CBD oil for Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases on the rise

Something strange is happening to our immune systems. Over the last fifty years there has been a dramatic rise in the incidence of autoimmune diseases, conditions in which the body’s immune system begins to attack itself. Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Diabetes Type 1, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus are just the more well known of over one hundred autoimmune diseases, all of which are reaching record levels.

In the US alone approximately 24 million people have an autoimmune disease of some kind, which reflects the threefold increase across the industrialised world as a whole. Women are affected more than men, with 1 in 9 having an autoimmune disease compared to 1 in 12 for men.

What causes autoimmune diseases?

Theories abound as to why these conditions are getting such a stranglehold on the developed world, such as ‘the Hygiene Hypothesis’ which suggests a lack of exposure to bacteria and viruses – the normal targets of a healthy immune system – is causing our immune systems to get confused and either attack themselves or develop allergies.

Others view chronic inflammation as a possible cause. It would be wrong to say that inflammation per se is bad as it forms a crucial role in the body’s immune response to viruses and bacteria, and healing injuries. The problem occurs when this inflammatory response is called upon unnecessarily and its action is directed towards the body’s own tissues, as in the case of autoimmune disease. The result is the body literally destroying itself.

Chronic inflammation a contributing factor

So why does the inflammatory response get out of whack in the first place? It would seem for many autoimmune conditions a contributing factor is an overproduction of cytokines, which are small proteins released by cells affecting the inter-cell communication. The cytokines includes interleukins, lymphokines and cell signal molecules, which trigger inflammation and respond to infections.

So the next question is why are too many cytokines produced? A major cause is something called oxidative stress.

Living in the modern age leaves us open to a constant bombardment by chemicals, pollutants and free radicals. When the body doesn’t have enough antioxidants to counteract them, oxidative stress is caused, making the body more likely to develop age related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Cancer, and of course autoimmune diseases.

CBD has anti inflammatory and antioxidant effect without the high

THC, the compound in cannabis that gets you stoned, has been shown to be a powerful analgesic. But it is its non-psychoactive cousin Cannabidiol (CBD) that scientists believe could have particular benefit for inflammatory conditions due to its interaction with the CB2 receptors. This is because CBD stimulates the vanilloid pain receptors and inhibits the breakdown of the body’s own cannabinoid Anandamide by suppressing the Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH). All of which elicits an anti inflammatory effect.

Does CBD work?

Well as ever, the evidence is anecdotal. But little by little more cases are coming to light such as Cleo, who at 11 was diagnosed with Polyarticular Rheumatoid Arthritis. According to her mother, ‘she walked with a limp, and at times couldn’t walk at all because of the pain. She also had the beginning of the classic rheumatoid arthritis wrist deformity, ulnar deviation in both wrists, which caused limited mobility. Her fingers were swollen and painful, making it hard to write or draw. Cleo needed help with almost every major task to function properly’.

After implementing dietary changes that brought minimal results, Cleo’s mother turned to Cannabidiol (CBD). Her mother continues, ‘within just 2 weeks of taking CBD, Cleo’s appetite came back and she started gaining weight, the grey was gone and the pink in her skin came back, the swelling in her knees decreased by half making the swelling noticeably better and stunning her physical and occupational therapists. Since October, Cleo has grown a couple of inches in height and has gained at least 12 lbs in weight. Her left wrist has gained some of its mobility back and the swelling is gone. I have even noticed a significant cognitive improvement with her as well.’

Cleo was using a CBD oil made from industrial hemp, which due to its minimal THC content is legal in most countries. In an ideal world every autoimmune patient would be able to take full plant medicine, including small amounts of THC, but until enough clinical trials prove otherwise and the plant’s therapeutic potential is recognised, for many CBD made from hemp is the only legal option.

It’s only Multiple Sclerosis patients that can legally benefit from both cannabinoids in the form of the drug Sativex. Made by GW Pharma it is prescribed specifically for the spasticity associated with MS and has shown significant improvement in spasm frequency and sleep disruption. But it is only prescribed for patients whose condition has been resistant to other forms of medication.

But for those patients who don’t meet the requirements or live in a part of the world where cannabis is illegal, the only way to access cannabinoid based alternatives is to buy CBD oil made from hemp or chance their luck with whatever their local drug dealer can provide them.

Increasingly, many autoimmune patients are taking the first option.

Check out my website for more information and to place an order 

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