Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that a certain hereditary susceptibility and sensitization to gluten is usually required for outbreaks. Its occurrence is more common than previously thought. Celiac disease, which was previously only considered a rare childhood disease, has unexpectedly turned out to be a popular disease as research has developed.
What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is inflammation of the surface of the small intestine caused by gluten, a protein found in grains, and the resulting destruction of the intestinal lining. Celiac disease is classified as an autoimmune disease and approx. 2% of the population. Celiac disease occurs in people of all ages, from children to the elderly, and skin-celiac disease occurs in about one in ten people with celiac disease. (1,2)
There is usually a predisposing factor for celiac disease in the genes, but it can also appear as a co-morbidity of another disease. Celiac disease is also associated with other diseases such as type 1 diabetes and thyroid diseases. (1,2)
Celiac disease symptoms
The symptoms of celiac disease are clear, but not entirely clear-cut. Celiac disease is associated with similar symptoms that may differ from the symptoms of other sufferers. The most common reasons to suspect celiac disease are prolonged diarrhea or loose stools, changes in bowel function and stomach-related symptoms that appear after eating, such as bloating, flatulence and pain. (1,2)
Untreated celiac disease can also be caused by e.g. anemia, vitamin deficiencies, tooth enamel damage and aphthae on the oral mucosa. In children, celiac disease can also cause growth retardation. (1,2)
Symptoms of celiac disease include itchy blisters on the elbows, knees and buttocks.
Care
Celiac disease is only treated with diet. Symptoms and intestinal inflammation are caused by a protein contained in grains called glutenmy. Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye, and avoiding these grains is usually enough to keep the symptoms under control. For some, even a small chance of gluten residues causes symptoms, while others can even eat a little gluten from time to time without any major harm. (1,2)
For skin celiac disease, the doctor often prescribes a cream called Dapsone, because the skin symptoms improve obviously slowly compared to the recovery of bowel function. (2)
Nowadays, pasta, bread, cereals and flour are easy to switch to gluten-free, because they are made from naturally gluten-free ingredients with a huge selection, and the price is no longer sky-high.
Gluten-free is also a trend
Today, various stomach symptoms are very common and many people avoid at least gluten-containing grains in order to make the stomach work better and feel lighter and brighter. There are many reasons why grains cause symptoms. Hereditary susceptibility to celiac disease, poor general condition of the intestines and a diet unsuitable for the intestines are mainly the cause of poor stomach function, but the plant protection agent glyphosate, which is widely used in grain cultivation, may also be to blame for the symptoms, at least in part.
Whole grains contain various nutrients that are essential for the body. When the cereal grain is ground into flour, the nutrients contained in the grain begin to evaporate into the air rather quickly and the grain loses its nutritional value unnecessarily effectively. The flour on the store shelf, often packed in paper or cardboard, not in tight packages, can already be ground months before it ends up in the cupboard waiting to be used. At the point when the bread has been brought to the table through the oven, the nutritional value of the bread can be practically negligible. If you eat grains for the nutrients they contain, it is best to buy whole grains and grind them just before baking.
Gluten-free options are available in almost all forms these days.
Stool is a measure of a functioning bowel
Having a bowel movement is a necessary procedure for everyone, but it is talked about very little, if at all. The quality of the stool tells a lot about the state of health, and deviations in rhythm, quality and quantity may indicate problems. Good stool comes out easily, is evenly brown and sinks to the bottom of the pot. Loose, hard, light, dark, bloody, floating, or one with undigested food in it, signals that something is wrong. A single instance may not be serious yet, but it is good to find out the cause of symptoms that have continued for a longer period of time.
The Bristol stool scale was developed in 1997 to facilitate the assessment of bowel function. It is also a good help for home use and can be found in, e.g. from here(3).
The cannabinoid system and the gut
The observer of the whole body, the endocannabinoid system, also works in the intestinal area. This system includes the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, as well as other endocannabinoids, the two most famous of which are Anandamide and 2-AG, as well as the degraders of all of them.
Changes in the endocannabinoid system have been observed in the intestines of people with celiac disease. Both cannabinoid receptors have increased on the intestinal surface and the levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide have also increased. (4)
CBD can also help with skin symptoms because, according to user experience, it is effective in soothing inflamed skin and the resulting itching.
Summary
Celiac disease is an unfortunate disease, because it cannot be cured and it usually has symptoms throughout life, whenever you eat grains containing gluten. Treating celiac disease is relatively easy, as gluten-free products are now available easily and quite cheaply. CBD oil can be a big help for many symptoms related to celiac disease, such as stress, eczema and bowel function.
Black dots under the skin, combined with intense itching, may be a sign of scabies. Scabies, which has become very common in recent years and even causes shame, is an unpleasant but treatable problem. This article will introduce you to scabies, the scabies mite and the treatment of its symptoms using CBD oil.
What is scabies?
Scabies is caused by the scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis), which is a small black mite belonging to the family of arachnids. They live in the stratum corneum of the skin in humans, and at least in dogs and cats. The female scabies mite can live up to 2 months, during which time she lays her eggs in the tunnels she digs just under the skin. The symptoms of scabies are caused by secretions secreted by ticks, against which the body develops a counter-reaction. (1,2)
Scabies is a common problem today and it occurs in people of all ages. Its occurrence has increased significantly in recent years in Finland and throughout Europe. The reason for its prevalence is not yet known.
Is scabies always contagious and where does it come from?
The scabies mite is contagious in close skin contact, but requires contact longer than a handshake. It spreads easily and is most likely to be contracted in care work, the military and daycare. In addition to skin contact, the scabies mite is also transmitted by sheets and clothes that have been in contact with infected skin. (1,2)
The scabies mite is not transmitted from animals to humans or vice versa.
Scabies symptoms
Symptoms begin approx. 3-6 weeks after infection. We often talk about the bite of a mange mite, but in reality the symptoms are caused by the body’s sensitization to ticks and the secretions they secrete, which results in the body’s counter-reaction.
The symptoms are severe itching that worsens in the evening, redness of the skin, pustules and small red pimples even over the entire body. Itching is usually strongest on the hands, (between the fingers and palms), face, legs, lower abdomen, and in children often also on the soles of the feet. As a result of scratching, the skin may become inflamed and form pustules. Prolonged scabies often increase stress and cause shame. (1,2)
The scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis) is a small 0.3–0.5 mm mite that belongs to arachnids.
Diagnosis of the cause
Determining the cause of scabies can sometimes be difficult, as the number of ticks can be very small despite the intense itching. Inflammation and blistering of the skin caused by scratching the skin may make it difficult to diagnose, because it is difficult to detect ticks under reddened and broken skin. For the diagnosis, the doctor tries to find a tick under the skin, which, combined with other symptoms, confirms the infection as scabies. (2)
Scabies treatment
Good hygiene is important in the treatment of scabies. Sheets and clothes should be changed daily and washed at a temperature of at least 50-60 degrees Celsius to kill the eggs and ticks. A tick lives outside of a person for only a few days, so textiles sealed in a tightly tied plastic bag for a week should also be safe without washing. For this reason, neurotic cleaning is not beneficial, but changing sheets and textiles and washing the skin daily are sufficient. Skin contact with other people should be avoided during treatment. (2)
Scabies treatment can take time and requires nerves and patience. Good hygiene alone is not enough to evict ticks, so medicated creams and natural tea tree and neem oils are also used in the treatment.
Drug treatment for scabies
The cream used in the treatment of scabies (e.g. Nix emulsion cream) contains permethrin and you can get it from a pharmacy without a prescription. It is recommended that everyone in the immediate circle is treated at the same time and the treatment is renewed 7-10 days after the first treatment (1). According to experience, medicated creams can be expensive and due to ineffectiveness, the removal of ticks may be a long way behind.
Another medicinal treatment is an internally taken medicine containing imervectin in tablet form, which can only be obtained with respet. If the infection is prolonged or bad, the doctor may prescribe both oral and external medicine. (1,2)
The drug resistance of the scabies mite has been recognized and has also been studied. It is unclear whether the reason behind the treatment failures is the tick’s resistance to the drugs alone or also the poor implementation of the treatment. (3)
Red pimples may Itch even after a month of treatment, but if the itching is clearly only in the pimples that are healing, there is not necessarily a need for a new doctor’s consultation.
Neem and tea tree oils
Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) the oil obtained from the fruit is known especially for combating plant pests, but the high-quality oil can also be used in small quantities for skin care. Neem oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and deep cleansing properties. Neem oil has been found to soothe the skin, reduce redness and relieve itchiness. (4,5)
As early as 1992, promising results were obtained in studies where turmeric and neem oil were tested for the treatment of scabies. A paste made from neem oil and turmeric was used to treat scabies in 814 people, with 97% of cases getting better within 3 to 15 days of starting treatment. (6)
Tea tree oil is from the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil pressed from leaves and branches, whose use in medicine and pest control has been known for thousands of years. Tea tree oil has antiseptic and antibacterial effects. It has been used for a wide range of skin challenges, from acne to insect bites, and has been found to be effective in treating symptoms caused by scabies on the skin. Tea tree oil can be used on the skin, but since it is also a very strong oil, it must always be diluted according to the instructions for use. (7)
Other essential oils may also have an effect on both the ticks themselves and the resulting symptoms on the skin. (5) All these oils, neem, tea tree and others, are very strong and must always be diluted before applying to the skin. Dilution can be done by mixing a few drops of the oil with another oil suitable for the skin, such as jojoba, coconut or hemp seed oil. The diluted oil is applied to the skin every time after washing and repeated until the symptoms begin to pass.
In a study, a paste made from neem oil and turmeric was used to treat scabies in 814 people, with 97% getting better within 3-15 days of starting the treatment.
Self-care instructions about internet cancer
On discussion boards and social media, you may sometimes come across the most unusual instructions regarding self-treatment of diseases. To eradicate the scabies mite, e.g. hand washing, sauna and bleach are supported, but it goes without saying that even if these are helpful, there are safer alternatives available.
In a sauna, ticks and their eggs are destroyed in two hours when the temperature is at least 80 degrees C, but they do not bite those living under the skin because the temperature does not rise high enough for a long enough time.
Endocannabinoids on the skin
The body is balanced by the endocannabinoid system. It is a system consisting of endogenous cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and their disintegrating molecules, whose main function is to monitor the body’s functions and, if necessary, steer them towards balance. This particular system is found in all humans and almost all animal species.
Unfortunately, the endocannabinoid system does not protect us from scabies, but it is involved in the reaction caused by the body, as well as the symptoms that occur on the skin.
The skin contains both receptors CB1 and CB2, as well as the best-known endocannabinoids anandamide and2-AG. Their operation is related to e.g. skin cell regeneration and growth, skin barrier formation and skin inflammation processes. (8)
CBD oil in the treatment of scabies
The cannabinoid CBD (cannabidiol) found in hempdoes not necessarily kill scabies, but it may be useful for the skin symptoms and stress caused by them.CBD oil is a gentle and safe natural product that does not cause intoxication, addiction or unpleasant side effects. Cannabinoids are smart and by utilizing the body’s receptors, they work where help is needed and can treat both skin and stress at the same time.
CBD has a lot of good properties, of which, in terms of the treatment of scabies, they are useful, e.g. antibacterial, antiseptic and both inflammation and stress-relieving effects. CBD may soothe irritated skin, inflammation-induced redness, blisters and itching. (8)
Summary
Scabies is an embarrassing problem, the treatment of which can be a long and difficult road at worst. Sometimes it may take several creams before the infection is completely gone. However, scabies can often disappear with natural methods as well, if you commit to its treatment strongly enough. Good hygiene and reasonable cleaning are a good basis for eliminating scabies mites, but more robust methods are also needed. According to studies, scabies can be treated naturally with neem and tea tree oils. In addition, CBD oil can be an effective skin symptom reliever and healer.
Charles V. & Charles SX 1992. Tropical and geographical medicine . The use and efficacy of Azadirachta indica ADR (‘Neem’) and Curcuma Longa (‘Turmeric’) in scabies. A pilot study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1496714/ . Referenced 11/14/2023.
Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. 2020. Baswan S., Klosner A., Glynn K., Rajgopal A., Malik K., Yim S., Stern N.. 2020. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736837/. Referred on 28/10/2023
The phone beeps to signal a new social media post. An email will follow. There are footsteps coming from the corridor and the colleague sitting at the next table is laughing, possibly at a funny video he just saw. The summer’s most played hit is playing on the radio and thoughts are already turning to next week’s menu. Attention is drawn to everything else except what you should be doing, and it’s no wonder! Lack of concentration is one of the biggest challenges of today. It is understandable, because the flood of stimuli in the environment is huge.
Is good concentration a gift given at birth, or can it be improved when it is impaired? In this article, we will get to know what concentration is, how it can be supported and whether CBD oil could help with this!
What is focus?
Focusing is paying attention and concentrating on what is being done and what is essential in terms of the operation.
When you are deeply focused, you lose track of time, you immerse yourself in what you are doing and things seem to flow naturally. As a result of concentration, the quality of work improves, learning deepens and thinking can develop.
The background is the activity in the frontal lobe of the brain and concentration is the cooperation of the brain and nervous system. The frontal lobe matures until the teenage years, and the nerve connections related to concentration can be strengthened throughout childhood. The brain is plastic, which means it can change throughout life. The ability to concentrate can also be improved when it weakens.
The central nervous system’s neurotransmitter, dopamine, is central to brain activity related to concentration. Dopamine is produced not only in the brain but also in the gut and it carries signals between brain cells. Dopamine especially affects concentration, motivation, movement and the feeling of pleasure, as well as sleep, emotion regulation and energy balance. It also improves the general functioning of the brain. (1)
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty concentrating is not uncommon and everyone has it at times. There may be other challenges in the background such as ADHD , depression or stress , but the flood of environmental stimuli that strongly affects concentration unfortunately touches and challenges everyone. Life is hectic and there is a lot to think about, instant videos are watched for hours a day and work and studying are interrupted by the disturbances coming from this environment. It’s as if the brain has already learned that the required time to focus on one thing is very short, and that’s why fidgeting is a weakness of the neural connection.
Poor concentration shows up as interruptions in thought. It seems that he does not understand what is being said, what is meant by the text, and even familiar tasks seem more difficult than they really are. My mind wanders somewhere else and it’s hard to get a grip on what’s going on.
The fast rhythm of life and the stimuli in the environment have made it very common for children and adults alike to have poor concentration. Concentration challenges are already common enough that its symptoms have their own term, attention deficit disorder (ADT).
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) reflects difficulty concentrating due to a constant barrage of stimuli.
ADT stands for Attention Deficit Disorder
ADT (Attention Deficit Trait) or concentration disorder is a relatively new term and it refers to the so-called self-acquired difficulty concentrating. R. Hallowelli, an American psychiatrist who treats ADHD patients, noticed that people suffering from hyperactivity, i.e. ADHD symptoms, but who do not have ADHD, i.e. a neurological abnormality in brain function, are coming to his office. He interpreted that they have self-acquired attention deficit disorder instead of congenital ADHD and coined the term Attention Deficit Trait (ADT) to describe the symptomatology. ADT is precisely difficulty concentrating caused by a flood of stimuli. (2,3)
Developing a child’s ability to concentrate
The frontal lobe continues to mature until adolescence, so childhood is a good time to pay attention to the development of concentration. When life is fast-paced, it is important to stop in peace at the edge of doing things and give the child experiences of moments where there are no distractions. Memory games, long-lasting role plays, crafts and arts, etc. help the child focus on one thing and strengthen the nerve connections needed for concentration. (4,5)
Concentration can be improved
Concentration can be improved in many ways, e.g. with supplements that support it. Magnesium is one of the most important minerals for the body and its deficiency is very common. Taking a good magnesium supplement can have a positive effect on the ability to concentrate and you can read about it more here. Similarly, e.g.L-theanine, the effects of which canbe read here.
From the plantashwagandha (herbaceous plant) and Ginkgo Bilopa (maiden hair tree) can also help with concentration. In addition to these, medicinal mushrooms such as lion’s mane can be helpful.
Vitamins of the B group obtained from food and glucose, a monosaccharide belonging to carbohydrates, are the most significant in terms of concentration. B group vitamins are most abundant in e.g. in beans, sprouts, dairy products and nutritional yeast flakes. Glucose e.g. in dried fruit, fresh fruit and dried fresh vegetables such as carrots. (6)
The ability to concentrate can also be improved by practicing concentration. As with children, an adult’s concentration is also improved by such hobbies that require concentration and deepening. Reading a book, doing crafts, learning new skills, etc. put the brain to work and help in the formation of new nerve connections.
Supporting concentration
Concentration can be supported by taking care of general well-being. A life as stress-free as possible, exercise, a sufficient amount of good sleep , clean and nutritious food, and moments without smart devices provide a good basis for the ability to concentrate, but it should also be supported with, for example, conscious stopping. Daily moments when you just be, listen and observe and don’t do or think about anything, help the nervous system to calm down and create new connections.
Concrete actions at the workplace and at school can also increase the possibility of concentration. You can’t always change the environment, but by openly discussing the need for peace of mind at work and, for example, by using noise canceling headphones, you can achieve the desired peace for your own work.
According to research, listening to rhythmic music improves concentration.
Music affects concentration
Many people know from experience that music deepens the effect, and this is also confirmed by research. Others need a little noise in the background of their work, while others need silence, but mostly rhythmic music supports everyone’s concentration. According to American research, it is not so much the tempo or nature of the music that is important, but the rhythm in it. (7,8)
The endocannabinoid system underlying attention
The endocannabinoid system is a balancing system of the human body, whose task is to ensure that all bodily functions take place correctly and on time. The endocannabinoid system consists of endo- or internally-born cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and the enzymes that break them down.
Endocannabinoids are formed in many places in the body, but usually only when needed. There are two known endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-AG . In the background of concentration, they influence e.g. dopamine production (9) and brain function (10).
Cannabinoids to support concentration
The hemp plant contains many different active compounds, the most familiar of which are cannabinoids. There are more than 120 different types of cannabinoids and this is probably the most famous CBD(cannabidiol). Other cannabinoids have also been studied and, apart from CBD, CBG or cannabigerol may have the greatest effect on concentration.
CBD oil is extracted from hemp and, according to research, it has numerous properties that affect the well-being of both humans and animals. In the background of concentration, cannabidiol, or CBD, may have a positive effect sleep quality, which you can readmore about here. Sstress,which you can read about the interaction with CBDhere,and depression, which you can read more about here .According to studies, cannabidiol also has calming effects on the nervous system.
CBD may not directly affect the ability to concentrate, but by helping the body towards balance, its effects most likely extend there as well. The brain plays a significant role in the background of concentration, and according to research, CBD increases blood circulation in those areas where e.g. learning and remembering takes place. (11)
Summary
Poor concentration is a common challenge for people of all ages, but there is an opportunity to improve it. There are many ways, but it is also important to stop and think about what might be the cause of poor concentration, so that you can rule out other possible causes such as depression, ADHD or other diseases affecting concentration. Concentration can be supported by e.g. by strengthening the nerve connections necessary for concentration, and with the help of versatile nutrition, supplements and quality sleep. Also CBD oil may be helpful for increasing and maintaining concentration. A new large-scale American study is currently underway on this topic, which will lead to a better understanding of activities related to concentration in the future (12).
Bloomfield M., Green S., et al.. 2020. Sage Journals. The effects of acute cannabidiol on cerebral blood flow and its relationship to memory: An arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging study. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0269881120936419. Referenced 10/6/2023.
Psoriasis, known as a severe skin disease, is an unpleasant problem, but luckily its symptoms can be controlled with many different means. In this article, we will get to know psoriasis as a disease and whether CBD oil could have any effect on the symptoms of psoriasis.
What is psoriasis?
Immune-mediated disease, psoriasis or psori, is an inflammatory chronic condition that manifests itself as a rash either locally or over the entire body. Psoriasis appears only on the skin or also on the nails and joints. Psoriasis usually starts in young or middle-aged people, but it can be found in people of all ages. (1)
Psoriasis is partly caused by hereditary factors. In young people, it often starts from an infection, but in addition to genes, it is also predisposed to e.g. heavy alcohol consumption, smoking and unhealthy lifestyles. The exact cause behind the disease is unknown. (1)
Psoriasis is mostly mild, but sometimes it causes symptoms that make life very difficult, and in the worst case may even cause people to avoid social situations. (1)
Skin or plaque psoriasis
Skin symptoms are the most common manifestation of psoriasis. The psoriatic rash is red-based, well-defined, scaly and itches intensely. They appear in larger areas most sensitively on the elbows, temples and scalp, but it can also appear as small, round spots all over the body. Psoriatic plaques may crack and ooze a clear or bloody discharge. (1)
Pustular psoriasis is a rare form of the disease that causes purulent, blister-like rashes.
Psoriasis often appears on the skin as red, itchy and scaly patches that often appear on the elbows, scalp and scalp, but also all over the body.
Joint and nail psoriasis
Psoriasis symptoms start either at the same time or years after the skin symptoms. The joints are stiff and painful and swollen. Psoriasis of the joints is usually diagnosed by a rheumatologist, and unfortunately it cannot be completely cured because it is a disease that permanently damages the joints. It is possible to alleviate the symptoms and slow down their progression. (1) CBD oil may help with joint challenges and you can read about it more here.
Nail psoriasis always occurs together with joint symptoms, causing clear changes in the appearance of the nail. The nail starts to bulge, thicken and even detach from the nail bed. (1)
Psoriasis treatment
Psoriasis is a disease that may be impossible to cure completely, but there are several ways to alleviate its symptoms.
Mild skin symptoms may be eased by psoriasis creams, scalp care shampoos and lifestyle changes. De-stressing and calming the nervous system, fine-tuning your diet and at least drastically reducing the use of intoxicants may bring significant relief. (1,2) Sometimes it is recommended that baking soda be applied to the skin, especially on areas with rashes, but there are no guarantees that it will be treatable.
For severe skin symptoms, you should always consult a dermatologist to ensure the best treatment. In the most severe cases, the treatment is both cream and internally used drugs, often used to control inflammation. (1,2)
There is always a reason behind all diseases. A triggering factor for psoriasis may not be found, but environmental factors at least worsen the symptoms (1,2). Unhealthy lifestyles such as heavy alcohol use, smoking, a diet that is too fatty and poor in nutrients and a stressful lifestyle increase symptoms, according to both research and experience, and therefore it is important to pay attention to them in the treatment of psoriasis. Especially with diet, it can be challenging to find out what causes symptoms and what doesn’t, but generally, according to experience, avoiding gluten, spicy foods, fast food and alcohol may reduce them significantly. (2)
Often psoriasis symptoms are seasonal and their quality and severity can vary. According to experience, summer, i.e. probably the sun, clearly reduces the symptoms and may even heal the skin completely. Some people with psoriasis spend a few weeks in the winter in the heat of the south, so that the sun breaks the long cold period, during which the skin is covered under clothes. (1)
Foods to avoid
There are no actual foods to avoid associated with this disease, but some foods may worsen the symptoms. Strong spices, coffee, alcohol, gluten and very fatty foods are the most commonly mentioned food substances that may worsen symptoms in conversations. How foods affect people is very individual. Others are more sensitive.
Psoriasis or atopic dermatitis?
Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis both cause severe symptoms on the skin, but they are different diseases. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease, while atopy is caused by allergies. Red spots are typical for psoriasis, while in atopy the skin is red, scaly and itchy all over. Generally, atopy is a disease of children, and psoriasis occurs among parents, young people and people over middle age.
Associated diseases of psoriasis
Psoriasis is also associated with other diseases, but whether they are caused by psoriasis or the other way around is not entirely certain. Diseases related to psoriasis are very much lifestyle diseases, from which you might think that the reasons behind the symptoms of psoriasis are largely the same as those associated with it, even if the disease itself breaks out for some other reason. Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and anxiety/depression are typical, as are, of course, joint challenges. Both associated diseases and the symptoms of psoriasis are mainly caused by unhealthy lifestyles such as heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, too fatty and limited diet, stress and a lifestyle with too little exercise. (1,2)
The endocannabinoid system and psoriasis
All functions of the body are monitored bythe endocannabinoid system. It is found in all people and almost all animals and its task is to take care of the body’s balance. The endocannabinoid system consists of endogenous or endocannabinoids, their corresponding receptors CB1 and CB2, and their disintegrating enzymes. Endocannabinoids are not stored, but are produced locally as needed.
The endocannabinoid system is also strongly involved in skin-related activities. Its dysregulation has been found to be involved in various skin challenges, such as psoriasis and atopy (3).
In connection with psoriasis, increased activity of both cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 has been observed on the skin and especially in the area of psoriatic plaques. The abundant presence of receptors most likely negates the endocannabinoid system’s attempt to bring the skin back into balance. (4)
Psoriasis and CBD
Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids naturally occurring in hemp, of which more than 100 different types have been identified. Cannabinoids have been studied extensively for decades and have been found to have numerous properties that may improve well-being.
The skin is the largest human organ and one of its main tasks is to protect the body from external harm. Skin diseases are basically the result of skin cell stress and inflammation, for which CBD may be a great help (5). Cannabinoids are fascinating because when they get into the body, they can affect where care is most needed. When applied to the skin, CBD is well absorbed and quickly reaches both the bloodstream and the treated area.
CBD oils and creams can help with the symptoms of psoriasis, as CBD has antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, itching and cell death effects.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
CannabidiolorCBD is a widely studied cannabinoid. It has been found to have a versatile area of influence, which in addition to psoriasis includes e.g. also stress, depression and anxiety. Properties related to psoriasis that ease its symptoms with CBD oil could be its immunomodulating, antibacterial and antioxidant effects, as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-itch and anti-cell death effects. (4,5,6)
CBGorcannabigerol is also a cannabinoid found in hemp, which has properties that affect well-being. CBG has been found in studies to promote skin health and reduce inflammation. (6,7)
Summary
Psoriasis, which occurs deeper than the surface of the skin, is a chronic, complex disease whose effects extend to the quality of life, mood and health. It affects the daily life of millions of people and it can be challenging to live with because it is perhaps impossible to cure. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, its symptoms can also be alleviated by cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG, and future research on the topic will increase the understanding of how cannabinoids and the utilization of the endocannabinoid system could help in the treatment of psoriasis.
