil as medicine. The rest is history, as Charlotte’s Web is a cannabis strain renamed after Charlotte. CBD oil made from that variety contains very little THC relative to and when CBD is present full spectrum oil, it is more effective than isolate in its treatment. Charlotte’s seizures lessened CBDwith the use of , to 2-3 nocturnal seizures per month and his development was able to continue. Slower than his twin sister, but he learned to talk, walk and eat independently. Charlotte’s story of the relief brought by CBD was widely covered in the media and has greatly contributed to the research of CBD and epilepsy. (11)

Cannabinoid receptors and the neural network of the brain, epilepsy and cbd.

Researchers have noticed that the number of cannabinoid receptors in the brain of people with epilepsy is clearly lower compared to healthy people. Activation of cannabinoid receptors reduces inflammation in the nervous system and protects against possible damage from an epileptic attack.

 

The endocannabinoid system and epilepsy

 

The endocannabinoid system is central to neurological function. It has been found in several different studies to be an observant regulator of all the body’s different systems and to be involved in epilepsy as well. A disturbance in the functioning of the endocannabinoid system is essentially related to the emergence of epilepsy. During an epileptic seizure, the state of discharge of the resting voltage of neurons can lead to the activation of the endocannabinoid system, and the activation reduces the inflammation of the nervous system. This notion is supported by observations that the amount of endocannabinoids in tissues increases after seizures. (2,3,5)

 

Endocannabinoids

 

The amount and quality of endocannabinoids is one factor that seems to vary between a healthy and a sick person, both in epilepsy and in many other diseases. Cannabinoids have been reported to have regulatory properties related to the occurrence and severity of epileptic seizures, which is probably related about the factors affecting the neuroinflammation of the endocannabinoid system .

It seems that the regulation of the rise and fall of the cannabinoid 2-AG is critical for the anti-epileptic effect. 2AG levels and the amount of the enzyme that synthesizes this endocannabinoid are lower in people with epilepsy than in healthy people, but the amount of 2AG has been found to increase immediately after an epileptic attack.

Anandamide levels are also lower in people with epilepsy, which is apparently caused by an increase in the FAAH enzyme that breaks down cannabinoids. CBD acts on anandamide reuptake and increases its amount in the brain while increasing the levels of CB1 receptors. These have been speculated to be part of the antiepileptic effect of CBD. (2,3)

 

Cannabinoid receptors

 

The number of cannabinoid receptors is also reduced in epilepsy patients compared to healthy ones. Changes have been noticed e.g. in the hippocampus of the brain. (2) The activation of the endocannabinoid system caused by an epileptic seizure directs the endocannabinoids to respond to the CB1 receptor, which both reduces the inflammatory reaction of the nervous system and mitigates and protects against the damage caused by the seizure (12).

 

TRPV, serotonin and other receptors affecting epilepsy

 

The TRPV receptor is not actually a receptor of the endocannabinoid system, but it has its own big role in epilepsy. It is involved in the regulation of seizure and epilepsy and CBD affects the TRPV receptor, sensitizing its functions. CBD has been found to affect the epilepsy-related functions of the TRPV receptor by inhibiting them, but this is still open to interpretation as so little research has been done on the subject.

The serotonin receptor, which is divided into five different classes, is also involved in epilepsy, and CBD has been found to have a good response to the receptors of the serotonin family. It is thought that dysregulation of the 5-HT2 receptor responsible for neurotransmitters in the brain is one of the factors behind epilepsy.

CBD also affects the opioid receptor OR and the GRP55 receptor responsible for regulating neurotransmitters.

CBD seems to affect all of these receptors, calming the neurotransmitters in their nerve connections, and it is thought that part of CBD’s antiepileptic effects arise from this interaction. (5)

Treatment and prevention of epilepsy

 

Successful treatment of epilepsy is not always simple, and according to the current understanding, it cannot be completely cured. Epilepsy is mainly treated with an individually selected drug, of which there are many different ones available. In one third of the patients, the attacks continue despite drug treatment, one third need more than one drug and one third the drug treatment works well. The best natural treatments are a sufficient amount of sleep, a healthy, varied diet and a life as smooth and stress-free as possible. (1,10)

Especially in situations where the patient has drug-resistant epilepsy, good results have been obtained from the use of CBD oil in all age groups. Epilepsy treatment CBDis not always successful either, and the treatment plan must be made carefully with possible medicines incompatible with CBD. Studies have reported surprisingly high rates of mild side effects, even though the reduction in seizures has been significant and clearly noticeable. It has been speculated that mild side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, intestinal problems, etc. could be treated with transdermal dosing, as the doses used to treat epilepsy are quite large. (5,13)

Since the exact origin of epilepsy is not known, it is difficult to say how it could be prevented. Blows to the head could be prevented by using a helmet in situations where it could be useful and it would be good to avoid heavy alcohol consumption, as it has been found that alcoholics have epileptic seizures other than after heavy blows to the head.

