Inflammation: Can CBD Help?
In medicine, on social media, and even within our peer groups, the term ‘inflammation’ has become a common, if not, trendy word. It often feels like almost everyone is suffering from some kind of inflammation. But, is that really the case?
While this may be an exaggeration, according to The World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 40% of Americans are living with diseases associated with chronic inflammation. The reasons for such high numbers vary, but the rise in these chronic and deadly diseases include exposure to toxins, pollution, die – particularly added sugars – and activity level.
In many cases, controlling the inflammation associated with disease is a crucial part of treatment because untreated or ignored inflammation can contribute to long-term health problems.
However, it is a common misconception that inflammation is the root cause of illness and that by controlling chronic inflammation, one can eliminate most chronic diseases. Most inflammation accompanies an underlying disease, and it is always good advice to seek the help of medical professionals to address what may be causing your inflammation.
How does CBD work for Inflammation?
While the benefits of CBD for inflammation are well-recognized, and CBD is becoming increasingly popular for treating inflammation-related disorders, the exact mechanism by which it works is relatively unknown.
However, some studies can confirm that CBD does reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibits T cell proliferation, induces T cell death, and reduces migration and adhesion of immune cells. In other words, CBD has the ability to hinder some aspects of the immune response, which slows the development of inflammation.
What else does the Research Say About CBD and Inflammation?
While research in this area is still in its infancy, many studies have explored the effects of CBD and inflammation, and the results are promising.
- In 2022, researchers with the Journal of Cannabis Research found associations between CBD use and improvements in patient’s arthritis symptoms, leading to reductions in other medications.
- A 2020 study done by Cell Death and Disease demonstrated that CBD has anti-inflammatory effects in various conditions, including arthritis.
- In 2021, academics and experts at the National Library of Medicine conducted a systematic review of research done on the effects of CBD on Pro and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines, concluding that broad spectrum CBD predominantly exerts an anti-inflammatory effect.
While these findings are encouraging, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on inflammation. Many of these studies are limited by their sample size and lack of long-term follow-up. Additionally, it should be acknowledged that the effects of CBD on inflammation can vary greatly from person to person; one individual may experience significant results, while others see no noticeable difference.
How to Use CBD for Inflammation
Before incorporating CBD into your health regimen, it is always wise to consult with your trusted healthcare provider, especially if you are taking other medications for your inflammatory conditions.
Medical experts, as recommended by the Arthritis Foundation, advise individuals to “go low and slow” when starting with CBD. Begin with just a few milligrams, and if relief is insufficient after 3-4 days, gradually increase the dose in small increments over the next 3-4 days. Once you find relief, continue taking that dose to maintain a stable level of CBD in your system. This cautious approach helps monitor your body’s response and ensures a gradual and controlled adjustment to the CBD dosage.
Conclusion
Overall, the existing research on the use of CBD for inflammation indicates that consuming CBD is safe and likely effective for addressing chronic inflammation associated with certain chronic diseases. To determine if it provides relief for you, consider giving it a try! With the groundwork laid out, now is the time to Shop Fallows for highly potent, pure and tested CBD.