Tarnanen K., Rantanen T., Rantalaiho V., Sipilä R. and Psoriasis Association. 2022. Duodecim. Psoriasis (skin and joint psoriasis) control with regular treatment.https://www.kaypahoito.fi/khp00073.Referenced 10/17/2023.
Baswan S., Klosner A., Glynn K., Rajgopal A., Makil K., Yim S., and Stern N.. 2020. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736837/ . Referred on 10/17/2023.
Biro T., Toth B., Hasko G. and Pache P.. 2009. The endocannabinoid system of the skin in health and disease: novel perspectives and therapeutic opportunities.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2757311/. Referenced 10/17/2023.
Makhakhe L.. 2022. Topical cannabidiol (CBD) in skin pathology – A comprehensive review and prospects for new therapeutic opportunities.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9210160/. Referenced 10/17/2023.
Perez E., Fernandez J., Fitzgerald C., Rouzard K., Tamura M., and Savile C.. 2022. In Vitro and Clinical Evaluation of Cannabigerol (CBG) Produced via Yeast Biosynthesis: A Cannabinoid with a Broad Range of Anti -Inflammatory and Skin Health-Boosting Properties. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8778347/. Referenced 10/17/2023.
Menopause is a natural and inevitable stage in a woman’s life, which usually begins in middle age. It brings with it many physical and emotional changes, as well as symptoms that may increase the challenge in everyday life. One interesting option related to the relief of menopause symptoms is cannabidiol, i.e CBD. In this article, we will explore how CBD can help with menopause symptoms, especially fatigue relief, and share our experiences with its use.
Menopause symptoms and their impact on life
Menopause, also known as menopause, is the period when a woman’s periods and regular bleeding stop, and ovarian function and fertility decline. This natural biological change is associated with many physical and psychological symptoms that can significantly affect the quality of life of an aging woman.
Typically, menopause symptoms include:
Hot flashes:Sudden flashes of heat and sweating can be very uncomfortable.
Insomnia:Many women suffer from insomnia, difficulty falling asleep and sleep disturbances during menopause.
Fatigue:Constant tiredness and exhaustion can affect the ability to function on a daily basis.
Memory and concentration problems:Many women experience brain fog
Mood swings:Hormonal changes can cause mood swings, anxiety and depression.
Changes in sex life:Hormonal changes can affect vaginal dryness and sexual desire.
Bone and joint problems:Menopause can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
In addition to these, other common symptoms are abdominal swelling, lower abdominal pain and nausea. (1)
CBD in the treatment of menopause symptoms
CBD, i.e. cannabidiol, is one cannabinoid found in the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.). CBD is not a psychoactive substance like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and therefore does not cause a narcotic effect. Instead, CBD has many potential therapeutic effects that may be useful in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Although the effect of CBD directly on menopause has not been studied yet, the symptoms associated with it can often be treated with the help of CBD. For example, according to a research review conducted in 2020, CBD can help e.g. to reduce pain,insomniaandinflammation of the body (2). In addition to these, it has been shown to have positive effects on other menopause-related symptoms, which will be explained in more detail in the following paragraphs.
Fatigue relief
Fatigue is one of the most common menopausal symptoms that can significantly affect daily life. CBD can have relaxing and stress-relieving effects that can help you better cope with the challenges of fatigue (3). Although research on CBD’s effects on fatigue is still in its infancy, many users have reported improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue with CBD.
CBD affects e.g. to the production of adenosine, which is a natural hormone in the body that affects the state of alertness. Normally, adenosine levels would rise in the evenings, causing a feeling of fatigue.
Joint and muscle pain
CBD and other substances found in hemp can also helpwith osteoporosis in trust. CBD may help e.g. in the strengthening of bones, the formation of new bones and the healing process of a broken bone. (4)
In addition, the prevention of bone loss can be influenced by e.g. by exercising and eating enough nutritious food. It is therefore advisable to add minerals such as calcium and magnesium that act as bone building materials to the diet. Other minerals, trace elements and vitamins can also be helpful, such as vitamin D, copper and vitamin K2. Avoiding smoking is also considered good. (5)
Nausea
Research shows that cannabinoids such as CBD and CBD-A can significantly relievenausea. Cannabinoids help prevent nausea, e.g. by affecting the function of CB1 and 5-HT receptors. (6)
CBD increases the concentration of anandamide in the brain, which in turn affects the activity of its disintegrating molecule, producing antiemetic, i.e. nausea-reducing, effects. In addition to relieving nausea, CBD has an anti-vomiting effect. In comparison, both are found to be effective, of which CBD-A has been found to be somewhat more effective. (7)
Symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue and hot flashes are typically experienced during menopause.
Other menopausal symptoms
The effects of CBD on other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and decreased sexual desire, are still being studied and require further research. However, some users have reported positive experiences in alleviating these symptoms with CBD. It is important to note that each person is unique and CBD can work in different ways for different people.
Experiences of using CBD during menopause
One of the best ways to learn about the effects of CBD on menopause symptoms is to listen to those who have already tried it. Many women have shared their own experiences of using CBD during menopause on various forums and discussion groups. Experiences vary greatly, with some finding great relief from symptoms, while others have not noticed a significant effect. The experiences are influenced by the individual characteristics of the user and the quality, strength and dosage of the CBD product used.
It is important to remember that CBD is not a panacea and its effects on menopause symptoms may vary from person to person. Before you start using CBD, it is recommended to talk to your doctor, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying medical conditions.
Other natural products and menopause
There are several other natural products that are recommended for treating menopause symptoms. For example, for sweating and hot flashes, sage can be taken internally as a herbal tea or extract. Swelling can be helped by herbs such as red clover, white clover, nettle, birch leaves, goldenrod, wort, St. John’s wort, honeysuckle and dandelion. You can try relieving depression and irritability with horsetail, oat sprouts and lemon balm. Osteoporosis and weakening of the bones are avoided by taking care of the well-being of the kidneys, e.g. by eating nettles and field bark in the form of green powder or purées. (Raipala-Cormier, 2019, p.124-125)
In addition to natural products, personal attitude can also affect the intensity of symptoms. Menopause should not be seen as the end of femininity and life, but rather as a deeper change. (Raipala-Cormier, 2019, p.124)
Summary
Menopause is a period associated with middle age, when usually a woman’s hormonal activity changes and menstruation stops. Menopause is associated with certain symptoms that can be challenging and significantly affect the quality of life. CBD is one option that many are considering for symptom relief. Although research on the effects of CBD on menopause symptoms is still in its early stages, many users have found it to be a useful addition to their menopause treatment. Studies support that CBD is helpful, e.g. insomnia, mood, pain and joint problems.
As always, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting a new treatment, and to closely monitor the development of symptoms. Menopause is a unique experience, and each woman needs an individual treatment plan that best suits her needs. CBD may be one tool for managing menopause, but it is not a solution to all symptoms. In addition to CBD, you can try various natural products such as herbs for the treatment and prevention of menopause-related symptoms.
What are CBN and CBG? How are they different from CBD? In this article you will find information about the differences and properties of these cannabinoids.
What is CBN and CBG?
CBN and CBG are cannabinoids, i.e. chemical compounds found in hemp plants.
CBN (cannabinol) is one of the main cannabinoids in cannabis, also known more commonly as the “sleep cannabinoid”. It is formed from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) as a result of oxidation when cannabis is exposed to air or light for a long period of time. CBN is also believed to have sedative and sleep-promoting properties. Based on research, CBN is also antibacterial and can help reduce inflammation and improve appetite. (1)
CBN is also the first cannabinoid ever isolated from hemp, isolated by American chemist Roger Adams in the 1940s. (2)
CBG (cannabigerol) on the other hand, there are cannabinoids that appear first in hemp. First comes CBGA, which forms compounds including CBG, THC, CBD and other cannabinoids are later synthesized. (3)
CBG has a versatile action profile and has been associated with several potential therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as antibacterial properties . CBG is not a psychoactive compound, i.e. it does not cause a narcotic effect. (4) In addition, studies show that CBG has effects that reduce tumors and cancer cells (5).
CBG was first identified in 1964 by Raphael Mechoulam and Yehil Gaon. (6)
Both compounds, CBN and CBG, have received increasing attention in cannabis research due to their potential therapeutic benefits. However, it is important to note that studies on the effects and application of these compounds are still in progress and more information is needed
How do CBN and CBG differ from CBD?
CBN, CBG, and CBD are all cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, but they have slightly different chemical structures and effects. A few differences between these compounds are highlighted below:
CBD or cannabidiol does not cause an intoxicating or psychoactive effect. It does not alter consciousness or cause a feeling of euphoria. Also, CBG is not a psychoactive compound, and it does not cause a narcotic effect at all.
CBN is formed when THC breaks down over time with oxygen, heat and time. The CBN content of hemp increases as the THC breaks down and disappears. Because CBN is formed as a result of the oxidation of THC, it has been found to have mild psychoactive properties. Together with CBD, however, the psychoactivity is reduced to non-existent, as CBD has antipsychotic effects. Many CBN products also contain CBD. (1)
CBG (cannabigerol) in its acid form (CBG-A) is the first cannabinoid from which other cannabinoids are also formed.
Therapeutic properties of cannabinoids
CBD, CBN, and CBG have various potential therapeutic properties. The effects may also vary depending on individual characteristics and health status. The cannabinoids in question work to the internal cannabinoid systemeither directly or indirectly.
CBD is known to have properties such as anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, anxiety-reducing and spasm-reducing. (7)
CBN is believed to have particularly sedative and sleep-promoting properties.
CBG acts through CB1 and CB2 receptors and has been found to have antibacterial, appetite improving, pain and inflammation relieving, and antioxidant effects. CBG is also believed to have mood-enhancing effects, as it increases the amount of serotonin in the body. (8)
According to recent studies, CBG has been found to have positive effects on certain diseases such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), bacterial infections and Huntington’s disease. (9, 10, 11)
Hemp field in the flowering phase.
Cannabinoid concentrations in hemp
Cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG and CBD occur naturally in hemp in varying amounts. The amounts vary greatly in different varieties. The growing season, environment and other conditions can also affect the concentrations formed in the plant. More than 120 different cannabinoids have already been identified in hemp, and it is known that cannabinoids work together better than individually (see Entourage effect).
CBD is generally more abundant in hemp plants than CBN or CBG. CBN, on the other hand, is formed as a result of the oxidation of THC over time, so it is usually less present in young plants. CBG is the main cannabinoid in the early development phase of cannabis, the presence of which decreases significantly towards the end of the growing season.
There are many varieties of hemp with different cannabinoid profiles. Nowadays, varieties are also being bred that can contain a certain amount of a particular cannabinoid, being very different from the averages in terms of their cannabinoid profile compared to other common hemp varieties.
What are cannabinoid acids such as CBGA, CBNA and CBDA?
The cannabinoids found in hemp are always initially in acid form, such as CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) and CBDA (cannabidiol acid). The letter A after the name of the cannabinoid refers to its acid form (Acid).
CBGA
CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) and CBNA (cannabinolic acid) are acid forms of cannabinoids that occur in hemp before they are converted to active compounds such as CBG and CBN through acid decarboxylation or oxidation.
CBGA is the acid form of CBG, the first cannabinoid formed in hemp. CBGA is usually present in the cannabis plant in large amounts in the early growth phase, before the plant produces any other cannabinoids. CBGA is converted to other cannabinoids, such as CBDA (cannabidiol acid) or to THCA(tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), over time, through oxidation or carboxylation reactions.
CBNA
CBNA, on the other hand, is the acid form of cannabinol acid that is present in the cannabis plant before it is converted into the active compound, CBN. CBNA is formed from the THCA of the cannabis variety as a result of oxidation. When THCA is exposed to air or light over time, it oxidizes and turns into CBNA. This process can occur when the plant is stored for a long time or poorly stored in non-airtight packaging.
CBNA and CBGA act as precursors from which other active cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN are formed, which are known to affect the body in many different ways.
CBDA
CBDA is a precursor to CBD and according to research it is a powerful antioxidant. CBD has versatile effects, the most significant of which are e.g. the following:
Anti-nausea (12)
Anti-inflammatory (12)
Pain reliever (12)
Cancer prevention (13)
In addition to these, CBDA has antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and antibacterial properties.
Summary
CBD, CBN and CBG are the most well-known cannabinoids, which are found especially in the leaves and flowers of hemp plants. These cannabinoids have a balancing effect on the body’s endocannabinoid system, and although they resemble each other, each of them has its own special properties. All cannabinoids are first formed from CBGA, which is the precursor or acid form of cannabigerol (CBG).
Cannabinoids have versatile effects that vary individually depending on the characteristics and health status of the user. According to research, different cannabinoids are more effective together than individually, and this combined effect is also called the Entourage effect.
It is important to note that the information presented in this article is based on general observations and research results. Research into the effects of cannabinoids is still ongoing, and their full potential and all the possibilities of its use are not yet completely clear, because it is a very versatile and unique plant.
F. Borrelli ym. 2014. Carcinogenesis. Colon Carcinogenesis is inhibited by the TRPM8 antagonist cannabigerol, a Cannabis-derived non-psychotropic cannabinoid.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25269802.Referenced 07/14/2023
Gaoni, Y., & Mechoulam, R. 1964.Isolation, Structure, and Partial Synthesis of an Active Constituent of Hashish.Journal of the American Chemical Society, 86(8), 1646–1647.https://doi.org/10.1021/ja01062a046.Referred on 07/13/2023.
S. Valdeolivas etc. 2015. Neurotherapeutics. Neuroprotective properties of cannabigerol in Huntington’s disease: studies in R6/2 mice and 3-nitropropionate-lesioned mice.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25252936.Referred on 07/13/2023
F. Borrelli ym. 2013. Biochem Pharmacol. Beneficial effect of the non-psychotropic plant cannabinoid cannabigerol on experimental inflammatory bowel disease.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23415610/.Referenced 07/14/2023
D. Butterfield. Cannabidiolic Acid (CBD -A): The Raw Cannabinoid That Fights Inflammation.http://herb.co/2017/05/20/cbda/.2017. referenced 07/14/2023
S. Takeda Ym. Cannabidiolic acid (CBD -A) mediated selective down-regulation of c-fos in highly aggressive breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells: possible involvement of its down-regulation in the abrogation of aggressiveness.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27530354.2017. Referenced 07/14/2023
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)
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.Stressin itself is hard on the body and it weakens e.g.resistanceand 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 controlledwith 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 systemacting 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, bothanandamideand2-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, butCBDhas been found to have a mitigating effect on it. (5,6)
Due to these properties,CBDcan 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 oilmay be helpful in relieving the symptoms of pancreatitis, although it cannot cure it by itself.
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.
All animals and people in the world are supported by some kind of backbone. In people who belong to vertebrates, that skeleton is a skeleton made of bones, which lives and transforms throughout life. Osteoporosis, i.e. bone loss, is about weakened bone material and in this article we will learn about bone loss, the endocannabinoid system in the bones and how CBD affects the condition of the bones!
What is osteoporosis?
Bones consist of and are made up of minerals. Osteoporosis refers to a lack of minerals in the bones, which causes bone weakening.
The skeleton is built during pregnancy and develops into its final form approx. by the age of six. Bones are alive, because old bone material is constantly being broken down as new is formed. This process slows down around the age of 30, and new bone is not formed as fast as old bone is broken down. So the bone material also becomes brittle naturally. (1,2)
Osteoporosis mostly affects the older population, especially women. Sometimes osteoporosis is also diagnosed in men and younger people and in general it is very common worldwide. According to estimates, approx. 18% of the world’s population suffers from osteoporosis, some without knowing it.
Hereditary factors affect the probability of developing osteoporosis, but in addition to them, e.g. smoking, lack of calcium and other minerals, underweight, lack of exercise, and some diseases or medications may contribute to the development of osteoporosis.(1,2)
Osteoporosis symptoms
The symptoms of osteoporosis usually only become apparent when a bone breaks, either due to bone loss or an accident.The bone has become weak and can no longer withstand blows as before. In other respects, there are no tangible or visible symptoms associated with osteoporosis.
Prevention of bone loss
Bone loss is partly a result of lifestyle, but it is also due to both hereditary factors and aging. Bone loss can be prevented by investing in nutrient-dense food, exercising enough and avoiding smoking. Especially from minerals that build bones, such as calcium and magnesium, and it is good to take care of their absorption, but bones are also affected by numerous other minerals, vitamins and trace elements such as vitamin K2, vitamin D and copper. (2)
Osteoporosis is significantly more common in women than in men, and this is thought to be due to monthly pregnancies and breastfeeding. A woman’s body and mineral reserves are put to the test because of the monthly bleeding and the building materials needed to grow a baby and child. It is especially important for women to take care of a varied diet throughout life. (1,2)
Bone loss can also be prevented and treated with the help of supplements. All vitamins, minerals and trace elements are important for bones and it is even advisable to take them from a jar, as long as you don’t try to replace a varied diet with them.
Medication
Various drugs are used to treat osteoporosis, the purpose of which is e.g. harden the bone, increase the amount of thyroid hormone or affect the activity of the cells that form in the bones. The medicines are very strong and are dosed once a day, once a year or per event, depending on the medicine. No medicine intended for the treatment of bone loss does not heal or restore the bone, but artificially keeps the bone intact and strong. (2,3)
Bone loss is also a result of aging, but its progression can be affected by a diet that maintains bone health.
Natural treatment
In the treatment of osteoporosis, prevention is important. The onset of osteoporosis can be influenced by lifestyle, but even after diagnosis, diet and exercise have a big impact on general well-being.
Foods to avoid in osteoporosis
The actual foods to avoid are not associated with osteoporosis, rather the urge to eat plenty of certain foods. In terms of the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, it is particularly important to enjoy mineral-rich foods and ensure good absorption of nutrients.
The endocannabinoid system in osteoporosis
The endocannabinoid system is a system that monitors and balances all processes in the body, which is especially responsible for functions essential for survival, such as energy storage and sleep. The endocannabinoid system is also an essential part of bone function and it works in all parts of the bone, from the core to the active part of the bone.
The endocannabinoid system consists of three parts, the body’s endogenous endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and their disintegrating molecules. There are several endocannabinoids and the best known of them, anandamideand2-AG, have been detected in the bone in large amounts of both. They are present both in the bone marrow and in the active parts of the bone (3,4).
Two receptors in the body are classified as cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2 receptors. In addition to these receptors, TRPV1 and GPR55 receptors are present in bone cells, participating in bone metabolism, e.g. participating in bone cell activity and bone mass regulation. CB1 and CB2 receptors are present to prevent bone loss.(3,4)
CBD for osteoporosis
CBD or cannabidiol is a compound called cannabinoid found in hemp. It and its effects have been studied for decades and, based on observations, it has numerous properties that affect health. Hemp has been used medicinally for thousands of years, especially in Eastern medicine. Slowly, in practice, the active ingredient of nature, which has been found to work, also receives scientific support.
CBD together with other active ingredients of hemp may also be good for supporting osteoporosis treatment. Of course, it is of primary importance to take care of e.g. exercise and diet, but CBD may have effects e.g. for bone strengthening, new bone formation and healing of broken bone. (5,6)
Summary
Osteoporosis is a bone fragility disease that especially affects the older female population, which can be prevented and also cured. Diet and exercise play a special role in the creation and prevention of bone loss, but CBD may also have a positive effect on bones and their healing.
Rossi F., Tortora C., Punzo F., Bellini G., Argenziano M., Di Paola A., Torella M. and Perrotta S.. 2019. The Endocannabinoid/Endovanilloid System in Bone: From Osteoporosis to Osteosarcoma.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6514542/. Referenced 01/02/2023
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 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 notablycannabidiol (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 inflammationand affects various pains such as muscle pain (4,5).CBD oilis also protective of the nervous system and thus could potentially be good in the treatment of chronic borreliosis as well.
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 oilmay have positive effects on borreliosis and its symptoms, but there has been very little research into this.
Mlost, J. et al. 2020. Polish Academy of Sciences.. Cannabidiol for Pain Treatment: Focus on Pharmacology and Mechanism of Actionhttps://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/22/8870/html.Referred on 03/03/2023
A herniated disc is undoubtedly one of the most common causes of back pain. It is very common in working-age people and also largely due to work-related reasons such as sedentary work or strain. CBD is a cannabinoid obtained from hemp, whose positive effect has also been noticed in the treatment of neuropathic back pain. In this article, we will explore whether CBD oil could be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of a herniated disc.
What is a disc bulge / herniated disc?
Intervertebral discs are like small pillows that are located between the vertebrae of the spine, cushioning the load on the spine. Their purpose is to keep the vertebrae separate from each other and they consist of two parts; of a gelatinous interior and a solid outer shell with nerve fiber endings. (1)
Disc bulging is caused by degeneration of the disc. It is also a natural wear and tear associated with aging, which is not necessarily associated with greater pain. Promoted by stress or sitting, the degeneration often affects only one or a few discs, allowing the core of the disc to enter the spinal canal. The disc presses on the spinal nerve or causes local irritation, from which pain arises. (2)
Symptoms of a herniated disc
A herniated disc usually causes sudden pain, even if it has developed slowly. The actual pain point is in the lumbar spine, but the pain often radiates below the knee as well. Symptoms also include numbness, tingling and muscle weakness. (2,3)
Sometimes the bulge gets so big that it requires immediate surgical treatment. In this case, in addition to pain, the symptoms include challenges in holding stool and urine and significant muscle weakness in the leg. (2,3)
Bulging disc treatment
A herniated disc is treated with the help of painkillers, physiotherapy, rest, focus on ergonomics and light movement. Usually, the symptoms subside within a couple of months, but if they continue or worsen, it is necessary to talk to the doctor and reevaluate the treatment. A herniated disc is also treated with surgery, but it is only considered if the above-mentioned methods do not help. (3)
How to treat a bulging / herniated disc at home?
The aim is to focus the treatment of disc herniation at home and on taking ergonomics into account in everyday life. Usually, the bulge is treated with home remedies and physiotherapy, but approx. 15% of all cases require surgery. (2,3)
Usually, the physiotherapist gives instructions for movement and light stretching, but a good general guideline can be to take a regular, leisurely walk. Special attention must be paid to ergonomics when the hernia occurs acutely, but also afterwards, in order to avoid recurrence of the hernia. (2,3)
A bulging disc often heals on its own, but sometimes the treatment is surgery. CBD oil may help with symptoms.
Prevention
The degeneration of the diaphragm cannot actually be prevented, but its progress can be influenced by ergonomics and good lifestyles. Most of the time, a bulging disc in working-age people is caused by either sitting or one-sided strain, so it is important to pay attention to work-related ergonomics. It is even more important that these ergonomic instructions are actually followed, because often they are known, but not used. (2,3)
The condition of the intervertebral discs can be maintained with gentle movement, diet and not smoking (2). Sports where there is tackling or where the movement is always similar like in golf, there are higher risks of sudden and slowly developing disc herniation.
The symptoms of a herniated disc radiate to the leg
A herniated disc usually radiates to the leg, below the knee, and it is one of the clearest signs by which the causes of back pain can be identified as a herniated disc. You don’t always have this feeling of radiation in your leg, but it is very common.
Does the herniated disc reflect in the neck?
A herniated disc manifesting in the lumbar spine does not actually affect the neck, but various pain conditions also occur in the neck area, some of which are associated with degeneration of the discs. These diseases are rather classified as diseases of the cervical spine, but they have the same type of symptoms and root causes. Usually, hernias in the back do not actually radiate to the neck, but there is also degeneration in the cervical spine and its disc pads, which causes pain. The discs in the cervical spine also naturally degenerate as a result of aging, which can cause stiffness in the neck and sometimes even a tilt of the head. (4)
How does CBD oil affect the symptoms of a herniated disc?
CBD is an anti-inflammatory cannabinoid whose therapeutic effects are widely studied and recognized. It is a gentle, safe and effective supplement to support the treatment of many diseases, but its effect on disc herniation has only been studied a little, and the mechanism of action is not yet known. However, it has been noticed that somehow it has an effect and the topic would definitely be worth further research. The mechanisms of action have mostly been estimated and are related to CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects, slowing down the absorption of the endocannabinoid anandamide, and CBD’s muscle-relaxing properties in general. (5)
Chronic back pain in particular is often accompanied by anxiety and depression due to pain conditions that make life difficult.CBDhas been studied to have a positive effect on both of these.CBD also affects the quality of sleep, which often suffers due to symptoms caused by herniated discs and back pain. Read more On the effect of CBD oilon insomnia.
Back pain relief with CBD oil?
The effect of CBD on back pain has not yet been studied very extensively, but because back pain is often caused byneuropathic or nerve painandinflammation, in the light of user experiences and research, CBD oil is potentially good for relieving back pain. (5)
In summary
Disc herniation and the effect of CBD oil on it have been studied very little. However, we do know that CBD is cannabinoid, which has a lot of properties that have a positive effect on health, some of which could also be well suited for the symptoms related to the bulging of the diaphragm.
Silveira JW, Issy AC, Castania VA, Salmon CEG, Noguiera-Barbosa MH, Guimaraes F., Defino HLA and Del Bel E.. 2014. Protective Effects of Cannabidiol on Lesion-Induced Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25517414/. Referred on 10/22/2022
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.
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 anandamideand2-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.
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
Strange situations, whether they happened or didn’t happen, run through my mind, and in addition, the lock on the front door must be checked at least a hundred times before leaving. Does it sound familiar? Everyone has mild symptoms, but sometimes it may be an obsessive-compulsive disorder, i.e. OCD. OCD is not serious, but is in any case a state of mind classified as a psychological disorder. In this article, we take a deeper look at OCD, see what the endocannabinoid system has to do with it, and consider whether CBD could help with obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a psychiatric disorder based on compulsive thoughts and action patterns. It is estimated that around 1-3% of Finns suffer from obsessive-compulsive symptoms, but the diagnosis is rarer than that. The disorder is not dangerous, but its symptoms can be so strong that it controls a person’s life and thoughts. (1)
The disorder usually starts already in childhood, but it also appears together with other psychiatric diseases, such as depression and anxiety. The risk of obsessive-compulsive symptoms during pregnancy and breastfeeding has been found to increase approximately twice compared to normal. The actual peaks for the onset of symptoms are in adolescence and young adulthood. (1,2)
All people have compulsive thoughts, feelings and behaviors in some situations, but the symptoms are classified as a disorder when they affect life in a dominant way.