The symptoms of epilepsy in dogs can also be treated with CBD.

Epilepsy in dogs can also be treated with CBD oil in the same way as in humans.

 

CBD oil for dog (canine) epilepsy

 

Epilepsy in dogs is very similar to epilepsy in humans. If no reason for the seizures is found and the seizure does not remain unique, they are always treated as genuine epilepsy. Epilepsy attacks can also be caused by an illness in animals, such as a brain tumor, liver inflammation or metabolic disorders. Genuine epilepsy rarely occurs in old dogs, usually it appears already at 1-5 years of age. (14) Treating dogs with CBD oil has been studied and tried to some extent. In general, about the dosage and use of CBD oil for dogs, you can read more here.

Feline epilepsy is also similar to human epilepsy, but it occurs in percentages slightly more in cats, approx. 3% of cats get a true diagnosis of epilepsy. Even in cats, an epileptic seizure can be a single one, and only when two seizures have occurred within 24 hours, it is started to be examined and possibly treated. (15)

 

In summary

 

Few diseases have been around as long as epilepsy. It has remained almost unchanged since the beginning of time, but still no sure working method has been found for its successful treatment or improvement. The quality and intensity of epileptic seizures varies from case to case, but in their main features, epilepsies are similar to each other. The endocannabinoid system also has a strong effect on the background of epilepsy, and CBD oil has had very good results in mitigating or even completely eliminating convulsions.

 

Sources

 

  1. Atula S.. 2019. Duodecim ; Epilepsy in adults. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00012. Referred on 12/06/2022
  2. Cheung KK, Peiris H., Wallace G., Holland O., Mitchell M.. 2019. The Interplay between the Endocannabinoid System, Epilepsy and Cannabinoids. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6929011/. Referred on 12/06/2022.
  3. Kerna N., Merz I., Brown T.. 2018. Medcrave. An alternative medicine perspective on the role of the endocannabinoid system in the treatment of epilepsy. https://medcraveonline.com/IJCAM/an-alternative-medicine-perspective-on-the-role-of-the-endocannabinoid-system-in-the-treatment-of-epilepsy.html. Referred on 12/06/2022.
  4. Melody R.. 2020. Cannabidiol in epilepsy : The indications and beyond. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7653733/. Referred on 12/06/2022
  5. Silvestro S., Mammana S., Cavalli E., Bramanti P., Mazzon E.. 2019. Use of Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Epilepsy: Efficacy and Security in Clinical Trials. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6514832/. Referred on 12/06/2022.
  6. The working group established by Duodecim of the Finnish Medical Association and the Finnish Neurological Association. 2020. Good treatment. Epilepsies (adults). https://www.kaypahoito.fi/hoi50072. Referred on 12/06/2022.
  7. Kai Eriksson, Tapani Keränen and Matti Koivikko. 1997. Duodecim magazine. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. https://www.duodecimlehti.fi/duo70324. Referred on 12/06/2022
  8. Mikael Ojala, Pekka Tani and Marja-Liisa Granström. 1997. Duodecim magazine. Adolescent myoclonus epilepsy: Do you recognize a common syndrome?. https://www.duodecimlehti.fi/duo70333. Referred on 12/06/2022
  9. Larsen A.. 2007. Journal of Duodecim. The hand of God – what a Babylonian doctor knew about epilepsy. https://www.duodecimlehti.fi/duo96922. Referred on 12/06/2022.
  10. Metsähonkala L.. 2021. Duodecim. Epilepsy of a child. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00121. Referred on 12/06/2022.
  11. Charlotte’s Web. https://www.charlottesweb.com/blog/charlotte-figi-the-girl-who-changed-the-world. Referred on 12/06/2022.
  12. Medeiros D., Cota V., Oliveira A., Moreira F., Morares M.. 2020. Frontiers. The Endocannabinoid System Activation as a Neural Network Desynchronizing Mediator for Seizure Suppression. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2020.603245/full. Referred on 12/06/2022.
  13. Metsähonkala E., Linnakivi T.. 2018. Medical journal. Cannabidiol in the treatment of epilepsy. https://www.potileanlaakarilehti.fi/site/assets/files/0/51/22/296/sll502018-3007.pdf. Referred on 12/06/2022
  14. Go N.. Get dog. Epilepsy. https://www.hankikoira.fi/koirateitoa/koiran-terveys/koiran-sairaudet/epilepsia. Referred on 12/06/2022.
  15. Pääkkönen T.. 2021. Vetcare. Epilepsy in cats. https://www.vetcare.fi/kissojen-epilepsia/. Referred on 12/06/2022.
How much CBD can be given to a dog?