Factors behind the outbreak
It is not known exactly what causes obsessive-compulsive symptoms, but it is suspected that e.g. inflammation of the body, oxidative stress and a disorder related to the glutamatergic pathway, which is behind almost all psychological illnesses. (1,2,3)
Obsessions rule life
Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms are related to either compulsive thoughts or compulsive actions and are often unrealistic and excessive.
Compulsive thoughts include, for example, fears of contamination and contracting diseases, paranoia and suspicion. The thoughts are mostly distressing and negative. (1,2) Compulsions are often neurotic ways of controlling these thoughts.
A person suffering from compulsive symptoms may wash their hands so much for fear of disease that the skin breaks or clean so neurotically that all places are shiny, and even that is not enough. The symptom picture is also related to the need for symmetry, in which case everything must be in a certain order and everything must be perfectly in its place all the time (1,2).
The person suffering from the symptoms often realizes that the way he acts or thinks is no longer normal, but is still unable to change his habits without help.
The OCD test
There are several different tests that you can use to examine your compulsions before going to the doctor. OCD test of the mental health center can be found here.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mild mental illness, the symptoms of which may be alleviated by e.g. with therapy and CBD oil.
Obsessive compulsive disorder treatment and medications
In general, therapy and drug therapy or their combination are used as treatment, but neuromodulation treatments are also used. (2) Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which is primarily used as a treatment, is not so effective that it is necessary to develop other ways to relieve symptoms or eliminate them completely.
The endocannabinoid system and OCD
The endocannabinoid system is an observer of all body functions, whose task is to balance vital functions. The endocannabinoid system is found in all humans and all animals, except crustaceans, and has numerous different functions throughout the body.
The endocannabinoid systemconsists of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and enzymes that break them down.
In the background of obsessive-compulsive disorder, it has been observed, for example, increased endocannabinoid levels in the brain, which is where the symptoms start. (4) Of course, this does not mean that the endocannabinoid system is the cause of the onset of diseases, but that somewhere in the body there is a place where endocannabinoids and their corresponding receptors are needed more. You can read more about the lack of endocannabinoids and its effect on the onset of diseases in the article endocannabinoid deficiency state.
Research on the benefits of CBD specifically for the treatment of OCD symptoms is just beginning, but based on the early results, it seems that cannabinoids such as CBD would also have positive effects on alleviating obsessive-compulsive disorder.
CBD
CBD is a compound found in the hemp plant, which, according to studies, has numerous effects on the functions of the human and animal bodies. In addition to being neuroprotective, antioxidant and oxidative stress-relieving, according to studies, it has been found to be a good support alongside the treatment of many psychiatric diseases. (4)
Only a few studies have been conducted on the use of cannabinoids for the treatment of OCD, but already based on them, it is possible to say that cannabinoids probably have positive effects in alleviating obsessive-compulsive disorder. (3,4)
GSK-3β is an enzyme whose imbalanced activity affects the background of several neurological diseases. It regulates e.g. cell membrane, inflammatory pathways and neuron polarities and affects the occurrence of oxidative stress. According to researches CBD reduces the activity of the GSK-3β enzyme, as well as controlling the release of serotonin and relieving anxiety and psychotic symptoms. (3)
CBD oil according to studies and user experiences, it is well tolerated, effective and safe to use to alleviate the symptoms of many different diseases. It has numerous properties that may have a positive effect, e.g. insomniaandanxietyand it has been found to alleviate e.g. symptoms of post-traumatic stressandstress.
Summary
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mild mental illness that nevertheless has a sensitive life-dominating effect. Symptoms include being neurotic about things like washing your hands. It is possible to get rid of obsessive-compulsive disorder with, for example, therapy.
Sources
The working group established by Duodecim of the Finnish Medical Association and the Finnish Psychiatric Association. Duodecim treatment. https://www.kaypahoito.fi/hoi50129. Referred on 20/02/2023
Kayser RR, Haney M, Raskin M, Arout C, and Simpson HB. 2020. Acute Effects of Cannabinoids on Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Human Laboratory Study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7423713/. Referred on 20/02/2023
Bipolar disorder, or bipolar disorder, is a mental health illness for which everyone carries predisposing genes. The disease is challenging and often difficult to treat, but it can also be alleviated with lifestyle and possibly with the help of CBD oil. This article will introduce you to bipolar disorder, the endocannabinoid system behind it, and how CBD could be helpful in treating it.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, (manic-depressive), also called bipolar disorder, is a mental health disorder characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania. The mood varies between manic and depressed, and in between there may be long periods called the recovery phase, when the symptoms hardly appear. (1,2,3,4)
About 1-2% of Finnish adults suffer from bipolar disorder and it is equally common in both women and men. The first disease episode usually occurs in young adulthood, between the ages of 15 and 35. The frequency and number of episodes during life varies between sufferers. Sometimes the onset of periods of illness goes in synchrony with the seasons, other times they are the result of more challenging phases of life. For others, the disease is also easier to predict in advance, as the seasons may follow each other cyclically; after depression, mania, then again depression and mania. In between these, there may be a recovery phase, when the mood is typical for the person. (1,2,3,4)
Bipolar disorder is divided into two types. People with type 1 have mania, while people with type 2 only have hypomania. Type 1 in particular includes an increased risk of e.g. divorces, suicide and disability. (1,2,3,4)
Causes of illness
Bipolar disorder is strongly hereditary, but environmental factors probably also predispose to it. Heritability is approx. 10-15 %. (3)
All people carry some predisposing genes, and depending on the circumstances, the disease will break out or not.
According to a recently completed study, the disease is caused by a disruption of the internal clock, which is caused by low-level inflammation in the body, activation of the immune system, and chronic stress. In addition to MJ Rantala, associate professor of evolutionary psychology at the University of Turku, the group that carried out the research includes S. Luoto, J. Borraz-Leon and I. Krams. According to the study, the reduced need for sleep was thought to be a symptom, but now it is thought to be the cause of the onset of mania. Disruption of the internal clock and thus the deterioration of sleep quality and decrease in quantity most obviously triggers mania, because sleep affects chronic stress and the level of inflammation in the nervous system. (5)
Symptoms
The symptoms of the disease vary between seasons as well as between sufferers, and the symptoms can be anything in intensity. A strong change in mood from one extreme to the other is typical, seasonally. The symptoms of bipolar disorder therefore include episodes of depression and mania that are clearly separated from each other.
It would be good to know how to recognize your own initial symptoms, so that the management of the disease is as successful as possible. Usually, the onset of mania is accompanied by increased energy and a decreased need for sleep, an increase in sexual desire and a generally more active approach to life.
Depression is the other side of bipolar disorder and CBD oil may help with that.
Depression
The symptoms of the depressive phase are not much different from ordinary depression, when a person is very tired, uninterested and unwilling. During the depression period, even the most important and dearest things are not necessarily of interest, but up to 18 hours of the day are spent sensitively on the bottom of the bed. It is typical that a period of depression follows mania, and in this case depression may also be accompanied by shame and regret for the things that happened during the mania. The depressive phase of bipolar disorder may be associated with a little more depression than usual, e.g. psychotic symptoms, weight gain and slowing down of thoughts and movement. (1,2,3,4)
The depressive phase usually lasts at least a week, but can last even months.
Mania
There are two different types of mania. Mania is a faster gear in the life of a bipolar disorder sufferer and then there is enough energy to share with others. The symptoms include a loss of control over one’s own actions, when everything seems to be successful and exciting, one cannot sleep for more than a few hours, and especially one cannot rest on one’s laurels. It’s great to do all kinds of things when you finally have enough power. Talkativeness increases, self-esteem rises and the person may become a “freak for grandeur” who spends money recklessly. During mania, a person is sexually hyperexcited. (1,2,3,4)
Hypomania is clearly milder than mania, but they still have the same elements. During hypomania, a person does not become psychotic, but the mania phase is mainly seen as increased energy, increased self-esteem and a decrease in the need for sleep.
Manic phases usually last from a week to months.
Mixed episode
If the symptoms change rapidly, even within one day, from depression to mania and back again, it is called a mixed episode. A mixed episode can be particularly stressful for those closest to you, as unpredictable behavior can bring challenges to everyday life and social situations.
Diagnosis
Psychological illnesses are often associated with strong shame, which is why a person is not always willing to admit all the symptoms he has. Depending also on the phase that the person is going through, he may be completely unable to judge that it is e.g. manic episode.
In order to diagnose bipolar disorder, the review often requires a little longer, as the diagnosis requires at least two manic/depressive episodes. In Finland, the time from the first episode of illness to diagnosis is approx. 8 years (5).
Treatment and medication
There is no medicine that can cure or stop mania or depression, but bipolar disorder is treated in such a way that the disease remains as symptom-free as possible and the mood is stable. The most important task of drug treatment is to prevent episodes from recurring, as they also worsen and intensify the symptoms of the next episode.
Commonly used drugs include e.g. antipsychotic medication, drugs that affect sleep, mood stabilizers, and lithium and valproate, which are used to try to stabilize mood during a mixed episode or mania. During the depressive period, the medication differs from the treatment of ordinary depression, as mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are used instead of antidepressants. (3,4)
Medication can be difficult, as only a few commit to regular use of the medication. Often, the drug is stopped independently just at the onset of mania or depression and sometimes also in the middle of the recovery phase, thinking that the medication is no longer needed.
The best way to treat and manage the disease is to acknowledge its existence and the fluctuating episodes it causes. Recognizing the symptoms and reacting to them is of paramount importance even in those moments when symptoms do not occur. Lifestyle greatly affects the onset and maintenance of the disease. Regular routines, a nutrient-rich diet without additives, not intoxicating and minimizing coffee consumption are very important aspects in managing symptoms, as well as taking care of the best possible sleep quality. (3,4)
Various therapies also play a significant role in managing the disease. Such are e.g. individual psychotherapy, and couple and family therapy.
Natural treatment
There are several factors behind the onset of bipolar disorder and disruption of vital functions. Good life management is important for treating bipolar disorder. The drugs used in treatment often cause strong side effects, so during the recovery phase it is especially important to take care of the basics so that both mind and body are ready to receive another episode of depression/mania.(3,4,5)
The background of the onset of the disease is therefore a disruption of the internal clock, stress, inflammation of the body and probably also accumulations of heavy metals in the brain. A diet that cleanses the body and relieves inflammation and following it with a competent nutritionist could be significant in terms of treating the disease.
Also, stopping the use of substances, observing regularity in life through routines and adding exercise to everyday life could be effective ways to relieve stress, inflammation and help the internal clock stay on schedule. (3,4,5)
Bipolar disorder, which is caused by the imbalance of the internal clock, is also a disease that affects loved ones, as it causes instability in the sufferer’s life.
Experiences and tests
There is a lot of material and different tests on the Internet if you want to examine your own or a loved one’s symptoms. You should always talk to a professional about symptoms and suspicions about getting sick, but you can map out the situation first at home, e.g. with this test Mood Disorder Questionnaire MDQ.
Experiences, support and peer support are offered by e.g. association Bipolar and you can find them hereBipolar.
Close ones
Bipolar disorder can be heavy and challenging for loved ones as well. Especially for the family, children and spouse of the person suffering from strong symptoms, both long periods of depression and also long periods of mania can be difficult times, and the situation may not get any easier even during the recovery phase. Often loved ones notice the onset of mania/depression faster than the symptoms, and during the recovery phase, the loved one may unnecessarily get annoyed with their spouse by misinterpreting their behavior. Overreaction and fear of the situation turning in the direction of depression/mania easily causes arguments and the relationship is put to the test because of this. (4)
Mania may take the patient to a closed ward, and during depression the spouse may not be able to do anything about it together. Accepting and putting up with this demands an extreme amount from the spouse, and families are often offered e.g. relationship therapy, in which the experience of both is heard. (4)
The matter is challenging to the extent that the sufferer needs enormous support, understanding and love, especially from the spouse and loved ones. The variability of situations can become burdensome for the family over the years, especially if the disease is still untreated and without a diagnosis and mood-balancing medication. A spouse’s illness may also cause shame, so getting help for both yourself and the sick person can be unnecessarily delayed. (4)
The endocannabinoid system in bipolar disorder
Purpose of the endocannabinoid system is to balance all processes in the body. The system found in almost all living species is responsible for the needs that are necessary for life, such as e.g. appetite, sleep and relaxation and is therefore of course also part of the onset, maintenance and possibly recovery of bipolar disorder.
The endocannabinoid system includes endogenous cannabinoids, their corresponding two receptors and the enzymes that break them down.
Both pro-inflammatory cytokines and the endocannabinoidanandamide a clear increase in levels has been observed in those who are going through at least another episode of the disease. Also, an increase in other, lesser known, endocannabinoids in those who have both schizophrenia and substance abuse problems in addition to bipolar disorder. (6)
Another of the most well-known cannabinoids,2-AG is at a clearly lower than normal level in those suffering from mental health challenges. (6)
The CB2 receptor has a strong influence on the immune response, and its activation could be significant in the treatment of bipolar disorder, which is partially caused by inflammation in the body. (7)
CBD adjusts the internal clock
Disturbances of the internal clock, low-grade inflammation of the body and stress are common features of bipolar disorder. A compound found in hemp, According to studies,cannabidiol or CBD has an effect on the internal clock,relieves inflammation, and alsorelieves stress . cannabinoid. CBD is not intoxicating, does not cause addiction and has been found to be effective even after long-term use.
According to research, harnessing cannabinoids for mental health treatment is challenging to the extent that they affect everyone in slightly different ways. However, CBD may also have therapeutic effects on mental health challenges and may also be useful in supporting the treatment of bipolar disorder.
CBD acts mainly through non-cannabinoid receptors, but it also has an effect that activates the cannabinoid system. (8)
The intoxicating cannabinoid,THC(tetrahydrocannabinol), the use of hemp is not recommended for people with bipolar disorder, as THC may e.g. trigger mania. (7)
Summary
Bipolar disorder is a difficult-to-diagnose mental illness that causes challenging symptoms that range from deep depression to high-energy mania. Lifestyle has a great impact in terms of disease prevention and treatment, but often alongside them different mood-balancing drugs are needed. CBD oil may relieve symptoms during both depressive and manic periods, but also affect future periods of illness, as CBD in general has been found to have effects that may alleviate the causes associated with bipolar disorder.
A working group set up by the Duodecim of the Finnish Medical Society, the Finnish Psychiatric Association and the Finnish Youth Psychiatric Association. Duodecim On-site treatment. Bipolar disorder. https://www.kaypahoito.fi/hoi50076. Referenced 2/22/2023.
Garani R., Watts J. and Mizrahi R.. 2020. Endocannabinoid System in Psychotic and Mood Disorders, a review of human studies. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32898588/.Referenced 2/22/2023.
Campos AC, Moreira FA, Gomes FV, Del Bel EA and Guimarez FS. 2020. Multiple mechanisms involved in the large-spectrum Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol in Psychiatric disorders. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23108553/. Referenced 2/22/2023.
Fatigue is very common and everyone will experience it at some point in their lives. Constant fatigue can be caused by many different reasons and the background also affects it endocannabinoid system. In this article, we’ll explore fatigue and whether CBD oil could help manage the symptoms!
The human body is a subtle entity, which on the one hand is durable and stable, but on the other hand reacts very sensitively to various environmental factors. Fatigue is an expression of various experiences related to the general state of alertness. There can be many reasons behind fatigue and CBD oilcan help with some of them.
Causes of fatigue
Fatigue can be caused by a bad night’s sleep, stress, medication or a stressful life situation. Menstruation, iron deficiency anemia, menopause, depression and allergies cause fatigue, as does, for example, watching over a baby. Fatigue is the first or side symptom of some diseases. (1)
In general, fatigue is caused by lifestyles that can be influenced by yourself. Sufficiently long night sleep, stress relief, diet and exercise are basic things that can increase your own endurance (1). CBD oil according to studies, has an effect on insomnia. It improves the sleep cycle and makes it easier to both fall asleep and wake up. It has also been found to deepen sleep.
One of the most significant factors causing fatigue is iron deficiency anemia and low iron stores in the body, i.e. ferritin.
Iron deficiency anemia
Today, iron deficiency anemia is a very common body imbalance condition, especially among women, which causes severe fatigue and weakness. Iron deficiency can be difficult to detect, because the hemoglobin concentration in the blood can be within the reference values, but the levels of storage iron, i.e. ferritin (ferritin and P-TfR), are very low.
It is thought that almost all women suffer from low ferritin and its effects should be taken seriously. The challenge is the poor absorption of iron consumed as a supplement and the fact that what works for one person may not work for another. Iron stocks also seem to decrease quickly again, even if they could be temporarily raised to a safe level.
Iron deficiency is basically a disturbance in the production of red blood cells, and its background is often a lack of trace and mineral substances that build red blood cells. To produce red blood cells, e.g. copper, iron and several B group vitamins. In order to get the iron values permanently in order, it is good to consider the diet as a whole. In the beginning, especially if the storage iron is very low, it can be good to take some well-absorbed iron product, which can often be found in health food stores, and with the energy you get from it, you start thinking about your own overall situation and why the iron is not absorbed. (2)
There are a huge number of different views on the causes of iron deficiency. Some think it’s a vegetarian diet and others think it’s eating meat and eggs. One believes that heavy menstruation is the reason, and the other blames everything on their own beliefs. However, the truth is that there are certainly many reasons and the problem is transgenerational. You can find different perspectives on the subject by searching huge amounts on the internet, and to improve the situation, it is possible to try all kinds of things, from iron preparations to iron infusion to diet correction. (2)
Doctor Ilona Ritola maintainsthe INFO – Raudanpūte– website, which has a lot of information related to the topic.
There are different types of iron products. What is absorbed by one person is not necessarily absorbed by others, and the form in which the iron is usually affects how challenging the preparation in question is for the stomach. The absorption of iron is promoted by e.g. Vitamin C, and it should not be taken together with dairy products.
Symptoms of fatigue
The symptoms of fatigue are quite clear. In the morning, it would be impossible to get out of bed, and the day does not seem to start. In addition, for example, going to work can feel overwhelming and the ability to concentrate can be non-existent. Taking care of everyday things is therefore more burdensome than usual, and the thought of the sofa and curling up under a blanket is always on my mind. Fatigue can appear at any time of the day, depending on the cause, and it cannot necessarily be corrected by rest. Prolonged fatigue can also be a symptom of an illness.
In fatigue symptoms related to hormonal imbalance, fatigue often strikes in the afternoon!
Constant fatigue and weakness
It is good to find out the cause of constant fatigue, because when it becomes chronic, fatigue may turn into exhaustion and recovery can be a long process. Long-lasting fatigue that does not resolve with lifestyle changes, such as paying attention to sleep quality, can also be a sign of illness.
The feeling of weakness may be related to iron deficiency anemia or some other disease. Exhaustion also causes weakness. Powerlessness is a symptom that strongly affects life, because it is both a mental and a physical feeling at the same time. The legs may not carry and even a small everyday adversity may seem like an insurmountable challenge.
Treatment of fatigue
The treatment of fatigue depends entirely on the cause of the fatigue. Prolonged fatigue or fatigue occurring as a symptom of an illness and its treatment should be agreed with a doctor, but fatigue caused by your own choices can be corrected with demanding but simple methods. It is good to make changes to your diet in a healthier direction, especially if you feel tired immediately after eating. The feeling that comes from eating is light, but full, satisfied and energetic. Fatigue is caused by digestion that takes too much energy, which can be caused by the simplest combination of bad ingredients.
Stress can be relieved in many ways. The forest, sauna, moments where you don’t demand anything from yourself, good food and calming the nervous system are proven to be good ways to calm the mind. You can read more here On the effect of CBD oil on stress.
Good lifestyles are a prerequisite for a vibrant life. The body copes better with everyday challenges when the foundation is in good condition. Good or even moderate physical condition, high-quality nutrition, a balanced mind contribute to coping, and fatigue is often caused by deficiencies in the basic things of life.
Mental fatigue
Exhaustion is sometimes called mental fatigue, and on a general level it often means tiredness related to everyday things. The rhythm of life can be really burdensome and between work, home and free time and slowly causes exhaustion. Exhaustion is challenging to notice, let alone admit to yourself, and that’s why it often has time to progress too far, in which case the situation requires a long rest and calming down of life before the strength returns to normal.
Fatigue is caused by many reasons and it is good to treat them seriously, because fatigue usually has a deeper meaning.
Does CBD oil help with fatigue?
Oftenin studies about CBD and also according to user experiences, especially high doses ofCBDoil may cause fatigue. That’s true, but possibly adjustable by what time of day you take CBD and what kind of dose.
CBD affects adenosine, which is one of the hormones that cause fatigue. Adenosine levels naturally rise in the evening and cause a feeling of fatigue. (3,4)
The use of the CBD oil the effect on fatigue is individual. Some people get tired after just one drop of CBD oil, while others take it even in the morning without any tiring effect on the level of alertness. In particular, cannabinoid acids such as CBD-A and CBG-A may raise the mood and, with it, also the state of alertness.
CBD oil may be helpful for sleep-related challengesand thus also have an effect on the general state of alertness.
Summary
Fatigue is a common and natural feeling that can be affected by many health-promoting life choices. Fatigue that cannot be cured by easy means should be investigated in more detail, because sometimes the underlying cause is illness, exhaustion or a lack of vitamins.
Huntington’s disease is a rare but all the more unfortunate disease that occurs mostly among the white population. In this article, we’ll look at Huntington’s disease, the endocannabinoid system behind it, and whether CBD could help alleviate its symptoms.
What is Huntington’s disease?
Huntington’s disease (Huntington’s disease) is a disease occurring in the central nervous system that strongly affects functions related to memory, behavior and body movement. Huntington’s disease is quite rare and is estimated to affect 4-10/100,000 people in Finland. Huntington’s disease is mainly a disease of the white population and it occurs most in Europeans, but also in North America and Canada the prevalence is almost at the European level. (1,2)
Huntington’s disease is caused by an error in the HTT gene, which causes degeneration of the central nervous system. (1,2)
Symptoms of Huntington’s disease
Symptoms usually only start at an older age. Most often in 30-year-olds at the earliest, but usually only in those who have crossed the 50-year-old threshold. The symptoms are clear changes in behavior, compulsive movements, dementia and psychological symptoms such as anxiety, social challenges and sadness. The symptoms usually start with movement called chorea, weight loss and sleep difficulties, and slowly progress to other typical symptoms. (2) The symptoms are manifold and vary greatly between patients.
Sometimes the symptom is also psychotic symptoms such as paranoia and visual and auditory hallucinations. (2)
Prevention, diagnosis and treatment
The hereditary but rare Huntington’s disease is caused by an error in the protein called huntingtin, which encodes the HTT gene. It is estimated that about half of those who carry the genetic defect eventually become ill, and the timing of the onset of the disease largely depends on how much longer than normal the CAG repeat period is in the huntingtin chromosome. The reason why not everyone gets sick or why the disease breaks out in some people is not yet known. (1,2,3)
Getting a diagnosis is often slowed down by the fact that the sufferer himself does not notice and admit the symptoms, but making a diagnosis is quite easy based on the symptoms.
There is no cure or treatment for Huntington’s disease. Specially developed drugs are used to treat symptoms such as compulsive movements and mood, but the drugs are often poorly tolerated and quite ineffective. Usually the patient dies no later than 20 years after the diagnosis, but if the disease has already been diagnosed at an older age, it has hardly appeared alongside the usual symptoms of old age. (1,2)
The endocannabinoid system and huntington
The endocannabinoid system is found in almost all humans and animals. The purpose of this system is to be in the background of vital functions, monitoring and balancing processes so that the body functions as optimally as possible. Sometimes, for some reason, a malfunction occurs in the system and the system starts to operate either with over- or under-production. Dysfunction of the endocannabinoid system is at the root of many diseases, but it is not the actual culprit for the onset of diseases.
Two receptors belonging to the endocannabinoid system have been recognized, the CB1 and CB2 receptors. During Huntington’s disease, CB1 receptors are clearly reduced, while CB2 levels seem to be normal compared to a healthy person. The levels of CB1 receptors are directly proportional to the CAG repeats, but nevertheless, decreased CB1 receptor levels are likely a consequence, not a cause, of Huntington’s disease. (3,4)
Huntington’s disease symptoms are diverse and can be mitigated by e.g. CBD oil.
Does CBD help?
CBD is a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, which, according to research, has numerous properties that have a positive effect on health. Oil is pressed or extracted from hemp that contains all the active ingredients of hemp, this is called full spectrum oil.
Huntington’s disease involves the death of nerve cells and the inflammation that occurs in them. CBD has been found in studies to prevent cell death (5), to relieve inflammationand also to protect nerve cells, and thus it might slow down the progression of the disease and possibly ease its symptoms.
CBD oil may also have other effects that may ease the symptoms of Huntington’s disease. CBD has been detected to relieve anxietyand MS disease in studies
Huntington’s disease is a multi-symptom disease for which there is still no curative treatment. It is possible to alleviate the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease with the help of medicines and possibly also CBD oil.
Sipilä OTJ, Kaasinen V., Hietala M., Päivärinta M. and Majamaa K.. 2019. Duodecim Aikakusikirja.Huntington’s disease.https://www.duodecimlehti.fi/duo14763. Referred on 27.12.2022.
Pazos MR, Sagredo O. and Fernandez-Ruiz J.. 2008.Current Pharmaceutical Design.The Endocannabinoid System in Huntington’s Disease.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18781982/Cited 12/27/2022.
Rieder S., Chauhan A., Singh U., Nagarkatti M. and Nagarkatti P.. 2009. Cannabinoid-induced apoptosis in immune cells as a pathway to immunosuppression.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3005548/. Referred on 27.12.2022.
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 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 whichCBD 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 channelsin 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 CBDthrough 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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 onthe 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 foodanddrinks 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”.
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 capsulescan beswallowed 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 reachthe 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.
Figure 2. The internal cannabinoid system and cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.
2. What are your body and mind needs?
Cannabis Sativa oilsare 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 capsulesandActivated 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.
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!
According to studies, CBD oil seems like a promising product for the treatment of various addictions, or as an auxiliary substance to be used in connection with treatment. Although many believe that addiction can never be cured, it is still possible to live a life where you can feel free even after a strong period of addiction.
There are many methods and methods available for the journey to learning to live with strong desires or dominant ways of doing things, but there is no single pill for that problem. Whether addiction can be cured or not, this article will consider how CBD oil helps in drug addiction situations in particular and how CBD oil in general could ease the symptoms of those struggling with drug addictions.
The role of the endocannabinoid system in addiction
Addictions are physiologically complex phenomena directed at a substance or activity that are strongly linked to dopamine, e.g. the neurotransmitter related to the regulation of pleasure and emotions to the hormone’s own neurotransmitters. There are CB1 receptors in dopamine neurons, as well as in abundance in the brain in the areas associated with e.g. reward and the creation and maintenance of addiction (1). In order to fulfill our natural needs, we are guided by rewards. We get a rush of pleasure when we fill our stomach with food or go to the bathroom, but unfortunately also from intoxicants such as alcohol and tobacco. This creates a cycle, when we start searching for that source of pleasure without realizing it. A functional change in the cell is necessary for change, i.e. addiction, to be possible. The emergence of addiction is the result of the plasticity of the brain and cells, and the endocannabinoid system is part of this plasticity. (1,2,3)
Dopamine and the endocannabinoid system
Dopamine activity, which appears to be affected by intoxicants, is linked to cannabinoid activity (3). The endocannabinoid system fine-tunes dopaminergic activity, and intoxicants disrupt that signaling (1,2,3). This signaling disruption between the endocannabinoid system and dopamine activity appears to be the cause of difficulty in quitting substance abuse (1). The uneven signaling of the endocannabinoid system itself contributes to irregular plasticity of the nerves, stress, negative emotional states and cravings, which in turn predispose to rewarding activities, i.e. to addictions, for example(1,3). The endocannabinoid system is a necessary factor in the adaptation of cells from recreational use to use disorder and vice versa, i.e. the endocannabinoid system is both an enabler of addiction and a necessary tool for withdrawal.
The endocannabinoid system also plays a role in emotional learning and remembering processes. e.g. CB1 ligands have been found to both facilitate and moderate the reaction in various fear and reward situations. (4)
CBD oil in the treatment of addictions
Studies show that CBD oil is even a really good form of support for those struggling with addictions. The topic has been studied both with animal experiments and with volunteers, people suffering from various drug addictions. CBD responds to cannabinoid receptors, but also to other body systems such as opioid and serotonin receptors (1,3).
Through cannabinoid receptors, CBD oil affects the areas in the brain that are responsible for e.g. about cravings and reward behavior. It has been found that CBD weakens the strengthening of reward memory for drugs (1,2,3,4,). It has been found to relieve stress related to the use of intoxicants and, in the case of many intoxicants, also to reduce drug-seeking behavior (1,2,3,4). CBD has been found to increase dopamine activity and possibly weaken the mesolimbic circuit disorder caused by drugs (2,3).
The effect of CBD can last for months
According to studies, the effect of the CBD preparation lasts for several days, weeks and sometimes even months after the last dose of CBD taken (2,5). tobacco, heroin, alcohol and opioid users, and good results are visible.
CBD oil and smoking cessation
In smokers, even a 40% reduced need to smoke was observed compared to the placebo group, if they themselves were willing to quit (3,5).
CBD oil and alcohol addiction
Alcoholics, on the other hand, felt that the cravings decreased and the alcohol-seeking behavior seemed to decrease. What is special is that CBD has been found to heal the liver and nervous system from damage caused by alcohol after stopping use (5).
CBD oil in the treatment of opioid addiction
Opioid users felt that their cravings decreased and the stress related to the use and seeking of substances was alleviated, CBD has been studied to have a weakening effect on the reward response caused by opioids (1,2,5).
CBD oil experiences based on research
Experiences of the benefits of CBD oil vary depending on the situation. Like anything in the treatment of addictions, CBD is not a miracle substance that just erases all symptoms; e.g. in a study of heroin-addicted mice, it was found that CBD did not appear to have an effect on the tendency to relapse into heroin use, although it was found to reduce drug-seeking behavior in mice (2). Similar results were also visible in alcoholics and smokers (1).
“Smokers had up to a 40% reduced need to smoke compared to the placebo group, if they themselves were willing to quit. Alcoholics, on the other hand, felt that the cravings decreased and the alcohol-seeking behavior seemed to decrease.”
CBD use is perceived as pleasant
The common thing in the human studies seems to be that the use of CBD was clearly a pleasant experience for the user in the studies. CBD has been found to have effects on the intensity of cravings, stress, overcoming withdrawal symptoms and improving general well-being, despite the fact that the results are not clear cut or straightforward (2,3,4,). Variation in how CBD oil works for someone and with which addiction is case-by-case, but one could even say for sure that it is of some help with all substances. Researched!
CBD oil to help with general symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are individual for everyone, but there are similarities. The most common symptoms are e.g. anxiety, stress, fear states, indigestion and sweating. Also, the fear of recreating one’s own identity and possible major life changes keeps a person stuck in addiction, even if it is very harmful.
According to studies, CBD oil is gentle, safe and effective
Numerous studies have found thatCBD oil is a gentle, safe and functional product for a wide range of ailments once the appropriate dosage has been found. Although the withdrawal symptoms can be really strong and understandably difficult to tolerate, CBD oil is such a versatile product that it may help its user on many levels.
According to research, CBDbalances the nervous system andimproves sleep quality. CBD oil relaxes the mind and stabilizes the heartbeat. Itcalms the intestines and improves appetite. CBD oil has been found to be antipsychotic and anti-nausea. Animal experiments show that CBD affects fear memory by reducing learned fear; it acutely relieves the feeling of fear and interferes with the consolidation of the fear memory (4).
The background of addictions is often trauma
Despite the fact that studies and articles mainly focus on treating drug addictions, CBD oil can also be well suited for treating other addictions. The background of addiction is often trauma or some other circumstance related to emotional memory, and CBD has been found to regulate the areas of the brain that affect emotions and memories. In principle, it doesn’t matter whether the object of addiction is chocolate or heroin, CBD oil works in any case precisely at the heart of the problem.
The endocannabinoid system and cannabidiol’s promise for the treatment of substance disorder. 2019. Chen Y., Christensen E., Solowij N., Yucell M. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6390812/. Referred on 22.10.2021
Cannabidiol regulation of emotion and emotional memory processing: relevance for treating anxiety-related and substance abuse disorders. 2017. Bertoglio L., Guimarães F., Lee J. And Stevenson C..https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5595771/. Referred on 22.10.2021
Role of Cannabidiol in the Therapeutic Intervention for Substance Use Disorders. 2021. Navarrete F , García-Gutiérrez M., Gasparyan A., Austrich-Olivares A and Manzanares J. 2021. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.626010/full. Referred on 22.10.2021
Joogaopettaja Irinja oli kuullut CBD-tuotteista paljon hyvää ja halusi saada siitä käyttökokemuksia jooga- ja meditaatioharjoituksissa. Tämän pohjalta Irinja päätti ottaa yhteyttä Hamppumaahan. Yhtiössämme on tapana auttaa ja tarjota wow-elämyksiä, niin päädyimme sitten tekemään yhteistyötä. Me tarjosimme tuotteet kokeiluun ja vastalahjaksi Irinja kertoi meille kokemuksistaan. Tämä artikkeli on kirjoitettu yhteistyössä Irinjan kanssa.
“Kun aloin käyttää CBD-öljyjä huomasin, että mulla oli tasapainoisempi ja rauhallisempi olo. Tuntui, että hermosto tasapainottui. Huomasin myös, että vatsan toiminta normalisoitui.”
Irinjalla on ollut haasteita mm. paniikkikohtausten ja vatsan toiminnan kanssa, joihin hän toivoi saavansa apua CBD-tuotteista. Tämän pohjalta kokeiluun valikoituvat Hamppumaan Jaakon ehdotuksesta CBD-A-Hamppumehukapselit ja CBD-öljyistä Natural CBD-A/CBD-öljyt, joissa on lisäksi hyödyllisiä yrttejä, eli Ashwagandha ja Curcuma. Lisäksi kokeiluun otettiin Activated CBD-öljy. Jaakko sanoo vallinneensa Irinjalle ensisijaisesti CBD-A-tuotteita, koska ne toimivat hänen omakohtaisten ja asiakkailta saatujen palautteiden perusteella parhaiten ahdistukseen, masennukseen ja paniikkikohtauksiin.
Lisäksi CBD-A-Hamppumehukapseleista saa avun erinomaisesti suolistoon, joten sillä pyrittiin saamaan apua vatsan toiminnan kanssa olleisiin haasteisiin. Iltaiseen rentoutumiseen ja rauhoittumiseen valittiin Activated, joka kokemusten perusteella auttaa parhaiten unen saantiin.
Irinjan käyttökokemukset CBD-A- ja CBD-tuotteista
Käytän ashwagandhaa muutenkin tasapainoittamaan hermostoa ja hormoonitoimintaa, joten oli kätevää, että se oli yhdessä tuotteessa jo valmiiksi mukana. Ei tarvinnut ottaa sitä erikseen. Kurkumalla höystettyä CBD-öljyä otin erityisesti vahvistamaan immunitettia, kun olin flunssassa. Activated CBD-öljyä otin ohjeistuksen mukaan iltaisin. Tykkäsin erityisesti CBD-öljyistä, koska kaikki näistä oli hyvänmakuisia ja pieni pullo on helppo ottaa mukaan kaikkialle. Tykkään muutenkin öljyistä enemmän kuin kapseleista, koska tuntuu, että ne imeytyy nopeammin ja on helppo käyttää.
Käytön annostus ja koetut hyödyt
CBD-öljyjä Irinja kertoo ottaneensa 10-12 tippaa aamuisin ennen aamupalaa ja välillä päivällä. Kapseleita olen ottanut yhden iltapäivällä lounaan yhteydessä. Kun aloin käyttämään öljyjä huomasin heti, että mulla oli tasapainoisempi ja rauhallisempi olo. Tuntui että hermosto tasapainottui. Huomasin myös, että vatsan toiminta normalisoitui. Koin saaneeni apua juuri niihin haasteisiin, joihin sitä tarvitsin.
Käyttökokemuksia CBD:stä jooga- ja meditaatioharjoituksissa
CBD, jooga ja meditaatio sopivat todella hyvin yhteen! Niin kuin mainitsinkin, olen kokenut, että CBD-tuotteet ovat rauhoittaneet ja tasapainottaneet mun kehoa ja mieltä. Tätähän myös joogassa haetaan. Koen, että esim Yin-jooga ja ja CBD-öljyt toimivat todella hyvin yhdessä. Kokemukseni mukaan CBD auttoi rauhoittamaan ja tasapainottamaan mieltä meditaatiossa, jolloin oli helpompi keskittyä itse harjoitukseen.
Kivet tasapainossa kuin joogi meditaatioharjoituksen jälkeen.
Samalla tavalla kuin teidän endokannabinoidijärjestelmän tarkoitus -artikkelissa sanotaan: “Endokannabinoidijärjestelmä on kuin silta kehon ja mielen välissä. Sitä ymmärtämällä voi alkaa nähdä mekanismin, joka vaikuttaa aivojen toimintaan, fyysiseen terveydentilaan ja sairauksien hoitoon.” Samalla tavalla voi ajatella, että jooga on silta kehon ja mielen välissä.
Kiitos CBD-tuotteiden kokeilun mahdollistamisesta. Aion käyttää CBD-öljyjänne jatkossakin. 💚💚💚
PS. Uudet entistä paremmat ja vahvemmat CBD-kapselit on lisätty verkkokauppaan.
CBD cosmetics have been studied to have a positive effect on the well-being of the skin. CBD is approved for cosmetic ingredients and listed in the EU CosIng database. Cannabidiol , or CBD, is therefore approved for use as a cosmetic ingredient.
Skin care and natural cosmetics products containing CBD are growing at a fast pace. Indeed, CBD has several official health claims. In this article you will find more information about the benefits of CBD cosmetics.
You should take good care of your skin
It is easy to think of the skin as just a shell that holds the human body together, but in reality it is much more. The skin is the body’s largest organ, which regenerates quickly and is also able to take care of itself very well. The skin is a living, breathing entity whose health should be taken care of! CBD products make it easier.
Natural cosmetics
The best way to care for the skin is to choose natural cosmetics that care for the skin and support its natural properties. Healthy skin takes care of and heals itself. The skin is a sensitive entity whose task is to protect the body, e.g. from impacts, extreme temperatures, chemicals, harmful microbes and cell damage. The skin also functions as a means of metabolism and as a producer of vitamin D. The skin is an organ whose function is easily disturbed, e.g. from stress and the effect of chemicals.
High-quality CBD natural cosmetics that support the skin’s natural function consist of only a few ingredients, CBD oil or CBD extract and a well-absorbing carrier oil. In addition to these, other natural skin-care ingredients have also been added to some of the CBD cosmetic products.
Endocannabinoids are also present on the skin
The endocannabinoid system participates in the skin, e.g. for cell growth, regeneration and specialization, regeneration and formation of the skin barrier, and immunological and inflammatory processes (1). Endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors have been detected in different layers of the skin, except for the outermost layer. Also on the skin, the endocannabinoid system acts as a monitor and balancer between different functions.
CBD helps with skin problems (psoriasis, eczema and acne)
CBD is an ingredient in cosmetics that has not been researched yet, but has a very promising effect. It has been studied and used with good results for various, even challenging chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis (2), eczema (3,4) and acne (1,3). Natural cosmetics containing CBD have the same skin care benefits as CBD in general; it is soothing, balancing, nurturing and well tolerated. It is suitable for different skin types.
On Internet discussion boards and product reviews of different manufacturers, you can find countless experiences of the positive effects of CBD on dry skin and such common skin problems as psoriasis , acne, atopic dermatitis and eczema. Many report that they quickly got great relief from CBD products.
What is the effect of CBD cosmetics based on?
CBD’s effect on the skin is based on the same principles as it works elsewhere in the body. CBD responds to cannabinoid receptors, which have also been found in the two lower layers of the skin. With the help of a suitable carrier oil, CBD cosmetics are slowly absorbed through the skin directly into the bloodstream, from where it travels not only to the skin but also to all the body’s CBD receptors (1). Due to its anti-inflammatory (1,3,5) and sebaceous (3) properties, using CBD in cosmetics is an excellent idea.
In addition to phytocannabinoids , terpenes , minerals and trace elements, CBD oil also contains phytonutrients, which have been found to be of great importance when it comes to the well-being of the skin. Phytonutrients e.g. prevent infections caused by viruses and bacteria and have been found to have antioxidant effects.
Most troublesome skin symptoms such as atopy, eczema, psoriasis and aging-related challenges are usually symptoms caused by inflammation and stress in the body and skin. CBD oil in cosmetics gets to the root cause of the problem comprehensively and locally.
CBD oil is the best natural cosmetics for skin care.
Absorption of CBD
Recently, the absorption of CBD through the skin, transdermally, has been studied, and it seems that hydrophonic CBD oil would be well absorbed into the bloodstream when administered directly to the skin. The challenge is to transport the water-repellent CBD through the water barrier of the skin, and the choice of the right carrier oil plays a significant role. (1)
In CBD cosmetics, the CBD concentrations are quite low, usually approx. 1% of the dry weight of the product, so the daily dose of CBD will hardly be fulfilled through the cosmetics on the foreign market. However, even a small amount of CBD has a positive effect on the whole body.
The use of CBD oil on the skin and in cosmetics is also suitable for the mouth
Using CBD oil in cosmetics is easy. You add a few drops as is to the skin and apply, or mix 1:100 with other cosmetics. Note that you only need a very small amount, because the water-repellent CBD needs to get through the skin’s water barrier.
You shouldn’t put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t put in your mouth, so CBD oil that is labeled as non-toxic can usually also be put in your mouth, so you get the good effects of CBD oil internally.
Final canet
CBD cosmetics, when studied even with small samples, are quite promising and perhaps a revolutionizing product group for skin care in the future. In Europe, the manufacture, sale and use of CBD cosmetics is permitted. High-quality CBD-containing natural cosmetics have already been used and studied enough around the world that it can be said to be a gently effective skin care product for even difficult skin conditions .
Sources
Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. 2020. Baswan S., Klosner A., Glynn K., Rajgopal A., Malik K., Yim S., Stern N.. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736837/ . Referred on 26/01/2022
National Psoriasis Foundation. 2021. https://www.psoriasis.org/advance/cbd-for-psoriasis-and-psa/. Referred on 26/01/2022
Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and anti-inflammatory effects on human sebocytes. 2014. Olah A., Toth B., Borbiro I., Sugawara K., Szöllösi A., Czifra G., Pal B., Ambrus L., Kloepper J., Camera E., Ludovici M., Picardo M., Voets T., Zouboulis C., Paus R., Biro T.. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151231/. Referred on 26/01/2022
Cannabidiol is an effective helper compound in combination with bacitracin to kill Gram-positive bacteria. 2020. Wassmann C., Hojrup P., Kudsk J.. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7057955/. Referred on 26/01/2022
A Therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars. 2019. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30993303/. Referred on 26/01/2022
The article examines the effect of CBD on intestinal well-being from a scientific point of view. In addition, we will familiarize ourselves with the importance of the intestines for the body’s balance and general well-being.
In Western countries, the view that our gut is our second brain has gradually gained ground. They are strangely somewhat similar in their folded appearance, and today it is also known that our intestines produce and contain a lot of neurotransmitters in our nervous system.
Western culture, especially in recent decades, has focused more and more on the development of the brain located in our head and less on the well-being of our intestines; intestinal problems are more and more common nowadays.
Inflammatory bowel disease prevalence rates in Finland are among the highest in the world, according to the patient organization IBD and Other Intestinal Diseases Association (1). Intestinal problems can be unpleasant and at worst disabling. CBD provides new perspectives to alleviate these challenges.
Research shows that taking care of your gut is one of the most important parts of achieving optimal health and well-being. Recent breakthroughs point to links between gut bacteria and diseases as diverse as fibromyalgia and depression. We can expect more scientific revelations about CBD and digestive health. Next, let’s look at what is known at this point:
Digestive tract, a wider than understood entity
As a child, I remember hearing to my surprise that our digestion begins in the mouth. In fact, our nervous system prepares for food already with the help of smells and visual sensations, but the digestive tract starts in our mouth and ends in our rectum.
The digestion of food in our mouth works with the help of the enzymes in our saliva and our chewing, these prepare the food for ever finer processing. The food’s journey continues in our stomach to be digested more literally, after which it moves to our intestines to be processed. Our digestive tract could also be called a kind of food separation channel, because we don’t take in everything that we put in our mouth. This is where the different tasks of our intestines come into play.
Gut-associated lymphoid tissue: a lesser-known factor
GALT (gut-associated lymphoid tissue) is part of the mucosa-related lymphatic tissue that functions in our immune system to protect the body from attacks in the gut. There are a lot of immune cells in the intestine, especially in the GALT. The importance of this lymphatic tissue is still very little mentioned in the discussion about intestinal function, and it is a part of the lymphatic circulation important for our metabolism and immunity, which is otherwise little known.
Since the surface of the mucous membrane has a physiological function in the absorption of food, it is thin and acts as a permeable barrier to the internal parts of the body. Likewise, its fragility and permeability create vulnerability to infection, and in fact, the vast majority of pathogens that enter the human body use this route. The importance of GALT in the body’s defense is based on its large plasma cell population, which is the producer of antibodies and whose number exceeds the number of plasma cells in the spleen, lymph nodes and bone marrow combined. GALT accounts for approximately 70 percent of the mass of the immune system, and impaired function can significantly affect the strength of the entire immune system.
The lymphatic tissue associated with the intestine is located throughout the intestine, and its surface area is approximately 260-300 m². To increase the surface area for absorption, the intestinal mucosa consists of finger-shaped protrusions. The crypts at the base of the intestinal glands continuously produce several antibacterial substances, including lysozyme, and are believed to be involved in fighting infections. GALT also includes e.g. small intestinal Peyer’s patches, isolated lymph node follicles found throughout the intestine and in the human appendix. The immunological function of GALT is primarily predictive and avoids inflammation. GALT regulates our gut microbiota. (2)
The gut microbiome: a vital entity
Our digestive system gives us the nutrients and energy we need to live. After all, we eat every day unless we are fasting, but the connection between the digestive system and overall health goes beyond what is immediately obvious. Intriguingly, our gut bacteria may play a key role in our well-being.
There are over 10 trillion bacterial cells in the human digestive tract, consisting of hundreds of bacterial species, most of which are involved in your digestion. The totality of intestinal microbes is called the intestinal microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome consists of a healthy balance of microbes. The immune system regulates your microbiome.
Disturbances in the normal development of the microbiome can predispose to, for example, the development of allergies (3), and in a Finnish study published on January 31-22, its imbalance is also linked to the development of metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (4). In addition, a healthy gut microbiome can reduce the risk of diseases such as celiac disease and inflammatory diseases such as IBS, Crohn’s disease and arthritis, and a connection has also been seen in the case of fibromyalgia (5) and depression (6) with gut microbes.
These connections suggest that there is a link between gut bacteria and various bodily functions outside the digestive tract. Although the extent and nature of these connections are still being studied, part of the explanation may lie in the immune system. A professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins discovered that colon cancer may be the result of an interaction between the immune system, gut microbiota, and cells lining the colon (7). Studies have also shown a connection between pulmonary tuberculosis, the immune response and a reduced number of certain intestinal bacteria.
Although these phenomena are still being studied, one thing is clear: taking care of your digestive health is an important way to support your immune system (and vice versa).
CBD has a positive effect on intestinal well-being.
CBD and gut health
Our endocannabinoid system, or ECS maintains our body’s homeostasis, i.e. balance, but especially in relation to our topic, it regulates the immune response, motility of the digestive tract and appetite. Cannabinoid receptors are found on cells throughout the digestive system. This also includes the enteric nervous system, which has been called the second brain of the gut.
There is evidence that ECS dysregulation may play a role in poor gut health. Studies have found that endocannabinoid levels are altered in patients with intestinal disorders such as IBS, celiac disease, and colon cancer.
CBD is an exogenous cannabinoid or phytocannabinoid – endocannabinoids are produced internally, while CBD originates from outside the body. Both can affect the ECS and its many interconnected systems. By interacting with the ECS, CBD could help promote proper gut health by regulating lymphatic function and the microbiome. Here are some of its possible effects:
CBD and inflammatory conditions
Many diseases and disorders affecting the digestive tract are inflammatory in nature. The exact causes of conditions resembling ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and IBS, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and IBS, are unknown. However, according to experts, malfunctions of the immune system can play a role. The body turns against itself by attacking the intestinal cells as if they were foreign invaders, leading to inflammation. Intestinal inflammatory conditions can also cause heartburn and skin challenges.
Studies have highlighted the potential of CBD as a regulator of the immune system. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and intestinal damage during both chronic and acute inflammation. It acts through several mechanisms, especially affecting the immune system and interfering with the axis between the immune system and the enteric nervous system.
Obesity and feeling full
Although many people don’t think of obesity as a result of digestive disorders, your ability to maintain your weight and control your appetite may depend more on gut health than you think. Evidence suggests that the bacterial makeup of your gut has a direct impact on how your body burns calories, absorbs nutrients, and increases your appetite.
In order to control weight and appetite, intestinal bacteria break down previously undigested carbohydrates (polysaccharides) into short-chain fatty acids. When fat cells detect short-chain fatty acids, they release a hormone called leptin, which tells the brain that you are full. If an unhealthy gut biome prevents the release of short-chain fatty acids, you want to keep eating. Your sense of satisfaction from a meal depends on which bacteria win the battle.
Research shows that cannabinoid receptors are directly involved in the regulation of eating, caloric consumption, hormone secretion and fat storage. Stimulation of certain ECS receptors has been shown to reduce food intake and increase fat metabolism. Supporting the functions of the endocannabinoid system could help you feel satisfied with less food while supporting healthy digestive processes (8).
The exciting future of CBD and gut function
The endocannabinoid system and the gut microbiome have both been the focus of recent cutting-edge research. The lymphatic tissue related to the intestine must also be taken into account. Fascinating connections have been found between all of these, and have been found to relate to the connection between gut health and wider well-being. Researchers have observed altered levels of endocannabinoids and certain gut bacteria in patients with various ailments.
Through its interactions with the ECS, CBD may play a role in mediating this complex relationship. Although the research is still preliminary, it is a promising phytonutrient that relieves inflammation and promotes healthy digestion in countless ways. It may even promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut microbiome. This is good news for indigestion sufferers and others. With new breakthroughs on the horizon, the future looks even brighter.
Finally, a couple of additional mentions: the raw form of CBD, CBD-A, can be a better option especially for stomach challenges, especially for nausea challenges, e.g. due to its anti-inflammatory properties. There is also support for the intestines in food: as one example, fermented products, such as sauerkraut, are good for the intestines and thus also for the mind, as here Dr. Andrew Huberman’s interesting podcast tells.
MS-disease is associated with various nervous symptoms, which can differ a lot compared to other diagnosed patients. The different symptoms of MS are united by their systematic progression and the fact that the symptoms strongly dominate life and affect the body’s mobility. Over the years, CBD oil has been found to have many positive effects on inflammation, mood, muscle flexibility, etc. and in this article we consider whether it could CBD oilcan also help alleviate the symptoms associated with MS.
Hemp has been known for thousands of years
The hemp plant has been used in human history for a long time. In addition to the fact that it has been a useful crop in cultivation for approx. 10,000 years old, its medicinal properties have been known for thousands of years. The various compounds in hemp, such as cannabinoids (e.g. CBD ), have versatile effects but are very gentle, effective and safe to use. Today, hemp and the active ingredients it contains have been studied and their benefits have also been scientifically proven. MS is the only neurological disease for which the possibility of treatment with cannabinoids has been studied so intensively and extensively.
Symptoms of MS include spasticity, which can make it difficult to work and move.