How much CBD can be given to a dog?

cannabinoids, cbd for animals

In the same way as humans, dogs and other mammals have numerous in their bodies cannabinoids maintaining receptive receptors and maintaining body balance endocannabinoid system , which is responsible for vital tasks. On this page you will find information on how much CBD can be given to a dog. Although this instruction is made for dogs, it can also be applied to other pets (mammals).

 

How much CBD can be given to a dog?

 

There is still no official standard for dosing CBD for a dog or pet. The appropriate dosage also depends on a number of different factors, such as your dog’s weight, condition, and the CBD product you choose and its strength. For safety reasons, we always recommend starting with a small dose of 1 mg CBD for every five (5) kilograms of body weight, or 1 mg / 11 pounds.

 

What factors determine the correct dose of CBD oil for dogs?

 

The three most important factors that affect how much CBD you can give your dog are the size of your dog, what condition or symptom of the dog you are trying to treat, and what kind of CBD product you are giving to your dog.

 

Does the size and condition of the dog affect the dosage?

Although your dog’s weight will not always correlate with how much CBD is needed, it is a good starting point for determining the appropriate dose. We therefore always recommend starting with the lowest dose of 1 mg CBD for every 5 kg (11 pounds) of body weight. Sometimes, however, conditions require higher doses of CBD. If your dog’s condition is more severe, you may consider a higher dose such as 2-5 mg CBD / 5 kg (11 pounds) body weight once or several times a day as needed.

See the table below for the recommended CBD dose by weight.

Weight (kg)Amount of CBD (mg)
5 kg1 mg
5 – 11 kg1 – 3 mg
11 – 22 kg3 – 5 mg
22 – 34 kg5 – 8 mg
34 – 45 kg8 – 16 mg
45 – 68 kg16 – 33 mg
68+ kg33 mg
This instruction is not an official recommendation, so we recommend contacting your veterinarian before starting use

 

What is the right CBD product for a dog/pet?

 

In addition to CBD oils and tinctures mainly intended for humans, there are CBD products of different strengths intended for dogs and other household pets on the market. Dog CBD products most often contain fish oil or another flavoring ingredient designed to make the product easier to taste and dispense. CBD products for human use can also be given to a dog if the products do not contain ingredients that are not suitable for the dog. So always check the ingredient list of the product carefully before giving it to your pet!

In addition to the strength of a CBD product, some products, such as CBD dog treats, may be absorbed more slowly than CBD oil or tincture, in which case you may need to give your dog a slightly higher dose to achieve the same effect.

If you plan to use CBD oil to care for your dog, you will often find clear instructions in the product on how many drops contain the desired amount of CBD.

For example, if a 5% CBD oil bottle contains 200 drops and contains a total of 500 mg of CBD, then one drop contains about 2.5 mg of CBD. If you wish, you can mix one drop with the food and, if necessary, divide it into several more portions, so that you can start using it with the lowest possible dosage.

Once you notice the results you want in your dog, such as calmer behavior, you can continue with the same dosage. However, if you do not notice a large change after several days, you can increase the dose slowly and gradually until you see the desired effects.

 

Can I give my dog too much CBD?

 

There have been many studies on CBD showing that CBD is well tolerated, even at very high doses and reasonable doses there is virtually no risk of overdose. However, we recommend that you consult a qualified veterinarian before use.

When you buy CBD products for your dog, always check with the seller, its quality and that it really contains CBD. Although CBD products are not intoxicating, they may still contain very small amounts of THC. Remember that legally CBD oil products must contain no more than 0.2% THC, which is well below the amount needed to produce psychoactive, ie intoxicating, effects.

 

Conclusion

 

Determining and testing the correct dose of CBD for your dog may take some time and require monitoring. Always take your dog’s/pet’s weight and condition into account, and get your CBD product from a reliable seller.

 

 

 

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