MS affects mobility
Multiple sclerosis, more commonly known as MS, is a neurodegenerative disorder that has a debilitating effect on the ability to exercise and function. MS is the most common disease related to the central nervous system in young adults, and its fundamental cause has not been clarified despite numerous studies. It is thought that multiple sclerosis is the sum of many factors. It has been suggested that the background of its outbreak would be not only hereditary factors but also environmental factors. Herpes viruses, epstein-barr virus and toxins spread in the environment such as plant protection agents may play a significant role in the development of MS (1). Likewise, disruption of the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid deficiency(5).
The key factors in multiple sclerosis are the inflammatory reaction and demyelination of the brain and spinal cord. Basically, it is a malfunction of the immune system. (1)
Demyelination
Myelin is a soft, fatty substance whose purpose is to form an electrically insulating membrane around the neuron’s efferent branch. Electrical impulses sent by nerve cells travel faster when the myelin membrane is intact, and this is a basic requirement for normal nervous system function. The myelin membrane controls the flow of information between different parts of the brain, and in its absence, nerve impulses are exposed to disturbances. This situation, where the myelin membrane is damaged, or even completely absent, is called demyelination.
The endocannabinoid system in immune defense
The endocannabinoid system normal functioning is a significant part of the functioning of the immune defense. It has been found that the activity of the endocannabinoid system and the prevalence of CB1 and CB2 receptors are directly related to the functioning of the immune system and the inflammatory response. (2).
The endocannabinoid system affects the immune response in many different ways
The purpose of the system itself is to balance all bodily functions, butwith the endocannabinoid system and endocannabinoids have other roles as well. Cannabinoids have been found in e.g. affecting the function and number of different cells. They have been found to regulate the cell cycle and regulate the function of immune cells (3). Cannabinoids inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines and they inhibit the presentation and transport of antigens to inflamed tissues (2, 6).
Evidence has also been obtained that cannabinoids protect the nervous system by reducing the amount of stimulating amino acids, and therefore cannabinoids, or actually their lack, could be a significant factor in the development and development of inflammatory diseases (2, 3).
Symptoms of MS can be eased with CBD oil.
Medical treatment of MS is supported by drug-free treatment
In the treatment of multiple sclerosis, drug-free treatment is considered equally important alongside drug therapy. Drug-free treatment includes nutrition, sleep, exercise, rest and supporting mental well-being. Most of the time, the symptoms associated with MS are experienced as strongly dominating life. Drug treatment in combination with drug-free treatment usually slows down the progression of the disease and relieves the symptoms, but despite that, many need more nurturing elements in life. (4)
Just like the symptoms of MS, the functioning of the endocannabinoid system is also balanced and normalized with drug-free treatment methods!
CBD oil could be part of a drug-free treatment
CBDoil does not cause strong side effects or addiction and it has been found to work just as effectively even if it has been used for a long time. Most drugs that affect the central nervous system are highly addictive or cause life-threatening side effects. This was a big reason why the use of cannabis in the treatment of MS has been studied so extensively; is the desire and need to find light, natural remedies for people suffering from severe symptoms. CBD has also been found to improve appetite and relieve nausea, which could be helpful in alleviating the side effects caused by medications.
The versatile effects of CBD in support of MS
The use of the CBD oil verification of the effect in humans mainly focuses on the good experiences of both the patients themselves and their caregivers and relatives. Although CBD oil is perceived to be helpful for various symptoms, the relief may not be visible in pictures or experiments. Instead, studies conducted on mice show such changes in the tissues that possibly explain the effect of CBD on the symptoms of MS. For example, a study published in 2015 clearly showed thatCBD, the mice treated with CBD showed significantly fewer symptoms of T-cell-related autoimmune disease than the corresponding group of mice that did not receive CBD. CBD appeared to slow disease progression through axonal damage and immune cell activation and permeability (3).
CBD oil’s antioxidant, neuroprotective and immune cell effects are most important for the complex pathology of MS. CBG has also been found in studies to have pain-reducing effects.
CBD oil for inflammatory reaction
When studying MS, we have reached the inflammatory mediators that play a central role in the development and progression of MS. There are several of these and CBD has been found to affect each of them (3). CBDhas anti-inflammatory effects through A2AR activation and can be seen e.g. by activating intracellular anti-inflammatory pathways (4). CBD is also an effective inhibitor of various functions of microglial cells. By suppressing these cells, CBD is able to prevent inflammatory processes in the central nervous system (4).
The spasticity or muscle stiffness of MS can be treated with the help of CBD oil.
Spasticity, muscle spasms, mobility and pain. What is the effect of CBD oil on them?
The effect of CBD oil on MS and spasticity in particular is interesting. Patients and their caregivers experience a clear relief of spasticity, mobility and mood, but the results are not visible by external standards. Studies have also reported a reduction and alleviation of pain associated with movement. (3, 4, 5). Bladder control has been eased, as well as the strength and number of muscle spasms (6).
You can find more information on the subject in the article pain and CBD oil .
CBD oil can ease other symptoms of MS
In addition to the aforementioned physical symptoms, there are a number of other symptoms associated with MS. Anxiety and depression, which are familiar to many and may also bother you at night. CBD has for anxiety related features that facilitate it. Anxiety itself is the body’s reaction to stress and is a natural feeling in itself, but when it becomes chronic, it does more harm than good. CBDrelieves anxiety, e.g. by alleviating conditioned fear and long-term stress and by reducing the manifestation of the “fight-flight” reaction.
CBD oil has been found to stabilize sleep, improving the quality of sleep and making it easier to fall asleep and wake up. According to user experiences, it is one of the most significant benefits of CBD from the perspective of both patients and relatives.
Finally
MS is a worldwide disease that occurs in young adults, for which curative medical treatment has not yet been invented. While waiting for that, there are a number of drugs and drug-free treatments that can be used to control the progression of the disease and alleviate the symptoms caused by it. CBD has been surprisingly extensively studied in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, and although it is challenging to observe the results by external means in humans, clear benefits can be seen in studies conducted on mice. The user experiences speak for themselves, and cannabis has been a popular support form of treatment among MS patients since the 1990s.
Cannabidiol inhibits pathogenic T cells, decreases spinal microglial activation and ameliorates multiple sclerosis-like disease in C57BL/6 mice. 2011. Kozela E., Lev N., Kaushansky N., Eilam R., Rimmerman N., Levy R., Ben-Nun A., Juknat A, Vogel Z.. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih .gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165959/#b52.Referred on 27/04/2022.
Molecular Targets of Cannabidiol in Experimental Models of Neurological Disease. 2020. Silvestro S., Schepici G., Bramanti P., Mazzon E.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33171772/. Referred on 27/04/2022.
Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 Receptors and Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Are Specific Markers of Plaque Cell Subtypes in Human Multiple Sclerosis. 2007. Benito C, Romero J, Tolón R, Clemente D, Docagne F, Hillard CJ, Guaza C, Romero J..https://www.jneurosci.org/content/27/9/2396. Referred on 27/04/2022
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that generally occurs in the older population. Studies show that it is the second most common disease Alzheimer’s disease after. Although the disease has been studied for more than 200 years after James Parkinson first discovered it in 1817, the root causes of Parkinson’s disease are still under investigation in Finland as well. However, it is known that there are connections and risk factors related to both the heredity of the disease and the environment. The motor abilities of the person suffering from the disease begin to weaken gradually, making it difficult to move and eventually speak, in addition, the muscles begin to stiffen, and tremors and muscle tremors can also occur as symptoms. The article presents Parkinson’s disease in more detail, and how multi-prone CBD affects its various causes and symptoms.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
There are four primary motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease:
resting tremor
typical muscle stiffness or spasticity
slowing of movements, i.e. bradykinesia
postural instability (balance disorders)
These start slowly over months and years. Symptoms are almost always first in the limbs of one side, until over time they become bilateral. Doctors mainly diagnose Parkinson’s disease by finding two or more of these symptoms, but not every symptom needs to be present to consider a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. In fact, younger people may only notice one or two of these motor symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease.
The slow, rhythmic tremor typical of Parkinson’s disease usually begins at rest in one arm or leg and eventually affects both sides of the body and can also spread to the face. Stiffness of the limbs or body is also called spasticity. Stiffness, especially in the early stages of the disease, may be mistakenly associated with e.g. arthritis. Muscle stiffness manifests itself as slowness, for example, in bending the arm, and when the other person assists with the bending, there is resistance in the movement.
Slowing down of movements can be seen, for example, as difficulty getting up from a chair, starting to walk is also sluggish and the steps are short. In addition to the general slowness of movements, there is typically a reduced or mask-like expression (hypomimia), a decrease in the frequency of blinking the eyes, and problems with fine motor coordination. Postural instability is more common in the later stages of the disease and includes the inability to maintain a stable upright position. Balance disorders in Parkinson’s disease are associated with a tendency to fall, especially backwards; in fact, even a light nudge can cause a person with Parkinson’s to take steps backwards or even fall. (1) (2)
For the tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease, many people have received great help from CBD. This the articleincludes a video of Larry’s intense rest tremors disappearing instantly with CBD.
Visual disturbances
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra of the brain. Because of this, in addition to movement-related difficulties, visual disturbances are common, as a decrease in dopamine can affect the visual cortex. Parkinson’s can therefore weaken the mobility of the eyes just like the limbs. People with Parkinson’s disease can experience many types of visual disturbances.
The changes in the structure of the eye associated with Parkinson’s disease are mainly limited to the effects on the retina, which is affected by the reduction of dopamine in the same way as the nucleus. Color vision, especially the ability to distinguish between different shades, can be impaired due to the loss of dopaminergic receptors in the retina. Symptoms may also include dry eyes and the inability to control eye movements and blinking. (3)
Psychiatric symptoms
On a mental level, symptoms such as apathy,depressionandanxiety can occur with Parkinson’s disease. It is not clear whether the psychological symptoms are a response to the increasing losses caused by the neurodegenerative disorder, or whether depression and anxiety share the same neurodegenerative causes as the motor components of the disease.
Both can be true. Given that dementia occurs in many later stages of the disease, it seems likely that affective symptoms in the earlier stages of the disease are causally related.
Cognitive and affective symptoms can be mild or severe. About 50 percent of Parkinson’s patients have anxiety. About a third have depression, and about 50 percent have different types of hallucinations. Milder hallucinations are common. The more serious hallucinations, on the other hand, seem to be a central disturbing part of the mental symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. However, it is not clear whether the psychotic symptoms are caused by the disease or the sleep disturbances caused by it. (4)
The main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are muscle stiffness, rest tremor and slowing of movements.
Stages of Parkinson’s disease
The course of the disease is very individual, but the first symptoms can be non-motor, these symptoms include mood disorders, cognitive disorders,sleep disorders, blood pressure fluctuations, constipation, urinary frequency,pain symptoms, etc.
Advanced Parkinson’s disease usually makes a person unable to live independently. This means that the person has severe mobility problems and is unable to perform daily activities without assistance.
In addition, the disease is sometimes accompanied by daytime sleepiness and severe exhaustion. Memory disorders, slowing down of thinking and depression can also occur. However, rarely does one person get all these symptoms.
Dr. Margaret M. Hoehn, a pioneer in understanding Parkinson’s disease, discusses the Hoehn and Yahr scale, which is used around the world to classify patients in research studies. He has deliberately used the word “Parkinson” because the term applies to all forms of the disease, including Parkinson’s disease.
The method by which the degree of severity of Parkinson’s disease is designated today using the Hoehn and Yahr scale was published in 1967. The original definition of the five levels of difficulty is as follows:
Phase I: initial symptoms
Symptoms on one side of the body, where functional impairment is usually minimal or absent. The patient has tremors (dyskinesia), stiffness, slowness of movements and little or poor condition in the arms and/or legs on one side of the body, sometimes also on the other side of the face. This phase of Parkinson’s disease often goes completely unnoticed. Later, after receiving the diagnosis, the patient may remember, for example, that he noticed an intermittent tremor in one hand many years before. Early stage diagnosis is currently so challenging that sometimes the disease has to develop for several years before a diagnosis can be made with certainty.
Stage II: initial symptoms progress
Bilateral or midline symptoms, without loss of balance. Months or years later, similar symptoms and signs appear on the opposite side of the body, or other signs appear in the “midline,” what doctors call “axial” symptoms. These may include bilateral loss of facial expression (masked face); decreased eye blinking; speech abnormalities; soft voice, monotony, loss of volume, stiffness of the trunk muscles (rigidity) that makes the patient appear clumsy or causes neck and back pain; postural disorders, general sluggishness, but still able to perform all daily activities.
Stage III: advanced Parkinson’s disease
The first signs of impaired balance reflexes. Loss of balance and the inability to make the rapid, automatic, involuntary movements necessary to prevent falls is one of the most worrisome and dangerous aspects of parkinsonism, and one of the most difficult to treat. Even if it is only mild, it is a criterion that distinguishes stage II from stage III. All other features of parkinsonism are evident, and there is usually no reason to doubt the diagnosis. The main factor that distinguishes stage III from stage IV is that the patient is still completely independent in all daily activities (dressing, hygiene, eating, etc.) Although he is somewhat limited, he has work opportunities depending on the workplace. A chance for a normal life.
Stage IV: End-stage Parkinson’s disease
Fully advanced, severely disabling disease; the patient is still able to walk and stand without assistance, but is clearly incapacitated. The patient is not able to live an independent life because he needs help with some daily activities. It is this inability to live alone that marks the transition from stage III to stage IV. If the patient is still able to live alone, no matter how difficult it is, his disease is stage III and not stage IV. However, a stage IV patient is still able to stand and walk without assistance.
Stage V: Final stages of Parkinson’s disease
Confinement to a bed or wheelchair, unless assistive devices are used. The patient may have the following symptoms: inability to get out of a chair or out of bed without assistance; tendency to fall when standing or turning; freezing, stumbling. Without an assistant immediately present, the patient is at risk of falling.
Rather, this method of grading severity is a mixture that combines the patient’s symptoms, the physical symptoms observed by the doctor, and the patient’s ability to function. In some cases it is not applicable. Sometimes, for example, phase I is missed and the disease breaks out bilaterally or becomes generalized. Similarly, many patients never reach stage V. Patients should not fearfully conclude that when their balance becomes unstable, they should immediately begin to watch for signs that they will soon become dependent on others.
Despite these drawbacks, this difficulty classification method has proven to be practical for decades. The multistage classification has been particularly useful in evaluating the reported results of new treatments and in planning research projects because patients respond differently depending on the disease, the patient’s age, and other factors. A stage II patient can become almost normal with proper treatment, while a stage IV patient has residual symptoms and improvement is never as significant or dramatic.
There are other scales for assessing the severity of parkinsonism: the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), the modified Columbia scale, the Webster scale, the Schwab and England Disability Scale, the Northwestern University Disability Scale, and numerous others, each with their own proponents and utility. (5)
According to researchers, a later diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, poor results in exercise tests, dementia and psychotic symptoms are connected to a shorter life expectancy
Prognosis of Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is not considered fatal, but people with Parkinson’s disease have a shorter life expectancy than the general population.
New research provides clues as to why some patients die earlier than others. Danish researchers observed from a follow-up of 200 Parkinson’s patients that a later diagnosis, poor results in exercise tests, psychotic symptoms and dementia were associated with a shorter life expectancy. In addition, men with Parkinson’s disease were more likely to die early than women.
To identify risk factors associated with early death, researchers at Stravanger University Hospital in Norway analyzed data from 230 Parkinson’s patients who participated in a larger study. The analysis revealed that:
The average time from onset of symptoms to death was 16 years.
The average age at death was 81 years.
Dementia patients were almost twice as likely to die prematurely as patients without memory problems.
Patients with Parkinson’s disease-related mental health symptoms were nearly 50 percent more likely to die prematurely than patients without those symptoms.
Men with Parkinson’s disease were about 60 percent more likely to die prematurely than women. (6)
Alleviation and treatment of Parkinson’s disease
Now that we know more about Parkinson’s disease, can we somehow alleviate the challenges associated with it? Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, but some things give it relief. It is important to maintain mobility by walking as well as general beneficial exercise and suitably challenging exercise. It is also good to maintain coordination and other fine motor skills by practicing.
It would also be good to find a diet that relieves inflammation, but this is individual for everyone. However, some anti-inflammatory herbs, such as the well-known turmeric, have been studied to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The same is done by some antioxidatives and e.g. dopamine boosting herbs such as Bacopa monnieri and Mucuna pruriens. (7) Mucuna contains a significant amount of levodopa (L-dopa), so its use must be coordinated with prescription levodopa. One study has shown that this herb is better than synthetic pure levodopa in the long-term treatment of Parkinson’s disease. (8) Caffeine is also known to have positive effects on Parkinson’s disease. (9) But one compound is particularly good for Parkinson’s disease, and we’ll delve into its effects below.
The use of CBD products made from hemp has become more common among people with Parkinson’s disease. CBD is of the endocannabinoid system a functional cannabinoid. It relieves Parkinson’s symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, muscle tremors and impaired sleep.
There is also some indication thatCBDcan be used to slow the progression of the disease and improve some of the underlying factors, such as neuroinflammationanddopamine regulation.
Parkinson’s disease is also treated with CBD. CBD can ease the symptoms of the disease such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, depression and muscle tremors. In addition, CBD may prevent further progression of the disease.
What are the benefits of using CBD in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, has grown in popularity over time in the wellness and health world. Researchers confirm that CBD can help with various ailments, such as painandanxiety. Next, we look at the potential benefits of using CBD in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Supports dopamine production
CBD has been shown to improve dopamine production in at least one preclinical study (10). It works through the recently discovered GPR6 receptors located in the brain in the same area where dopamine is produced (11).
If this new and significant discovery is found to be significant enough through future research, we can expect CBD to become the primary treatment option for Parkinson’s disease. Research still needs to be continued.
Relieves inflammation
Brain inflammations lead to a loss of dopamine, making this one of the main factors maintaining Parkinson’s disease (12). When CBD is used to treat brain inflammation, dopamine increases. According to research, reduced inflammation slows the progression of the disease because CBD regulates several key functions related to the inflammatory process (13). Alleviation of inflammationcan also reduce general depressive symptoms.
Improves sleep quality
CBD is known for its mild sedative effect (14). CBD improves both the quality and quantity of sleep in many clinical studies (15). Other cannabinoids, includingCBG (cannabigerol), act like muscle relaxants, having a remedial effect on some causes of insomnia associated with Parkinson’s disease (16).
Reduces psychotic symptoms
Psychotic symptoms develop as Parkinson’s disease progresses. Patients experience hallucinations. Low dose CBD has been shown to reduce the occurrence of hallucinations. This greatly helps patients to manage the disease.
Reduces muscle tremors
CBD has been shown to reduce muscle tremors in Parkinson’s disease[17] and for other similar types of neurodegenerative disorders such asMS (multiple sclerosis)(18) and Huntington’s disease (19).
Protects nerves
CBD works significantly as a neuroprotective substance, i.e. it is able to prevent the death of nerve cells , which makes it a neurodegenerative disease reliever. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant. Some also believe that oxidative stress is the cause of Parkinson’s disease.
Supports a healthy microbiome
Theories related to the effects of the microbiome have received evidence in recent years. Research so far strongly suggests that changes in the microbiota seem to influence the emergence of neuroinflammation. (20) Also at the end of 2021, Finnish researchers have obtained samples that show that Parkinson’s disease begins with a disruption of the microbiome. (21) More about CBD and the microbiome can be found in the article The effect of CBD on intestinal well-being.
What is the recommended dose of CBD?
Not enough clinical studies have yet been conducted to determine the right dosage for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, but the use of CBD has been extensively studied in the treatment of another similar disease, multiple sclerosis.
Studies of multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases often use high doses of CBD to produce benefits. In general, it can be said that a higher dose is needed to achieve a benefit similar to the study results.
It is recommended to start with a low dose and increase to a high dose. You can find more detailed information on the dosage of CBD From the CBD Dosing Guide.
It is also possible to use CBD externally as a cream for muscle tension.
Summary
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. Most of the treatment options available, including CBD, are intended to slow the progression of the disease and treat symptoms.
However, CBD is an excellent option for both of these purposes; it alleviates many common side effects (including insomnia, depression, anxiety, muscle tremors) and may slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Most Parkinson’s patients take large doses of CBD for long periods of time. This is why it is recommended to switch to the strongest possible CBD products after milder CBD products.
Katzenschlager, R. et al. 2004. Pubmed. Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson’s disease: a double blind clinical and pharmacological study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15548480/
Morales, P., Isawi, I., & Reggio, PH (2018). Towards a better understanding of the cannabinoid-related Orphan receptors GPR3, GPR6, and GPR12. Drug metabolism reviews, 50(1), 74-93.
Laun, AS, & Song, ZH (2017). GPR3 and GPR6, novel molecular targets for cannabidiol. Biochemical and Biophysical research communications, 490(1), 17-21.
Hirsch, EC, & Hunot, S. (2009). Neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s disease: a target for neuroprotection?. The Lancet Neurology, 8(4), 382-397.
Baker, D., Jackson, SJ, & Pryce, G. (2007). Cannabinoid control of neuroinflammation related to multiple sclerosis. British journal of pharmacology, 152(5), 649-654.
Crippa, JA, Guimarães, FS, Campos, AC, & Zuardi, AW (2018). Translational Investigation of the Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD): Toward a New Age. Frontiers in Immunology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/FIMMU.2018.02009
Russo, EB, Guy, GW, & Robson, PJ (2007, August 1). Cannabis, pain, and sleep: Lessons from Therapeutic clinical trials of sativexρ, a cannabis-based medicine. Chemistry and Biodiversity.
Evans, FJ (1991). Cannabinoids: the separation of central from peripheral effects on a structural basis. Planta medica, 57(S 1), S60-S67.
Kluger, B., Triolo, P., Jones, W., & Jankovic, J. (2015). The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for movement disorders. Movement disorders, 30(3), 313-327.
Malfitano, AM, Proto, MC, & Bifulco, M. (2008). Cannabinoids in the management of spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 4(5), 847.
Dowie, MJ, Howard, ML, Nicholson, LFB, Faull, RLM, Hannan, AJ, & Glass, M. (2010). Behavioral and molecular consequences of chronic cannabinoid treatment in Huntington’s disease transgenic mice. Neuroscience, 170(1), 324-336.
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.
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 endocannabinoidsanandamideand2-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 calledcannabidiol 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)
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,stressanddepression.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Diseases related to heart function, infarcts and various seizures are common and also cause many deaths every year. Cerebral infarctions are largely caused by the same causes as myocardial infarctions, and their effect on a person can be fatal. In this article, we will get to know brain and heart attacks, the endocannabinoid system behind them and whether CBD oil could be of any help in preventing or treating them.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack is tissue necrosis caused by the blockage of a blood vessel located in the tissue. Such can occur in both the brain and the heart, and about half of the deaths of working-age people in Finland are caused by them.
The incidence of heart attacks has clearly decreased from the 1970s to today, but they are still statistically the single largest cause of death.
Stroke
A cerebral infarction can occur for a few different reasons. It is most commonly caused by narrowing of the blood vessels and is then a medical attack caused by narrowing of the coronary artery, like a heart attack. Some of the cases are caused by a blood clot, an embolism, that originates in the heart, which sets off and ends up in a small blood vessel or a branch of the vessel, thus blocking the flow of food to the brain. A cerebral infarction can also be caused by a rupture of a cerebral artery, which causes bleeding into the brain. (1)
Symptoms
Cerebral infarction usually occurs suddenly. The most obvious symptoms are unilateral dysfunction of the limbs and drooping of the oral cavity on the same side and weakness of the upper limbs. Usually the symptoms are also accompanied by numbness, muscle weakness and difficulty producing speech. Depending on the location of the cerebral infarction, visual disturbances, double vision, dizziness and confusion are also common, but cerebral infarction is not associated with pain. (1)
Myocardial infarction, i.e. heart attack
A heart attack, i.e. a coronary heart disease attack, is the result of a blockage in the heart’s coronary artery or the detachment of the plaque causing the blockage. A heart attack is always a serious situation requiring treatment, which in the worst case leads to cardiac arrest and death.
A heart attack causes death to the heart tissue even in a few hours, and quick access to treatment is very important. (2,3)
The background of a heart attack is almost always coronary artery disease, i.e. a narrowed coronary artery. The coronary artery is the most important blood vessel located in the heart and it is blocked by e.g. as a result of smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and an unhealthy diet. The stenosis develops slowly, but the moment it finally, usually suddenly, becomes blocked, it causes a heart attack. (2,3)
Preliminary symptoms of a heart attack
The symptom of a heart attack is almost always a sudden, severe chest pain that can radiate to the arm, back, teeth and stomach. Sometimes the symptom can also be more of a squeezing, suffocating feeling in the chest area, which causes severe shortness of breath. (2,3)
A heart attack, more commonly known as a heart attack, is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate treatment, and it is good to know how to recognize it.
Moving may worsen the symptoms, or at least not relieve them. Sometimes, especially for diabetics, the elderly and people with memory problems, pain may not occur at all, but the symptoms are mainly an unpleasant sensation and shortness of breath, headache and nausea. This is known as a silent myocardial infarction. (2,3)
First aid and care
Heart attack treatment is usually started at home or at the latest in the ambulance with anti-blocking and pain-relieving drugs. Beta blockers are used to prevent arrhythmias and lower blood pressure.
After getting to the hospital, either a balloon dilation or a dissolution treatment is usually performed, and within a few days, a bypass operation is also performed, in which the blocked blood vessel is bypassed. (2,3)
Causes of heart attacks?
The underlying causes of both cerebral and myocardial infarctions are largely the same. Old age, smoking, heavy alcohol use, diabetes , obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure , but also hereditary factors predisposing to heart attacks have been observed.
Recovery time from heart attacks
Recovering from cerebral infarction and stroke can be a slow process, and depending on the extent of the infarction, it is not always possible to return to the way it was before. Rehabilitation usually starts already in the hospital with a multidisciplinary team and it may continue for years after the heart attack. Rehabilitation usually includes a change in diet in a healthier direction, physical therapy, speech therapy and end-of-life medication. (1)
Recovery from a heart attack and related procedures is usually quick. You can usually return to light work up to a week after surgery, but it is recommended to rest and take it easy for at least a few months after the heart attack and the procedures.
Rehabilitation and recovery time are strongly related to possible lifestyle changes, such as a healthier diet, stopping smoking and alcohol consumption, and increasing exercise. Most often, the background is high blood pressure, narrowed arteries and high cholesterol values, and paying attention to these and careful treatment is especially important. (2,3)
CBD may have significant effects on cardiovascular health.
Myocarditis, i.e. inflammation of the heart muscle
Myocarditis is not actually related to heart attacks or a predisposing factor to them, but it is a fairly common inflammatory disease that CBD oil may also help with. Myocarditis is caused by a virus that moves with the bloodstream in the body, etc. which gets into the heart and causes an infection there. Acute myocarditis is the single largest cause of heart failure and sudden cardiac death in people under the age of 35. (4,5)
Myocarditis usually gets better on its own within about a week and it is estimated that all people get it a few times during their life without noticing it. Sometimes the inflammation becomes chronic and causes heart failure. (4,5)
The endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system is a monitoring system for all body processes. It is found in almost all humans and animal species, and its function is both to balance the functions of the body and to take care of the basic things of life such as sleep, eating, memory, relaxation and protecting the body.
The endocannabinoid system includes endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and the molecules that break them down. None of these are stored, but they are produced where needed, when needed. Several endocannabinoids are known and the most studied of them are anandamidei and2-AG. On the other hand, only two receptors have been recognized, CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Both endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors are abundant in the brain. The CB1 receptor is more common in the brain and has numerous tasks in the processes that are controlled by the brain. For example, in concussions, it has been found that CBD may protect nerves, increase blood flow to the brain, and protect against reactive oxygen species after a concussion! (6)
The endocannabinoid system is also involved in regulating the functioning of the heart and blood circulation and their underlying functions. (7)
Endocannabinoids
Both cannabinoids have numerous functions in brain function and circulatory system, but anandamide may e.g. reduces the salt-induced increase in blood pressure via TRPV receptors and 2-AG affects the dilation of blood vessels. (8)
CBD for heart attack?
The active compounds found in hemp have been extensively studied for decades. One significant group of compounds found in the hemp plant is cannabinoids, of which more than a hundred different types are currently known. One of the most famous of these compounds is cannabidiol or CBD.
CBD acts mainly through non-cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, most commonly through TRPV and serotonin receptors.
In the brain, CBD may increase blood permeability and increase blood flow during a stroke. (9)
CBD has been found in studies to be beneficial for the heart and circulatory system. Research shows that CBD relaxes and dilates blood vessels, protects blood vessels from damage caused by low-grade inflammation, and protects against cardiomyopathy caused by diabetes. (7,8)
Given during and after a seizure, CBD could act as both a seizure-relieving and damage-reducing cannabinoid, but it has also been found to prevent infarction and nerve damage caused by bleeding in both cerebral and myocardial infarctions. (7,8)
According to studies, CBD oil has e.g. anti-inflammatory effect, improving sleep quality and balancing appetite.
Compatibility between CBD and heart medications?
CBD, has an effect on the breakdown of some medicines and thus also on the effect. The enzyme cytochrome P450 in the liver breaks down both CBD and certain drugs, which is why their combined effect may differ from the drug’s characteristic effect. Medications that are incompatible with CBD are mainly prescription medications, and among these are also a few medications for the treatment of heart, blood pressure, and blood circulation.
Let’s talk about the so-called from the grapefruit test, if the doctor advises you to avoid eating grapefruit with some medicine, the medicine is probably not compatible with CBD either.
In the case of heart-related challenges, there is hardly any reason to avoid using CBD unless you are using medication that may have unwanted interactions with CBD. About the compatibility of medicines you can read more here.
Summary
Even today, the most common cause of death is heart attacks, mainly caused by lifestyle. Both heart and cerebrovascular infarcts are usually caused by narrowing of the arteries, either by a final blockage or by the detachment of the plaque that causes the narrowing. Lifestyle has a significant effect in prevention, but CBD oil may also have an effect, at least during the attack, to alleviate the attack and after the attack to reduce the damage.
Kicman A. and Toczek M.. 2020. The Effects of Cannabidiol, a Non-Intoxicating Compound of Cannabis, on the Cardiovascular System in Health and Disease. Referenced 2/6/2023
The term fibromyalgia comes from the words “fibro” which refers to connective tissues and “myalgia” which describes muscle pain. Fibromyalgia is a common disease related to the central nervous system and affects about five percent of people (1). This article reviews research data on whether CBD is helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia causes chronic fatigue, memory disorders, and pain in the locomotor and supporting organs, without the case being clearly associated with any inflammation, damage or injury. The symptoms are usually accompanied by low-quality sleep that is not restorative enough and leads to exhaustion. (1)
Older and middle-aged women are most affected by fibromyalgia. Among children and young people, it occurs only rarely (2).
Causes of Fibromyalgia
The cause of fibromyalgia is still not completely known, but it is thought to be related to an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system and a neural pain regulation disorder (1).
In addition, there are indications that fibromyalgia could be caused, at least in part, by anxiety and low mood caused by prolonged stress. This kind of repeated stress can be caused by many different reasons and it can be related to busyness, relationships, money worries, work, unemployment or, for example, traffic noise. (2)
People suffering from the disease have also been noticed to have similar changes in hormone balance as people suffering from a chronic stress state. It is still unclear whether chronic stress is directly caused by fibromyalgia or by other symptoms caused by it. For some reason, the disease most often appears only after middle age. (2)
Fibromyalgic manifestations are associated with several different factors, such as an injury, accident or infection, which can cause sensitization related to the central nervous system. At times, the local pain condition may even develop into pain sensitivity. There are usually other different diseases in the background, which makes the definition of the disease challenging. For example, the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may closely resemble the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia can be psychological and social problems, as well as overactive joints. (2)
Based on several studies,cannabinoid deficiency statesin the internal cannabinoid system may be associated with the onset of fibromyalgia (3).
Pain points are places on the body that, when pressed, produce intense pain, which usually only fibromyalgia sufferers react to.
Fibromyalgia and pain points
Fibromyalgia-related pain usually occurs in certain areas, in pain points, unlike e.g. in cases related to rheumatism and osteoarthritis. Pressing on certain pain points creates very strong pain conditions that usually do not occur in a healthy person. (4)
Fibromyalgia cannot be identified with standard laboratory tests, but pain points make it easier to make a diagnosis. Even if the patient has other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, but if he does not experience pain when pressing certain pain points, it is likely that it is not fibromyalgia. Pressing on the pain point can cause a tingling, stinging or burning sensation. Everyone suffering from fibromyalgia, so-called the pain map with points is individual. Pain is therefore definitely not experienced in all 18 pain points, but according to the definition of fibromyalgia, the patient experiences pain in at least 11 pain points. Pain points are often located around large joints and in the area of muscle attachment points, areas about the size of two euros. Pain points can be found on both sides of the body. There are 10 of them on the back and eight on the front. (4)
Fibromyalgia symptoms
Fibromyalgia is a disease that challenges everyday life, whose symptoms include e.g. constant muscle pain and soreness in the connective tissues, as well as a variety of psychological and neurological symptoms. In addition to these symptoms, it is common for people with fibromyalgia to sleep poorly and suffer from exhaustion, fatigue, weakness, numbness and swelling in the joints. When the body does not get the necessary rest during the night, the exhaustion continues immediately after waking up and it makes everyday life feel heavy. In particular, mental pressure may increase fatigue. Symptoms vary from case to case. (2) The pain associated with fibromyalgia is described as cutting, burning and stabbing. Symptoms can also include headache, and pain in the urinary organs and stomach area. Based on research, in addition to mental stress and social pressures, cold, humidity and drafts can increase symptoms. Warm air and especially sauna may relieve the pain temporarily, but there is a downside, as the pain conditions may get worse after sauna. (2) In deep sleep, growth hormone is secreted, which strengthens tissues. Without deep sleep, this growth hormone cannot be obtained, and therefore lower than normal levels of growth hormone have been observed in fibromyalgia patients. Disturbances in hormone secretion can increase the experience of various pain conditions. In studies where the subjects’ sleep has been disturbed, they have been found to have symptoms belonging to fibromyalgia (2). Deep sleep also plays an important role in getting the necessary rest and daily coping.
CBD oil and fibromyalgia
CBD and CBD oils are increasingly being used to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Lynch and Campbell (2011) and Lynch and Ware (2015) conducted two systematic reviews of the use of cannabis/cannabinoids for chronic pain, including pain caused by fibromyalgia. The studies have been published in the years 2003–2010, and in addition to them, 11 studies have been published in the years 2011–2014. Around 2,000 participants took part in all 29 tests and their duration was several weeks. 22 out of 29 studies showed a significant analgesic or pain-reducing effect, and several also reported improvements in secondary outcomes such as sleep and spasticity. The results are remarkable and the news comforting for fibromyalgia sufferers. (5)
Recent advances made it possible to isolate the active substances of cannabis. At the same time, it enables the production of cannabinoid products, without the unwanted psychoactive effect and the possibility of providing pain relief and alleviation of other symptoms related to fibromyalgia. Cannabis itself is also approved for use in the treatment of chronic pain conditions. (6)
Evidence supporting cannabis in chronic pain conditions is abundant; however, in fibromyalgia they are mostly limited. There are only a handful of randomized trials, and their objectivity has been questioned. However, many retrospective studies and patient studies point to significant relief of pain, improvement of sleep and relief of related symptoms. Evidence supporting the use of cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain and especially fibromyalgia is being collected as the use of cannabis increases with current global trends. Although the current evidence is still limited, new data points to the positive effect of cannabis in the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms. 6)
In the treatment of fibromyalgia, forms of exercise are recommended, e.g. water sports, cycling and dancing. Positive results have been obtained especially from pole walking and pilates exercises.
Fibromyalgia treatment
The treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms can be made easier if the disease can be diagnosed in the early stages. When the reason behind the long-lasting symptoms is known, it is easier to focus on its treatment when additional examinations are no longer needed. (2)
The causes of the disease and the intensity of the symptoms vary in people with fibromyalgia. There is still no single and suitable form of treatment for its treatment. Psychiatric treatment is always recommended if the illness is also accompanied by depression, severe exhaustion or some other psychological symptom. (2)
Exercise is believed to strengthen the body’s own functions related to pain relief. Recommended forms of exercise are water sports, walking, cycling, skiing and dancing. Positive results have been obtained e.g. pole walking and pilates exercises. (2)
It is also possible for fibromyalgia sufferers to participate in a rehabilitation course, which is intended to encourage exercise, treatment and reduce the exhaustion associated with the disease together with groups. The treatment includes e.g. pampering the body which includes massage, baths and conversations. Sometimes the treatments also use cold therapy such as avto.
Medicines in the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms
No actual drugs have been developed to treat fibromyalgia. Medicines that improve sleep and mood are often first tried. To minimize side effects, drug treatment is recommended to start with the lowest possible dosage. Some drugs used to treat depression (such as duloxetine and milnacipran) have been found to have effects in alleviating the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Some also get help from the more traditional paracetamol, but NSAIDs can do more harm than good. In the most severe cases of pain, drugs intended for the treatment of nerve pain such as gapapentine (Gabrion) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are used. (2)
Although fibromyalgia cannot be completely cured yet, once a suitable medication is found, it can be alleviated, e.g. symptoms related to pain and fatigue significantly. Medicines are not helpful for everyone, however, and due to their harmful side effects, it is recommended to start a possible medication regimen with low dosages. Since the disease is not caused by inflammation, traditional anti-inflammatory drugs do not help it either. In addition, strong opioid-based painkillers usually only have side effects. (6) Antidepressants, nerve pain medications, and SNRIs are often prescribed to treat fibromyalgia patients. The medication aims to reduce pain, sleep difficulties and anxiety. Sometimes different medicines are used at the same time, but despite this they do not necessarily bring the necessary relief to the symptoms. Although paracetamol is commonly used in the treatment of pain, there is no evidence that it can be used to treat fibromyalgia. (6)
10 facts about fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia occurs in approximately 2-8 percent of the population.
There is no cure for the disease, but the symptoms can be alleviated or even disappear on their own.
Causes the second most long-term pain in the musculoskeletal system.
Chronic pain syndrome accompanied by variable pain and other symptoms.
The pain regulation system becomes more sensitive and changes occur in the functioning of the involuntary nervous system.
Medicines can mainly treat pain and exhaustion.
Hereditary factors affect about half of the cases.
Exercise, sleep quality and maintaining mental well-being are essential to the treatments.
The disease cannot be detected in a laboratory.
Fibromyalgia rarely occurs in children. (6)
With the help of CBD oil, the symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as pain and insomnia , can be relieved and thus the quality of life can be improved.
Fibromyalgia and diet
There is no unequivocal evidence of the effect of diet in the treatment of fibromyalgia. The help received from nutrition is always case-specific. General recommendations for fibromyalgia are to pay particular attention to adequate intake of trace elements and vitamins such as vitamin D. (6)
Other fibromyalgic patients avoid foods such as alcohol, red meat, sugar and gluten. Abstaining from certain foods eases symptoms for some and not for others. It is important for everyone to find a diet and food rhythms that suit them. Above all, it would be good to try to avoid stress related to eating, so that the body can find an optimal balance. (6)
How to live with fibromyalgia symptoms?
How to live with fibromyalgia symptoms? Based on experience, healthy lifestyles, regular exercise, rest and a suitable diet can make living with the disease much easier. Positive experiences have also been gained from group courses, where you can talk about your own experiences and peer support is available. More and more people are experiencing that CBD provides significant relief from fibromyalgia symptoms. So one recommended way is to try it CBD oilsthat you can orderfrom the online store.
CBD oil and menstruation go well together, as the challenges associated with menstruation are almost as diverse as the effects of CBD oil. Menstruation is a cyclical system that adapts to the lunar cycle, the task of which is to both remove the old unfertilized egg from the path of a new one, and to cleanse the mind and body of old energies, waste materials and beliefs (1).
During the last few centuries, menstruation has become for more and more people a monthly drama of suffering rather than a gentle educational event, because menstruation is accompanied by a variety of symptoms, from shame and mood swings to pain conditions that paralyze the bed (2). Almost all bleeding people suffer from various challenges related to menstruation, and a few diseases associated with menstruation have also been classified. Many types of remedies have certainly been tried over the years, but could CBD oil help with menstruation?
The endocannabinoid system in the reproductive system
The internal general regulator of the body, the endocannabinoid system, also extends to the uterus, ovaries and in the brain the areas responsible for the menstrual cycle and the reproductive system. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in reproduction, and studies have shown that both cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors have their own special functions during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. (3, 4)
The endocannabinoid system acts as an observer in the reproductive system by balancing the activity of the cells of the organs responsible for the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. The endocannabinoid system has been shown to be involved in e.g. in follicular development, egg maturation, ovarian embryo transfer and attachment, placental formation, and the ovarian endocrine system. (3, 4) The endocannabinoid system and the HPO axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis), which is responsible for the hormones that regulate the maturation and release of the ovum, are in a complex but very significant relationship. The HPO axis is responsible for the hormonal function of menstruation, and the endocannabinoid system, on the other hand, regulates the function of the axis to balance if necessary. (4)
Cannabinoid receptors
CB1 and CB2 receptors are both widely present in the ovaries, follicles (the follicle where the egg matures), the corpus luteum, and the scarred corpus luteum. Both receptors are also present in the uterus, ovarian medulla and medulla. The CB2 receptor has been detected on the outermost layer of the embryonal vesicle during the first trimester of pregnancy. (3). It has been established that CB2 receptors are more widespread in the reproductive system, but also that they are not active throughout the menstrual cycle, at least with regard to the endocannabinoid anandamide. The receptors only respond to anandamide when the egg is maturing. (4)
The cannabinoid anandamide is more abundant than other endocannabinoids in the region of the uterus and ovaries. One of the functions of anandamide in the ovaries is to participate in the antrum phase of the maturing egg. It has been shown to be involved in e.g. in follicle maturation, egg maturation and ovulation (3). Anandamide is made in the corpus luteum and the corpus luteum and is produced under hormonal control.
CBD oil and menstruation go hand in hand.
Can CBD oil help with periods?
The active ingredient of CBD oil, cannabidiol, CBD, may not affect menstruation directly by making it easier, but its properties are suitable as a helper for a wide range of symptoms that accompany menstruation. CBD has been studied to relieve pain (5), improve sleep quality (6,7) and relieve anxiety (7). It has antioxidant effects and relieves the inflammatory state of the body (8). CBD oil has been found to help with various chronic pains, such as those associated with the common condition endometriosis (9,10). Supporting endometriosis with CBD oil and cannabinoids in general has been studied with somewhat good results (10,11). CBD oil has also been found increasingthe amount of neurotransmitters in the body and improving theirbinding capacity.
Studies have not shown that CBD has its own functions in the menstrual cycle, or that it clearly specifically helps with a certain problem associated with menstruation. In a roundabout way, it might be a real help. The side effects of menstruation often have a strong impact on life and make it difficult for many. Alleviating or even eliminating the various side effects might help us face our periods with the great appreciation and gratitude they really deserve; the menstrual cycle and menstruation are a real mirror of the internal and external state.
Cannabinoids balance the menstrual cycle
Since menstruation, the uterus and ovaries are ultimately under the control of endocannabinoids, a good way to support menstruation is to take care of the well-being of the entire endocannabinoid system. CBD oil is a versatile, safe and natural way to support the endocannabinoid system. The endocrine system responsible for the effortless functioning of the menstrual cycle is balanced with the help of the endocannabinoid system, and the well-being of both is supported not only by exocannabinoids, but also by healthy lifestyles.
The menstrual cycle is counted as starting from the first day of menstruation. In a normal menstrual cycle, which does not include e.g. diagnosed disease, the symptomatology can be very broad.
Multi-effect CBD oil supports the menstrual cycle
By taking into account your own menstrual cycle and its sensations, you can come to terms with how your period feels and what kind of emotional states are associated with it. The versatile mechanisms of action of CBD oil almost guarantee that it is possible for everyone to find help for menstrual challenges with it, whether it is pain during menstruation, anxiety appearing before menstruation, PMS or tingling in the lower back during the ovulation phase.
CBD oil can relieve symptoms and calm the mind so that the situation is easier to accept. Menstruation tells a lot about health and mental state, and therefore it would be important to be able to listen to what they communicate! Menstruation and the endocannabinoid system work closely together, and cannabinoids and their receptors are involved in most events of the menstrual cycle.
Finally
The use of CBD oil to ease menstrual problems is common around the world. Others find that CBD oil is a great help for various symptoms, either alleviating them or eliminating them completely. Several good properties are associated with CBD oil, which can be of great help throughout the menstrual cycle, depending on the current symptom.
J. Sorian, B. Alexandra, B. On Daniel, S. Seidman, D. Sorian. 2017. The clinical significance of endocannabinoids in endometriosis pain management. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2016.0035. Referred on 18.02.2022
Dieting is certainly one of the oldest and most consumed trends in history. People have always had soldiers, young people, advertising faces and misses as role models, whom they wanted to be like, at any cost. Although being overweight is harmful, so can dieting. CBD and weight loss have recently surfaced as a topic. In this article, we will learn about overweight and safe weight loss, the endocannabinoid system behind weight management, and whether CBD oil can help with weight loss.
Overweight in general
Overweight and obesity are a public health challenge, especially in Western countries, including Finland. In Finland, almost 70% of adults are overweight or obese, children approx. 30% and almost half of young people. Since the 1980s, the number of obese people has doubled and the number of children has even tripled. Every other person in Finland has waist fat. (1,2)
Overweight and especially waist obesity contribute to the onset of many diseases, the most common of which is adult-onset diabetes. Being overweight has a negative effect on blood pressure and blood fat values and is a significant factor behind fatty liver . It also causes infertility in both women and men, and is often the cause of knee and leg joint ailments. In addition to physical symptoms, mental challenges are common in overweight people, and especially in young people, obesity can significantly affect self-esteem. (1)
In addition to the fact that obesity is a risk for the person himself, it also creates a financial burden for society.
Factors behind overweight
There can be many reasons behind obesity. It is an energy-metabolic disease that can be caused by mental traumas, sometimes a constant rush, laziness in the kitchen or ignorance of what would be a healthy way to eat. As a result of many diseases, excess weight can accumulate, and sometimes medications also cause it.
Endocannabinoid system underlying body weight
The endocannabinoid systemknown as the body’s balancing system is behind everything to ensure that the body functions as balanced as possible. It is, of course, an ancient system and still functions as it was originally created in us. This system has a bad tendency to hoard energy when it is available. Of course, the system is only doing it for its goodness when it has not adapted to this abundance that we are used to, but the danger is that energy is stored at maximum power all the time, which of course also accumulates in the wrong places. For this reason alone, gaining excess weight is extremely easy for part of the population; in this regard, they have a well- and efficiently functioning endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system not only regulates appetite, but also the function of many organs and systems focused on metabolism, such as fat cells, liver cells and the gastrointestinal tract (3,4). It is also a very significant regulator of the brain’s hypothalamus, which is largely responsible for functions important for survival, such as appetite and energy storage, body temperature and circadian rhythm (3,5).
According to studies, the background of obesity and overweight is the overactivity of the endocannabinoid system, in this case the overproduction of the CB1 receptor (3).
These data suggest that a high-fat diet promotes the pathological production of endocannabinoids, which may increase lipogenesis, the conversion of excess glucose into storage fat. This eventually leads to the formation of fatty tissue in the liver. (3)
Cannabinoid receptors
Although both cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, are found throughout the body, the CB1 receptor is more common in the brain. In the hypothalamus of the brain, CB1 receptors and endocannabinoids regulate the activity of systems focused on appetite and food intake. (5)
Endocannabinoids
The most studied endocannabinoids areanandamideand2-AG. These are the most important endogenous cannabinoids and both of them participate in vital functions related to weight management. In animal experiments, 2-AG levels have been found to decrease during fasting and rise again immediately after eating, while anandamide levels do not seem to vary in vital functions related to eating. This suggests that 2-AG is the more active and important endocannabinoid for eating behavior and energy storage. (3,4,5)
Safe and targeted weight loss always includes a good plan, a healthy diet and an appropriate amount of exercise.
Safe weight loss
There are guaranteed to be thousands of different weight loss methods, and everything has probably been tried, from not eating to consuming only fat. Usually the weight does fall, but only temporarily. No single diet necessarily guarantees permanent weight loss, but it is important to commit to renovating your lifestyle completely. At first it may seem scary and a lot of effort, but according to experience, a long-term plan bears fruit as increased well-being prevents returning to old habits most effectively.
Safe weight loss is definitely based on an understanding of what you are doing. Most of the time, it’s not about losing weight alone, but a lifestyle change that starts with observing your own patterns of action. Often the goal is to lose weight quickly, but in terms of permanent results, it is not an ideal way to lose weight.
There are various calculators on the Internet that can be used to calculate, for example, the allowed amount of calories in relation to the desired weight loss, but these should be treated with a little caution, because the calculators often set a time target for weight loss and that is not in line with safe weight loss.
In this link, you can find one example of numerous weight loss calculators.
Weight loss and diet
Diet is certainly the most important element behind weight loss. Today there are a huge number of different diets and they can be very different from each other. It can seem extremely challenging to find the lifestyle that best supports you when there are so many options.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make to lose weight is to eat too little or not at all and at the same time deny yourself everything good. It goes without saying that it doesn’t inspire you to adopt this kind of lifestyle and often the weight accumulates back before it has been properly gained or even lost.
Depending on the situation, the surest way to lose weight permanently is to eat lightly and sufficiently, increase the amount of exercise and take care of mental well-being. Increasing vegetables, fruits and berries, reducing empty carbohydrates and stopping or minimizing consumption of refined sugars, hidden sugar and fat, as well as excessive low-quality fat have been researched as the most effective ways to lose weight permanently. It’s good to allow yourself, at least after a rough start, treats, and above all, to find ways to treat yourself that are not harmful to your health.
A healthy diet can effectively lose weight.
CBD and weight loss
In general, it may be thought that hemp increases the appetite, but it is not that simple. Research has shown that CBD isolates in particular reduce appetite, but according to user experiences The use of the CBD oil use balances the appetite without increasing or decreasing it. In order to utilize all the active substances of hemp, it is recommended to note that the oil is of the highest possible quality, containing all the therapeutic substances of hemp. CBD has been found to work best when it works synergistically, i.e. together with all the active substances of hemp.
Being overweight is a public health challenge, and the best way to deal with overweight, the constant yo-yoing of weight and the resulting health challenges is to take healthy lifestyles into account. Food rich in nutrients, exercise, good quality water and a life as stress-free as possible guarantee a good foundation for a healthy body, but also for the mind. Being overweight causes both physical and mental health challenges, and treating it with its side effects is one of the most significant expenditure items in the public health care budget.
The endocannabinoid systemis responsible for processes related to eating and also overweight.CBD oilmay be helpful for dealing with various side effects such assleep-related challenges, but the weight loss itself must be done with the help of other means such as diet and exercise!
Sources
Mustajoki P.. 2022. Health Library Duodecim. Fatness. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00042. Referred on 11/16/2022.
Department of Health and Welfare. Prevalence of obesity. https://thl.fi/fi/web/elintavat-ja-ravitsemus/lihavuus/lihavuuden-yleeyss. Referred on 11/16/2022
Bellocchio L., Cervino C., Pasquali R. and Pagotto U.. 2008. Journal of neuroendocrinology. The Endocannabinoid System and Energy Metabolism. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18601709/ . Referred on 11/16/2022
Miralpeix C., Reguera AC, Fosch A., Zagmutt S., Casals N., Cota D. and Rodriguez-Rodriguez R.. 2021. Hypothalamic endocannabinoids in obesity: an old story with new challenges. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34718828/ . Referred on 11/16/2022.
Joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis cause various symptoms ranging from joint stiffness to inflammation and severe pain. There is no curative treatment or medicine for these diseases yet, but luckily there are some ways to alleviate the symptoms. In this article, we will get to know the two most common joint diseases and find out if CBD helps with their symptoms.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, what is the difference?
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are similar, but differ based on the root cause. Osteoarthritis is caused by e.g. from hard work, aging, injury and heredity, while rheumatoid arthritis is a purely inflammatory disease. In both, the joints are symptomatic, causing pain and various side symptoms.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the world’s most common joint disease and is largely caused by strain and injuries to the joints. The actual cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, but the symptoms are caused by cartilage breaking down faster than repair. (1)
Osteoarthritis occurs most often in the knee, hip, fingers and back. On the back side, osteoarthritis can occur in the joints between the vertebrae. As a result of osteoarthritis, some kind of changes can occur in the bones, joint bursa and joint cartilage.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory rheumatic disease, the causes of which are largely in heredity, unilateral movement and lifestyle. Less than one percent of Finns suffer from it, and it can break out at any stage of life. Rheumatoid arthritis is usually diagnosed in older people, over 65 years old, but sometimes it also occurs in children. According to statistics, rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than in men, as only one third of rheumatoid arthritis diagnoses are given to men. (2) Rheumatoid arthritis is most commonly found in the joints of the fingers.
Symptoms
The symptoms of osteoarthritis are excruciating pain in the joints and joint stiffness, especially in the morning. The pain worsens with exertion and subsides with rest, but advanced osteoarthritis also causes pain at night, which may contribute to the development of sleep difficulties (1). with CBD oil according to studies, it has effects that improve sleep quality and balance the sleep cycle. Read more about the effect of CBD insomnia. In addition, CBD has pain-relieving properties.
The first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are manifested as morning stiffness in the small joints of the body in the fingers and toes. The symptoms are usually symmetrical on both sides of the body. Common side symptoms are e.g. weight loss, fatigue, pains and fever which are partly caused by the body’s inflammatory reaction. (2)
Treatment and prevention
Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but in general the condition of the joints can be taken care of preventively, e.g. by adding good quality collagen to the diet and avoiding exercise that causes strong shocks, but doing it regularly. Also, preventing the accumulation of excess weight may affect the development of osteoarthritis. (1)
Osteoarthritis is treated at home, e.g. by losing excess weight and using cold therapy. It is a good idea to see a doctor at the latest when the painkiller no longer helps, despite the fact that there is no cure or treatment available. Osteoarthritis is mainly treated with painkillers, but a TENS device that gives electrical impulses is also used for pain relief. (1)
Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, and the goal of the treatment is remission, i.e. a state where the disease does not progress. In Finland, rheumatoid arthritis is treated with a combination of traditional anti-rheumatic drugs and glucocorticoids, and usually at least 75% of patients achieve remission relatively soon after starting treatment. (2)
Rheumatoid arthritis may be impossible to prevent, but its onset can be prevented by taking care of the joints through diet and light exercise. Avoiding smoking may also help!
Diseases related to the joints cannot be cured, but there are a few ways to alleviate the symptoms. CBD may be especially effective in supporting the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
The cannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system monitors all processes in the body and regulates them as needed towards balance. The background of most diseases is some kind of disturbance in the functioning of this system. The endocannabinoid system is also involved in joint function.
The endocannabinoid system includes the endogenous cannabinoids, i.e. the endocannabinoidsanandamideand2-AG, their corresponding receptors CB1 and CB2, and the molecules that break down these elements.
Both cannabinoids and their receptors are present in the joints. In diseases affecting the joints, it has been noticed that the CB2 receptor in particular is abundant, but both endocannabinoids and both receptors have been detected in increased amounts compared to healthy joints. (3)
In the joints, endocannabinoids seem to target newly damaged joints the most, although they are also present in healthy, well-functioning joints, including those suffering from joint diseases.
CBD to help?
Those who practice Chinese medicine have already said thousands of years ago that hemp eliminates rheumatism. The claim as such is hardly true, but it is known that one of the most significant effects of cannabinoids is the reduction of inflammatory markers in the body.
CBDfor tissue damage caused by osteoarthritis does not necessarily help, but side symptoms such as pain, sleep difficulties and stiffness may be affected. CBD has been studied and used successfully e.g. For stiffness caused by MS,various painsandchallenges related to sleep. (3,4)
As rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease, its symptoms and the course of the diseasewith CBD oil may have effects. CBD has been studied to reduce inflammation in the body, and this effect is likely to be seen in the increased CB2 receptor levels in the joints of the rheumatism patient, which have risen both through the activation of CBD and the endocannabinoid system itself. (3,4)
A study conducted in Canada as an anonymous survey of joint disease sufferers clearly stated thatCBD had a positive effect on various symptoms. Pain was reduced by 86%, functional ability improved by 66% and sleep-related challenges eased by 66% of those who responded to the survey. Several of the respondents also reported that the need for medication decreased or even stopped completely after starting to use CBD. (4)
The American organization focused on joint diseases, the Arthritis foundation, has collected statistical information not only on joint diseases, but also on the treatment of joint diseases with CBD. To the English site can be found here.
CBD for pet joints?
CBD oil also suitable for supporting animal care. The use of CBD oil related to the well-being of the joints is one of the most common ways to use CBD oil in animals, and according to user experiences and research, it has a positive effect. Improvements in mobility and general condition have been observed in dogs suffering from joint diseases In connection with the use ofCBD.(5)
Summary
Joint diseases are usually incurable and unfortunately common. The condition of the joints can be influenced by following healthy lifestyles, but they are not necessarily a guarantee that these diseases may not break out during life. The endocannabinoid system is also involved in joint function, and its parts have their own roles in the background of joint-related well-being. CBD oil may be particularly helpful for the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but it may also have an effect on the side symptoms caused by both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, such as stiffness and factors that disturb sleep.
Frane N., Stapleton E., Iturriaga C., Ganz M., Rasquinha V. and Duarte R.. 2022. Cannabidiol as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain: an exploratory cross-sectional study.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Ganz %20M% 5BAuthor%5D. Referenced 1/18/2023.
A normal person experiences physical pain in their life. Nowadays, chronic pain is also familiar to more and more people. For a long time, pain can even become a part of our identity. How to deal with pain? In the long run, it can even become an unbearable burden on our lives. Many arts have often already been tried, and especially in serious health challenges, it is important to progress in healing on many levels. But have you tried proper CBD yet? For many, the help it brings to pain challenges is undeniable. More and more people have even felt that they got their life back from their pain with the help of CBD.
What causes the pain?
Have you ever stopped to think about what causes pain? What exactly is pain? That brings a challenge to our consciousness. When we hurt our toe on a chair, for example, we carelessly caused a small damage to our toe, and the pain is a signal of this. If we didn’t experience pain, we wouldn’t learn to be careful of the chair. But what about a stomach ache? Of course, this can also be caused by, for example, wrong nutrition. In addition to this, we can also be in a stressed state. In recent decades, we have already learned to understand the concept of a stress stomach.
As is well known, this same phenomenon can also occur as a headache, but for a long time, even in medical circles, we have started to notice the view that our physical and mental well-being are connected to each other more than previously thought. A late doctor from the United States has been a pioneer in the subject John E. Sarno. In her medical career, she quickly saw the connection between allergies and mental well-being. Also Dr. Sarno noticed the same connection between mental ailments and back pain. Through his mappings, we finally began to understand that this kind of pain can be located anywhere in our body.
Dr. Sarno and many other experts have found that while pain can be a message of damage where the pain is, pain can also be experienced to avoid emotional pain.
The role of CBD in pain management
CBD balances ourendocannabinoid system, abbreviated ECS (from endocannabinoid system). The ECS regulates all of our other eleven self-regulatory systems, so it has an effect on the one hand directly on pain, but also on possible underlying emotional states.
CBD’s direct effect on pain
The endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 and theirligands anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), and enzymes responsible for ligand metabolism. Cannabinoid ligands can also activate other receptors in addition to cannabinoid receptors. These receptors include TRPV1, GPR18 and GPR55. The main ligand of the TRPV1 receptor (Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1) is capsaicin (1), which creates the heat in chilies. This is why some people experience a mild hot flush when using cannabinoids. For some, the burning may be excessively intense at first, but it goes away after use.
Traditionally, chili is known to be an effective pain reliever, although its effect only targets TRPV1 receptors. Today, awareness of CBD’s effect on pain is also spreading. Our endocannabinoid system affects pain directly and indirectly through the other receptors mentioned above. It plays a very central role in the experience of pain throughout our body. In 2020, Poland conducted a review of the pain-relieving effects of CBD in our body in a wide range of pain situations, such as nerve pain, inflammatory pain, osteoarthritis and others. The final conclusion was that CBD is a well-tolerated and safe natural compound that has shown promising pain-relieving effects in a wide range of pain challenges in clinical trials (2).
Walking in nature, a suitable diet, a sauna combined with cold water, light exercise, adequate rest and many other things can also be helpful for pain relief.
It is also important to understand that our endocannabinoid system is really a central part of our body’s functioning, and that part of pain relief with CBD is our body’s way of telling us that we have nourished its most important self-regulating system. We are designed to get a lot more cannabinoids from our diet than we currently do.
The effect of CBD on the underlying factors of pain
The aforementioned research into the underlying causes of pain has shown that emotional states can also cause physical pain. Pain seems to be the body’s mechanism to avoid these emotional states if they are too much for our consciousness to handle. However, CBD has an effect on these background factors as well, as has been studied.
Innovare Journal of Medical Science published an article in 2020 that analyzed no less than 76 studies published in 2019 and 2020 on the effects of CBD on certain diseases such as stress , anxiety and depression . The study concluded that CBD has promising effects on these ailments, especially when it is not just CBD isolate. (3)
In 2020, the effects of CBD have also been studied for stronger stress conditions with larger doses. The positive results have inspired further research. (4) Mental challenges can be eased by finding meaning in one’s life, spiritual exercises such as meditation, doing things that interest oneself, and for some, vigorous exercise can also be therapeutic. It may also be necessary to avoid spending a lot of time in front of screens. This article also covers the topic in terms of anxiety: CBD oil can relieve anxiety.
Pain in the shoulder area and shoulder can be relieved with CBD oil and massage.
The use of CBD for various pain conditions
Below you will find a list of different common pains, divided into different areas of our body:
Body:
Lower abdominal pain
Lower back pain
Coccyx pain
Pain in the sternum
Pain in left side
Head and limbs:
Headache
Wisdom tooth pain
Foot pain
Pain in the soles of the feet
A shooting pain in the arm
Nervous system, joints and pelvis:
Sciatica pain
Neuropathic pain (nerve pain)
Knee pain
Elbow pain
Coccyx pain
The style of using CBD depends on the location of the pain. If it is, for example, general lower abdominal pain, it is most effective to take CBD orally. Pain in the lower abdomen can also be related to intestinal well-being. You can read more about it The effect of CBD on intestinal well-being. For many other common ailments, it can also be good to put CBD directly locally at the point of pain. CBD cream and CBD oils are best for topical use.
Pain in the metatarsals and soles of the feet is becoming more and more common. The soles of the feet can be massaged with CBD oil. Just by massaging the soles of the feet, you can affect the pain conditions and well-being of our entire body, the soles of the feet are full of nerve endings.
Pain in the metatarsals and soles of the feet is becoming more and more common
The ball of the foot and the sole of the foot are also increasingly areas where pain occurs. Massaging the soles of your feet with CBD oil is especially good, as it allows the CBD to have the most relaxing effect. By massaging the soles of the feet, you can affect the pain conditions and well-being of our entire body, because it is full of nerve endings. You can read about the anatomy of the bones of the feet and the increasingly common barefootness and the advantages of barefoot shoes compared to cushioned shoes From a comprehensive article written in New York Magazine, which also tells about the history of shoes and the effect on the health of our feet (5). For foot care, you can find 100% naturalCBD foot cream in our online store, which has been specially developed for tired feet. CBD cream warms, increases peripheral blood circulation and soothes the skin. Thanks to the natural active ingredients, the cream reduces leg swelling and tenderness, and speeds up healing from muscle injuries.
How much CBD to use
The amount of CBD used largely depends on the intensity of the pain and its location. The pain can be especially strong when, for example, there are symptoms of a wisdom tooth. For such acute, strong pain conditions, it can be good to spread the use of CBD to three times a day and with a larger amount than usual. A product-specific dosage recommendation is usually sufficient for normal periodic pains.
What is a large amount? What is a small amount? What is a normal amount? Based on experience, it can be assumed that each endocannabinoid system is individual, and similarly, each hemp variety and product has a slightly different effect. Still, we can get some indication regarding usage volumes.
It is good to start using CBD with a smaller amount at first. As simplified as possible, a rule of thumb for different usage amounts can be given with the following diagram:
Dosage instructions for CBD for every five kilograms (5 kg) of body weight:
MILD | MEDIUM STRENGTH | STRONG
1 mg | 3 mg | 5 mg
For example, if a person weighs 50 kg, then a mild dosage would be about 10 mg, medium strength 30 mg and strong 50 mg.
Mlost, J. et al. 2020. Polish Academy of Sciences. Poland. Cannabidiol for Pain Treatment: Focus on Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/22/8870/htm. Referred on 07/05/2022
Appiah-Kusi, E. 2020. Springer Link. Effects of short-term cannabidiol treatment on response to social stress in subjects at clinical high risk of developing psychosis.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-019-05442-6. Referred on 07/05/2022
The many challenges of PMS, i.e. the days before menstruation, are now familiar to almost all menstruating people. There are many reasons for this. with CBD oil has been studied to have positive effects, e.g. to the sensation of pain, anxiety and bad night’s sleep and e.g. many people around the world suffer from these symptoms related to menstruation. According to user experiences, CBD oil really brings relief to many menstrual-related side symptoms, and in this article we will learn how CBD oil could help with PMS symptoms.
What is PMS?
PMS, i.e. Premenstrual syndrome, is a large group of different symptoms related to menstruation and the time before menstruation. They include both physical and psychological symptoms, the intensity of which varies from imperceptible to those that make life difficult. Uncomfortable sensations start 1-2 weeks before menstruation and usually subside on the 4th. by the leak date. Of menstruating people, approx. 20-30% feel that they have PMS symptoms that affect their lives and approx. 5-10% suffer from very severe symptoms. However, it is estimated that more than 95% of all menstruating women feel that PMS is a part of their life, perhaps with mild, well-tolerated sensations that pass quickly (1).
CBD oil works through the endocannabinoid system
As the endocannabinoid system is a background influencer in almost all functions in the body, it is also a balancer of the menstrual cycle and the body systems behind it. Endocannabinoids have been detected both in the brain from those areas that regulate functions related to menstruation and reproduction, as well as in the uterus, ovaries and placenta. (2, 3). CBD oilworks through cannabinoid receptors and travels evenly throughout the body with the blood!
The spectrum of PMS symptoms is wide
The most common PMS symptoms include e.g. various pain states, mental imbalance, sleep-related challenges and skin symptoms. There are more than 150 different symptoms, so it is likely that everyone who menstruates feels at least a few of them. There are certainly several reasons for the symptoms, but there is no clear root cause for PMS. Fluctuations in the concentration of two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, is the most common cause under which all PMS symptoms are grouped, but the strength and prevalence of premenstrual syndrome is also influenced by beliefs related to menstruation, an unbalanced state of the body, physical and/or psychological trauma, etc.
CBD oil relaxes with the symptoms
The spectrum of PMS symptoms is wide and may even vary between menstrual cycles. CBD oil is flexible in its handling and tackles the problem at hand at any given time. So it can be very well suited to varying PMS symptoms. The effect of CBD oil directly on PMS has been studied very little, but user experiences from abroad are good. Although there aren’t really any studies regarding this particular connection, a broader understanding of the effectiveness of CBD oil on PMS symptoms can be obtained by looking at CBD oileffects in general.
PMS symptoms can be eased with CBD
CBD oil can ease PMS.
PMS, CBD and acne
According to studies, CBD oil seems to work well for the skin problem that is part of the most common PMS symptoms, acne. CBD oil calms and balances skin function, especially when administered transdermally, i.e. through the skin. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, stress and poor sleep quality affect the skin’s natural function. CBD oil has been found to promote cell flexibility and reduce sebum secretion (4) in addition to its calming and balancing properties (5).
PMS, CBD and pain perception
Ka complex flow of information starts from the nipple point, which first ends up as a pain signal via the dorsal horn to the hypothalamus in the brain. The hypothalamus transmits information to the higher levels of the brain, where the experience of pain finally arises. PMS is associated with different, different pains, the root cause of which can be difficult to determine. The most commonly known are headache, lower abdominal and lower back pain, and breast tenderness.
CBD oil has been found to block the transmission of the pain signal (6). Studies also show that CBD oil has been helpful for muscle and joint pain, such as lower back and lower abdominal pain associated with PMS (6,7). The treatment of migraines with CBD oil has been studied with somewhat good results, but since the headaches are so different from each other, more related studies are still awaited.
During menstruation, and the changes in hormone activity that precede them, cause mood swings. They are also believed to affect serotonin levels. You may feel anxious and fearful. Many talk about a tendency to cry, a low mood and a feeling of sadness for which there is no clear reason. CBD oil balances the nervous system and calms the mind, it has been found to affect the way we perceive internal and external things. For example, pain or an anxious feeling. Through the endocannabinoid system, CBD prevents brain cells from sending a signal as if triggering what was happening (8). In studies, CBD has been found to relieve anxiety and elevate mood (9), and also works in cooperation with serotonin production, as a result of which CBD oil may alleviate the symptoms caused by low serotonin.
PMS, CBD and sleep
The endocannabinoid system also regulates factors underlying sleep. PMS is associated with an excessive need for sleep, as well as too little sleep. Some suffer from night waking and some cannot sleep at all. The endocannabinoid system regulates the sleep cycle and the depth of sleep. CBD oil has been found to improve the quality of sleep, the functioning of the internal clock and has a positive effect to balance during sleep.
Finally
Many have learned to live with PMS symptoms, perhaps through the power of painkillers, sick leave and family. The truth is that any sensation more than a little is not normal and something that should only be swept under the carpet with acceptance and wait for the next month of suffering. There are plenty of user experiences around the world about CBD oil’s help with even difficult PMS symptoms, and as time goes on we will certainly get more research results on the subject. Let it be said, however, that research on the functionality of CBD oil has accumulated so widely on many challenges comparable to PMS symptoms that CBD oil can be a potential support for those struggling with PMS symptoms.
Cannabidiol is an effective helper compound in combination with bacitracin to kill Gram-positive bacteria. 2020. Wassmann C, Hojrup P, Kudsk J..https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7057955/.Referred on 15/02/2022
Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and anti-inflammatory effects on human sebocytes. 2014. Olah A., Toth B., Borbiro I., Sugawara K., Szöllösi A., Czifra G., Pal B., Ambrus L., Kloepper J., Camera E., Ludovici M., Picardo M., Voets T., Zouboulis C., Paus R., Biro T..https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151231/. Referred on 15/02/2022
Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety and Mood Disorders: Molecular Targets and Epigenetic Insights from Preclinical Research. 2021. Melas P., Schrema M., Fratta W., Cifani C., Fadda P. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7917759/. Referred on 15/02/2022
CBD oil can relieve anxiety symptoms, because it affects our body, e.g. to those CB receptors located in the areas responsible for emotional experiences. Anxiety is a very common feeling that, when chronic, can even make life difficult. CBD oil in the treatment of anxiety has been studied more in recent decades, so there is a wide range of material supporting this view. In this article, we will delve into anxiety, anxiety disorder and how CBD oil could ease the symptoms associated with these!
Anxietysymptoms
My chest tightens, my hands sweat, it hurts, and my nerves tighten over the smallest things. The heart beats and the unpleasant thoughts grow inside the head to enormous proportions. We are talking about anxiety, a feeling that involves both stress and physical bodily reactions and symptoms. It is estimated that approx. 20% of the world’s people experience anxiety symptoms during their lifetime, but the number is certainly higher in reality.
Anxiety symptomsalways have a message
Anxiety can be a short-term reaction essential for survival, as it may tell us when we are going in the wrong direction in life or if the decision we just made was wrong. Instead, constant physical and mental anxiety symptoms that hinder life are no longer something that would help us make the right decisions. Vice versa. A deeply anxious person is in a situation where the ability to concentrate is barely enough to survive, CBD oil,in its versatility, can ease this condition.
Anxiety is a familiar feeling to many
Anxiety is undoubtedly a familiar feeling to all people, but sometimes it can become chronic to the point of anxiety disorder. Anxiety is always associated with a malfunction of the stress response, which results in an overreaction of the body and mind to even small, insignificant things. Anxiety can be related to individual situations and events, but also to personal fears and emotional states. Common symptoms associated with anxiety and anxiety disorders are bodily sensations combined with stress. Heart palpitations, sweating, the compulsive need to run away from the place and things running through your mind too much are clear symptoms of an anxiety attack. Similar to these symptoms of anxiety is that the stress reaction always starts in the body first. (1)
Chronic anxiety, an anxiety disorder, is when the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system and theirbilateral cooperation goes out of balance; the balancing function of the parasympathetic nervous system no longer works properly. The physical symptoms of an anxiety attack are caused by the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.
Anxiety has been successfully treated by activating CB1 receptors. CBD affects the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, thanks to which anxiety and related symptoms can be relieved.
The endocannabinoid system is involved in anxiety disorders
Body balancer,endocannabinoid system, is an essential part in the generation of the stress response. The endocannabinoid system also regulates emotional behavior. It determines neural flexibility related to learning and response, especially in connection with events experienced as aversive (2,3). of the CB1 receptor activation plays a significant role in anxiety-related bodily functions. It has been found to work anxiolytically, i.e. as an anxiety reliever for various models of conditioned fear, which are also associated with anxiety and anxiety disorders. CB1 receptor activation prevents the consolidation of fear, and enhances fear extinction and CB1 receptor activation endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) is necessary for the relaxation of hormonal stress. It also protects against chronic stress. (2,3,4)
Anxiety starts with stress
Anxiety develops in stages. First, stress is triggered as a result of some thought or event. Stress is transmitted to the brain to the hypothalamus, which further transmits the information about the caused stress to all body systems and functions. This event results in the release of stress hormones. The release of stress hormones triggers the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the stress response. When the acute stress is over, the parasympathetic nervous system begins to relax the body and return us to a state of balance. This cycle creates anxiety. Anxiety becomes chronic anxiety disorder at the point when the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems are no longer balanced normally, but the sympathetic nervous system and its function remains on, in the ON position. (5)
Fortunately, anxiety can be treated in many different ways, such as saunas, music and exercise in nature.
There are many ways to relieve anxiety
The best way to relieve anxiety is to get to the root of it. It is essential to put in order the things in life that contribute to the emergence of anxiety, even if it seems difficult at first. The background of anxiety may be a poor diet, too little exercise or traumas, unresolved issues in the past. It’s good to at least partially rule out their contribution to anxiety either before or at the latest when you start trying if CBD oil could be of help. CBD oil alone will not make anyone happy in this matter, but other causes of anxiety must also be weeded out. One of the most important factors is stress relief, which of course is not very easy in this age driven by haste. It is important to find your own ways to calm your mind. Meditation, moving in nature, calm music and sauna are natural, researched ways to relieve stress.
An anxiety disorder makes life difficult
In an anxiety disorder, stress and anxiety symptoms have become chronic, for example fear of public spaces and social situations, panic disorder and anxiety disorder. They are states of mind that really affect the quality of life. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system causes physical, even strong, symptoms. Although they go away on their own in minutes, they can prevent us from doing things we do in everyday life. (6)
Other body receptors related to anxiety
A receptor is a molecule present in the cell, which when activated, initiates the signal transmission mechanisms related to the cell. There are four different types of receptors in our body, which are activated by e.g. hormones and neurotransmitters. CB1 and CB2 receptors are well-known receptors of the endocannabinoid system, but our body also has other receptors that are affected by both endo- and exocannabinoids such as anandamideandCBD.
5-HT1A serotonin receptor
The 5-HT1A serotonin receptor regulates the release of many neurotransmitters and these receptors are located in the peripheral and central nervous system. The 5-HT1A receptor is known as an anxiety-relieving target and it has been found e.g. preventing the harmful effects of stress and promoting the extinction of fear. The function of this receptor is complex, but it has been found to act as a direct promoter of signaling when activated by CBD. In animal experiments, it has been found that many anxiety-relieving functions in the body take place specifically through the serotonin receptor, which is why it is perhaps the most significant receptor related to the relief of anxiety symptoms. (2)
TRPV1 receptor
The TRPV1 receptor, on the other hand, increases anxiety symptoms when activated. It has been shown that, depending on the balance of the endocannabinoid system, either the CB1 or TRPV1 receptor is activated in a stressful situation and it has been speculated that it regulates emotional behavior. CBDactivates the TRPV1 receptor at very high doses, possibly by interfering withanandamide inactivation. (2)
Anxiety disorder and symptoms of anxiety can be relieved with CBD oil.
CBD oil as an anxiety reliever
Numerousstudiesof CBD oil the benefits are indisputably proven. In addition to CBD has been found to relieve anxiety, according to user experiences, it also relieves stress. Studies show CBD oil to relieve pain, to improve sleep quality and to correct loss of appetite. These are key factors in terms of preventing anxiety.
CBD has also been found to have an effect on the body’s and mind’s defenses and on how a person is able to live outside his own “well” (2,3,4).
Systematic use of CBD oil has been shown to reduce the intensity of the fear reaction, as well as the so-called reduction of freezing. CBD reduces the manifestation of conditioned fear and alleviates the symptoms of long-term stress. It has also been found to reduce the manifestation of the “fight or flight” reaction (3,4).
CBD oil dosage for anxiety relief
Studies have shown that lowerdosageshave the most effective effect on the treatment of anxiety. This is interesting, because it is easy to think that the bigger the dose, the bigger the effects. One reason for this may be the activation of the TRPV-1 receptor at higher doses of CBD, as the TRPV1 receptor blocks the anxiolytic effect. (2) Animal experiments found that CBD oil affected anxiety symptoms almost equally with both short-term and long-term use (3,4). CBD has been found to respond weakly to the CB1 receptor, which plays a significant role in terms of anxiety, but on the other hand, it increases the structural activation of the CB1 receptor and increases anandamidelevels by inhibiting the activity of FAAH, a cannabinoid degrader (2).
The terpenes extracted into CBD oil can also contribute to the relief of anxiety and anxiety disorders.
Terpenes also affect anxiety
With terpenescommonly found in plants has also been found to have anti-anxiety and anxiety-relieving effects. These terpenes are particularly abundant in the hemp plant, and thus part of the anxiety-relieving effects of CBD oil also come from terpenes. It has been hypothesized that combining terpenes with cannabinoids increases the calming effects, despite their small amount relative to cannabinoids. Terpenes have even been thought to play a significant role when talking about the therapeutic effects of hemp. Full-spectrum CBD oilhas these terpenes in store, making it a good choice for treating anxiety.(7)
Well-known cannabis researcher Ethan Russo has put forward a theory about the synergistic effect of plants, which shows that using the whole plant instead of using one part gives more comprehensive help (7).
Finally
CBD oil has been found to be an effective anxiety reliever in several studies, both in animal and human experiments. Especially full-spectrum oils, which contain all the active ingredients of hemp, are an effective and safe way to relieve anxiety symptoms both acutely and in the long term. However, anxiety in itself is such a multi-caused state of mind and body that CBD oil alone does not necessarily help, anxiety should and should be treated with other means as well.
Anxiety disorder. 2019. A working group set up by the Duodecim of the Finnish Medical Society, the Finnish Psychiatric Association and the Finnish Youth Psychiatric Association. https://www.kaypahoito.fi/hoi50119. Referred to on 30/03/2022
The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. 2020. Goldstein Feber S., Namdar D., Hen-Shoval D., Eger G., Koltai H., Shbiro L., Weller A..https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles /PMC7324885/. Referred to on 30/03/2022.
The human mind is a sensitive entity consisting of many parts, which is affected by many factors both momentarily and over a long period of time. Traumatic stress disorder is often perceived only as a disease of those who experience continuous trauma at work or in life, but it can break out in times of need for anyone. In this article, we’ll explore PTSD, the endocannabinoid system, and whether or not CBD oilhelps to release trauma.
Traumatic stress disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is the result of a very strong event that shocks a person deeply. For example, an accident, violence, war, disasters, injury or just the threat of these can trigger a stress reaction, which sometimes develops into a syndrome. PTSD is chronic stress, which is always accompanied by a strong traumatic experience that happens either to oneself or to a loved one (1).
After the event, the autonomic nervous system is activated, but does not recover even with time. It is a prerequisite for the onset of PTSD, but not always a sign of it. Often the symptoms start immediately and last from a few months to several years, while sometimes the symptoms only start months later and slowly intensify over time.
PTSD symptoms
Symptoms vary between people, but the most common symptoms include e.g.sleep difficultiesand nightmares, constant recall of events, challenges affecting mood such asanxietyanddepression, strong emotions, difficulty concentrating and surprising social challenges even among familiar people. Also, states of fear and constant alertness are especially chronic symptoms. Also, e.g. headachesandstomach problems may occur. (1,2)
When making a diagnosis, the symptoms are usually divided into three parts, which usually repeat between different patients. Typical symptoms include flashbacks of the event, physical symptoms such as sweating and palpitations, and some degree of withdrawal and isolation. PTSD may also predispose for substance use, for depression and anxiety. (1,2)
Diagnosis, treatment and prevention
Getting a diagnosis requires that life-threatening symptoms continue for at least a month. Otherwise, the condition is classified as an acute stress reaction, which is treated with slightly different means. Due to the diagnosis, when typical PTSD symptoms appear and continue even slightly longer, it is necessary to see a doctor, who will guide you to the right treatment through a discussion.
Traumatic stress reaction is primarily treated with therapy. According to experience, hypnosis has also been used with good results. Medicines used to treat the disease are e.g. serotonin reuptake inhibitors and various tranquilizers used to treat depression and anxiety, but no specific medicine for this problem has been developed. Because of this, the treatments are currently perceived as quite ineffective. The aim is to avoid drug treatment, because there is no good medicine that works and the drugs mainly focus on side symptoms such as relaxation, sleep difficulties and depression. The most important thing is to get to the actual root cause, that is, to dissolve the experienced trauma as best as possible. (1,2)
It is not actually possible to prevent traumatic stress disorder, because it arises from a very sudden situation.
Calming down the nervous system is an essential part of the post-traumatic stress healing process.
PTSD and the nervous system
After a sudden traumatic event, it is common for the autonomic nervous system to become activated and typical stress symptoms such as palpitations, strong feelings of anxiety and cold sweats surface. Fear, escape reaction and are also typical initial symptoms.
The autonomic nervous system is a part of the nervous system that is divided into two parts, the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. The activation of the sympathetic nervous system is necessary for survival, but if for one reason or another the parasympathetic nervous system does not balance and calm the sympathetic nervous system, the symptoms remain and put the body in a constant state of battle. PTSD develops from the battle mode in which the body and nervous system get stuck. (3,4,5)
The internal cannabinoid system and PTSD
In addition tothe endocannabinoid system monitors the functioning of all processes in the body, it also underlies functions related to memories and emotions. (3,4,5) Endocannabinoid system and the stressconnection has been studied extensively in animal experiments and it is clearly noticeable (6).
Interesting observations have been made in the studies. It has been noticed that if trauma occurs in childhood, endocannabinoid ligand and receptor levels are clearly reduced, while after trauma in adulthood, ligand levels are reduced, but the number of receptors is increased. Changes in the brain are region-specific and differences between the sexes have also been noticed. (6) In general, PTSD patients seem to be elevated cannabinoid receptor levelsand decreasedanandamide levels(3,5,6).
The memory that stores unpleasant things and erasing them requires the activation of the CB1 receptor (6).
CBD alongside therapy
According to studies,CBD, definitely has a huge potential to help people suffering from PTSD disorder, as it is one of the few so-called of memory cleaning compounds (3,4,5,6). It is almost without exception found to be effective as well as safe and well tolerated, and it can be used by children, adults and animals. In Israel, where the medicinal use of hemp has been studied for decades, CBD has been found and approved for mental health challenges only for the treatment of PTSD, and to support treatment.
The use of CBD in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder has been studied in quite small samples among humans, but the subject has been studied much more widely in rodents. The results obtained from both are promising. It has been found in animal experiments that CBD contributes to the loss of negative memories and the reprogramming of the brain (3,6). It has been suggested that the administration of cannabinoids immediately after a traumatic event might prevent the memory from being attached, reducing the risk of PTSD onset, but this is associated with questions, as PTSD only develops in a fraction of people who have experienced severe trauma, and it is therefore not possible to predict immediately after the situation whether CBD treatment is needed or not. (5)
Cannabinoids weaken traumatic memory by activating the death of negative memory and influencing its recovery. (3).
CBD has been found to have numerous therapeutic properties over the years and acts through several physiological functions. Through serotonin receptors CBD protects the nerves, relieves anxiety and depression, and it also inhibits the production of FAAH, an enzyme that breaks down endocannabinoids, indirectly increasing the levels of CB1 receptors, as endocannabinoids increase at the same rate as decomposers decrease. (6)
CBD has positive effects on sleep-related challenges and you canread more about that effect here. Anxiety has also been found to be alleviated with the help of CBD oil and it is possible read more here.
According to studies, CBD has properties that may help with the symptoms of stress disorder.
CBD and prolonged stress
The effects of CBD on stress are undeniable. In prolonged stress, the body and nervous system no longer recover, and a good night’s sleep or one walk in the forest will not help. Chronic ie Prolonged stressrequires calming down life at least momentarily, and often a person also needs aids such as CBD oil and conversational help to navigate the situation.
You can read more about CBD’s effect on stresshere.
In summary
PTSD is a life-affecting syndrome with both psychological and physical symptoms. There are no very effective forms of treatment, because there is no medicine that works, and often with queues for therapy stretching for miles, it can also take a lot of time to get the right treatment. Sometimes traumatic stress disorder goes away on its own over time, but most people who suffer from it need professional help to deal with the trauma. CBD oil has been studied to have properties that, by utilizing it, could ease both the symptoms caused by PTSD and also help to get over the trauma completely. CBDhas been extensively studied within the scope of the topic and hopefully will also be used more widely in the future for the treatment of PTSD.
A working group set up by the Duodecim of the Finnish Medical Society, the Finnish Psychiatry Association and the Finnish Children’s Psychiatry Association. Duodecim is a valid treatment. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). https://www.kaypahoito.fi/kht00096. Referred on 28/11/2022.
Bitencourt RM and Takahashi RN. 2018. Cannabidiol as a Therapeutic Alternative for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: From Bench Research to Confirmation in Human Trials. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Takahashi%20RN%5BAuthor%5D. Referred on 28/11/2022.
Bassir Nia A., Bender R., and Harpaz-Rotem I.. 2019. Endocannabinoid System Alterations in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Review of Developmental and Accumulative Effects of Trauma.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Bender %20R% 5BAuthor%5D. Referred on 28/11/2022
Shingles has become more common and today one in three Finns suffers from the symptoms caused by shingles, which includes e.g. pain and itching. This article reviews studies on the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on shingles.
What is shingles (herpes zoster)?
Shingles is a viral infection also known as herpes zoster (HZ). Shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus that causes chickenpox. After contracting chicken pox, the virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate later, causing inflammation in the body. (1)
The most common symptoms of shingles are a severe rash, blisters, fever and headache. Shingles is more common in older people with weakened immune systems. However, anyone who has had chickenpox can sometimes develop shingles. The infection is treated with antiviral drugs and pain-relieving treatments. (1)
In the past, shingles was mainly associated with inflammation of the peripheral nervous system and nerve ganglion, but since then it has been noticed that the virus also often occurs in people who do not have symptoms related to the central nervous system at all. (1)
Shingles is rare in infants. Its outbreak in older people is associated with a weakening of the immune system. Aging significantly increases the likelihood of developing shingles. For people under 45, the risk of shingles increases e.g. steroids, cancer treatments, leukemia, HIV, AIDS and lymphoma. In the study, diabetes also seems to be one of the reasons for the occurrence of shingles. (1)
Getting shingles
The chicken pox virus that causes shingles is easily transmitted by droplet infection and through contact with other people. The incubation period of the disease is on average 10-12 days, after which the blisters start to appear. The virus can be transmitted a few days before the blisters appear and for a week after that, until the skin blisters have turned into scabs. The risk of infection mainly concerns those who have not previously had chicken pox or persons with weak immunity. (1)
Blisters on the skin caused by shingles.
Symptoms of Shingles
Symptoms of shingles include a painful rash, blisters, fever and headache. In generally healthy people, the symptoms are often milder. The first symptom is often pain, which can start as early as a week before any visible changes appear on the skin. Small, brightly colored blisters and redness usually appear on the skin. (2)
Shingles often occurs on the trunk, legs and face. Symptoms are less often observed in the limb area. The infection can also enter the eye and cause blisters in the mucous membranes of the pharynx and mouth. The symptoms are often accompanied by warmth and the experience of being sore. (2)
Shingles treatment
Although the virus that causes shingles cannot be completely removed, its symptoms can be treated in addition to medication with various natural products and treatments that can relieve itching, stress, inflammation and pain. The treatment should be planned according to the situation and started as quickly as possible when the first symptoms appear.
Antiviral drugs
When a patient seeks treatment for shingles, the condition and the need for treatment are first assessed. The general recommendation is to start treatment as soon as possible so that possible treatments are more effective. If the patient is an older person or if the symptoms include a challenging rash, immune deficiency and severe pain, the situation is usually treated with medication. Common drugs used include e.g. famciclovir, aciclovir and valaciclovir. (1)
The antiviral drugs used in the treatment of shingles are classified as nucleoside analogues, the purpose of which is to prevent herpes viruses from reproducing. Medicines work best when treatment is started as early as possible after the first symptoms appear. (1)
Natural treatments and tips
Along with medical treatment, natural treatments are alternative ways to ease the challenges caused by shingles. Listed below are the most effective treatments and the best tips for relieving symptoms.
Avoid scratching
Blisters caused by shingles can cause annoying itching. Scratching the blisters may worsen the symptoms and cause scarring. The itching should be treated with soothing baths, cool towels and different creams. (3)
Creams
Skin soothing creams can be used for the symptoms of shingles. Ointments may not speed up the healing process, but they can provide relief from symptoms. Among the creams, you should choose one that does not contain perfumes, as they can irritate the skin. Creams found to be good are those that contain natural capsaicin, which is the hot ingredient known from chili peppers. Capsaicin has been studied to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Chili cream can be used several times a day as needed. In addition to this, after showering and bathing, you can apply calamine cream to soothe the skin, which also helps to dry the blisters. (3)
The cream should be used sparingly, as too much use may prevent the ulcers from drying out. Creams containing antibiotics are not recommended for use on rashes caused by shingles. (3)
A cool bath
Cleaning the blisters that appear on the skin daily can reduce the risk of spreading the infection. A cool bath or shower may provide relief in an acute situation by relieving the pain caused by the blisters and soothing the itching caused by shingles. (3)
Oat bath
In addition to cool water, an oat bath can also reduce symptoms, leaving the skin feeling pleasantly soft. Preparing an oat bath is easy and effortless. Add 1 dl of finely ground oatmeal or oat flour to lukewarm bath water, which is soaked for about 15 minutes before the bath. Too hot water may make the situation worse. After bathing, the body should be dried carefully. (3)
Wet towels
In addition to baths, itching and pain can be treated with cool and damp towels or cloths. To alleviate the symptoms, it is recommended to use a wet towel several times a day. For best results, a towel or cloth is first soaked in cool water, then the excess water is squeezed out and applied to the skin, over the blisters. It is not recommended to use an ice pack that is too cold, as it may worsen the symptoms. (3)
Diet
An optimal diet can strengthen immunity and thus prevent the spread of shingles in the body. It is recommended to include an amino acid called lysine in the diet, as well as vitamins B-12, E, A and C. (3)
The list of foods to avoid includes foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugar. In addition, it may be worth avoiding foods rich in arginine, such as nuts, chocolate and gelatin, because arginine may even feed the virus in some cases. (3)
Baking soda and cornstarch
Itching caused by shingles can also be relieved with a paste made from baking soda or cornstarch. The paste is made by making a mixture of two-thirds baking soda or alternatively cornstarch and an additional 1 part water. Water creates a paste-like consistency that is applied directly to the rash. The paste is rinsed off after 15 minutes. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated several times during the day. (3)
Cannabinoids
Many shingles sufferers use cannabinoids to relieve their shingles symptoms. Studies have shown that cannabinoids such as CBD,CBG,andTHChaveanti-inflammatoryandpain-relievingproperties, making them a potential treatment for shingles (4, 5, 6).
Avoid saunas
Saunas and hot water stimulate blood circulation, so you should avoid saunas and hot showers when suffering from shingles.
CBD, cannabinoids and shingles
There is research evidence for the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of shingles. Research suggests that cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that may be helpful in treating shingles symptoms.
The best-known cannabinoid, CBD, has been found to have analgesic effects that can help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with shingles. Cannabinoids have an effect on the body to the functioning of the endocannabinoid system, through which they can modulate the immune system and ease the inflammation associated with shingles.
Additionally, cannabinoids may help reduce stress, which is often associated with an increased risk of developing shingles (7). Stress has been shown to weaken the immune system and make it harder for the body to fight infections. By reducing stress, cannabinoids can prevent the occurrence of shingles or reduce the symptoms caused by it.
Although the use of cannabinoids seems promising, more research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of use, especially for shingles.
Summary
Although the viral infection that causes shingles cannot be completely eradicated from the body, its symptoms can be alleviated with natural remedies, cannabinoids, and antiviral drugs. In addition, skin-soothing baths and creams are recommended for self-care. According to studies, cannabinoids can reduce pain, stress and inflammation, thus helping with the symptoms of shingles.
Sources
Anneli Lauhio and Veli-Jukka Anttila. 2009. Duodecim. Shingles prevention and treatment.https://www.duodecimlehti.fi/duo98210. Referred on 16.01.2023
Mlost, J. et al. 2020. Polish Academy of Sciences. Poland. Cannabidiol for Pain Treatment: Focus on Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/22/8870/html. Referenced 01/17/2023
S. Giacoppo et al. 2017. Cannabinoid CB2 receptors are involved in the protection of RAW264.7 macrophages against the oxidative stress: an in vitro study.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28348416/. Referenced 01/17/2023
J.R. Johnson et al. Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of THC: CBD extract and THC extract in patients with intractable cancer-related pain. 2010. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19896326/. Referenced 01/17/2023
The use of CBD oil may be associated with uncertainties related tolegality 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 CBDandTHC, more than 120 different types and other compounds such asterpenes 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 oilis non-intoxicating as it is made from plants that do not contain the psychoactive substancecalled 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.
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, CBDis 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 CBDon them have been studied in a variety of ways, both with animal and human experiments.CBD oildoes not necessarily work directly on the root cause of the disease, but on common side symptoms of various diseases such asinsomnia,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 oneone 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.
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 hereandstress 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 gutand CBD
According to studies, CBD also affects the functioning of the intestines. More about the effects of CBD oil on the gut can read hereand about the user experience related to CBD capsules and their effect on intestinal challengeshere.
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.
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.
Young people are becoming increasingly susceptible to eating disorders. There are few things that the young person can ultimately decide for themselves and sometimes the nausea breaks out in the things that are in their hands; for eating and moving. This article discusses eating disorders, looks at how the endocannabinoid system works behind them and finds out whether CBD oil could be helpful in supporting the treatment of eating disorders.
Eating disorders
Eating disorders that especially affect young and young adult women are sometimes even life-threatening, so-called spectrum disorders, the symptoms of which are diverse and often imperceptible at first. The symptoms are related to eating, movement and psychological challenges, the existence and severity of which the sufferer himself is not always willing to admit. (1)
According to estimates, by adulthood, every sixth woman and every 40 the man has had an eating disorder of some degree. The vast majority of these cases heal on their own without professional help, but sometimes ward treatment in a hospital is needed. (2)
Eating disorders are associated with a strong distortion of body image. The patient’s thoughts revolve largely around food, the body, for losing weight and in matters related to movement, and as a result, many other activities that normally fill everyday life, such as hobbies and social relationships, receive less attention. (3)
The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.
Many factors trigger an eating disorder
An eating disorder is the sum of many factors. Its onset is promoted by heredity as well as self-esteem and trauma. Social and environmental challenges and pressures are also behind the emergence of the disease. (2,3,4,5)
Symptoms of eating disorders
Eating disorders are all different from each other, but within each disease they cause common symptoms, on the basis of which the disease picture is formed. Common to all eating disorders is an excessive judgment of body image and the challenges associated with eating and exercise caused by it.
Eating disorder test
Whenever you suspect that you or a loved one has an eating disorder, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional. However, the Mielenterveystalo.fi site also has a test (eating disorder screen) that allows you to assess your own eating and exercise behavior with a low threshold in relation to your own body image and weight.
Thinness disorder or anorexia (anorexia nervosa) is one of the most common eating disorders. It is estimated that about one percent of young people suffer from it and it can lead to serious malnutrition problems, sometimes even death. Anorexia is basically a mental illness that is easy to diagnose but challenging to notice. Unfortunately, the disease picture often includes secrecy and covering up of symptoms, which complicates both the diagnosis and the detection of the disease. (4)
Anorexia is associated with a strong body loathing, which most often has nothing to do with reality. In addition, the disease involves extreme control and monitoring of weight, and even complete lack of food, resulting in physical and psychological symptoms related to malnutrition, such as severe weight loss, lack of concentration, brain fog, etc. are due to. Often, those suffering from thinness disorder are successful young people who demand perfection from themselves!
At its worst, anorexia can cause osteoporosis, diseases caused by malnutrition, and sometimes even death.
Anorexia is a serious mental health challenge that takes a long time to recover from. The person suffering from it needs understanding, support, presence and stopping. A conversation with an experienced expert can be life-changing, and a meeting with one is recommended for both the patient and his close circle. There is always hope.
Bulimia
Binge eating disorder (bulimia nervosa) refers to an eating disorder, the most obvious symptom of which is binge eating of unhealthy foods and vomiting or vigorous exercise very soon after eating.
A person suffering from bulimia momentarily loses a sense of control over their own eating and tries to correct the situation by vomiting or exercise, sometimes both. An attack is often the result of feelings related to shame, failure, etc., and these feelings may not necessarily have anything to do with food.
Binge eating disorder usually starts later than eating disorder, but is also more common. Bulimia is more a disease of young women, but it also occurs to some extent among young men. (5)
Eating disorders do not only affect young people, but it can also affect adults, causing intense shame and insecurity.
Adult eating disorder
Unfortunately, an adult eating disorder often goes unnoticed, especially if the disease only starts at an older age. It is true that eating disorders are largely diseases of young people, but sometimes adults also have symptoms related to a distorted body image, which cause challenges with eating. Eating disorders such as bulimia and binge eating disorder are significantly more common in adults, and these symptoms are often accompanied by strong shame, which is why the matter is hidden even from one’s own family.
Eating disorder treatment
Healing from an eating disorder is a long process. The more serious the condition, the longer it takes to recover and usually the treatment is very much focused on therapy and rehabilitation. A multiprofessional team should be involved in the treatment, in addition to awakening the patient’s own desire for treatment and desire to heal. The most common reason for treatment failure is the patient’s own reluctance to accept help.
The endocannabinoid system behind eating disorders
The endocannabinoid system is behind all the body’s processes, making sure that everything works perfectly. The overall function of the endocannabinoid system is to take care of survival, i.e. the so-called survival of life. about basic things such as sleeping, eating and the processes behind them. One of the most important functions of the endocannabinoid system is to monitor functions related to energy intake, such as energy storage.
The underlying factor behind eating disorders is an imbalance in the signaling of the hormone leptin, which affects appetite and energy balance. The activity of this hormone is regulated by the brain’s hypothalamus, whose endocannabinoids are part of the nervous system that controls energy and leptin. (6,7)
The body’s own cannabinoids
The body itself produces cannabinoids when needed, where they are needed, and they are not stored goods. Several endocannabinoids work in the body, two of which are better known, anandamideand2-AG.
Endocannabinoids have been found to regulate appetite in many different ways (6,7) and they affect the response in the background of eating disorders, the purpose of which is to increase appetite (8). On the other hand, among people who suffer from binge eating, endocannabinoids may also be involved in the factors that increase eating.
According to research, the anandamide levels in the blood of people suffering from anorexia are slightly elevated while the 2-AG levels are normal, but the endocannabinoid levels in the blood of people suffering from bulimia are normal compared to healthy blood. (7)
Cannabinoid receptors
Two cannabinoid receptors are currently known, but there are a few more candidates for these receptors, about which we will get more information as research progresses. The most well-known, CB1 and CB2 receptors, are receptors found throughout the body, to which endocannabinoids respond.
In eating disorders, there is no significant deviation in receptor function, but a slight increase in the CB1 receptor has been observed in both anorexia and bulimia. (7)
Healing from an eating disorder takes a long time and e.g. therapy, CBD oil and family support are a major contributor to the healing process.
CBD for an eating disorder
CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound found in the hemp plant, a cannabinoid that, according to research, has numerous health-promoting effects. Hemp and the compounds it contains have been studied for a long time and quite a number of them have already been identified. Cannabinoids alone, the most famous of which are THC and CBD, more than 120 different compounds have been found and other compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids etc. more than 450. CBD has been studied extensively for decades and has been found in several studies to be a safe and well-tolerated natural product.
To support the treatment of eating disorders, CBD oil is mainly used for its appetite-regulating effects, but CBD has other properties that may be useful for the patient. CBD has been researched to relieve anxietyanddepression symptoms, helps to think outside the box and also improves appetite. It might have positive effect on sleep qualityand it calms both the nervous system andthe inflammatory state of the body.
Eating disorders are strongly associated with a sense of power, which stems from controlling one’s own eating and appetite. CBD also affects reward behavior, which is an underlying process related to the satisfaction of the basic needs associated with eating.
Cannabigerol (CBG) is an appetite-stimulating cannabinoid
One of the numerous cannabinoids isCBG (cannabigerol) and it has been found in animal experiments to increase appetite as effectively as THC, but without any psychoactive effect. There has been some research into the use of CBG to treat anorexia and other eating disorders, and it appears to be a potential cannabinoid to both prevent anorexia and even promote the recovery process. (8)
Summary
Eating disorders are a serious mental health-based illness, the recovery of which can be a struggle of years, even for the rest of your life. These diseases are largely completely treatable and the earlier the disease is noticed, the easier it is to restore physical health. According to studies, CBD is a natural product with numerous health-supporting properties and may also have a beneficial effect on various eating disorders through various mechanisms of action. More studies are needed, but it seems that CBD oil could very well be a form of support for future eating disorder treatments!
Sources
A working group set up by Duodecim of the Finnish Medical Society, the Finnish Children’s Psychiatry Association and the Finnish Psychiatry Association. 2014. Valid treatment recommendation. Eating disorders. https://www.kaypahoito.fi/hoi50101. Referred on 12/19/2022.
Ruuska J.. 2021. Duodecim health library. Binge eating disorder (Bulimia nervosa).
Monteleone P., Matias I., Martiadis V., De Petrocelis L., Maj M. and Di Marzo V.. 2005. Neuropsychopharmacology.Blood Levels of the Endocannabinoid Anandamide are Increased in Anorexia Nervosa and in Binge-Eating Disorder, but not in Bulimia Nervosa.https://www.nature.com/articles/1300695#auth-Palmiero-Monteleone. Referred on 12/19/2022.
Skin care is a topic that touches everyone. Our lives are constantly exposed to various stressors and loads, which unfortunately is also reflected in the well-being of the skin. However, you can take care of your skin in many different ways, and it’s best to treat the rash in time to break a possible nasty cycle that untreated rash can lead to in the worst case scenario. In this article, the most common forms of eczema, their causes and skin care tips have been collected.
CBD Oil and Eczema
The popularity of CBD oils and CBD products in skin care has exploded in recent years. CBD and other cannabinoids are added to skin care products, not salt. Is CBD helpful in treating eczema and what kind of studies have been done on the matter? In this article you will get the answer to this and other basic questions related to the topic. First, however, let’s look at some basics about eczema and its di
