CBD's Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Is It Too Good to Be True?
Can CBD tackle the inflammation that ails hundreds of millions of people worldwide, or is it just a fluke?
Fact: 55% of CBD consumers take CBD for joint pain and inflammation.
Also a Fact: Inflammation is linked to a variety of ailments like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and brain fog.
Is CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects the reason for its too-good-to-be-true benefits?
In this article, we explore what CBD is, if and how it manages inflammation in the body, and what science has to say about it.
What is CBD?
This trending word is here to stay—thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
But, how does it work so well in the body?
Well, it comes from a plant that’s packed with therapeutic benefits: Hemp.
CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid found in the hemp plant and is just one out of over 100 others like THC, CBN, CBG, etc.
The reason it works so well in humans (and our pets) is because we all have this thing called an endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Here’s the simplified science of how it works: Within our ECS are cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). Those receptors live throughout the body—in your immune system, central nervous system, brain, GI tract, and more.
When you consume CBD products, you are activating these receptors, which then tells your body to make even more cannabinoids (Yes—your body makes its own cannabinoids! They’re called “endocannabinoids”).
This whole process is completed by your body falling back into homeostasis (i.e. balance). It’s not until your body is in homeostasis that it can begin to heal itself.
Where Does Inflammation Come From?
Inflammation...
The most significant cause of death in the world and something that over 125 million Americans struggle with.
It leads to diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis and joint disease, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Inflammation is the body’s way of saying that something is wrong. Which is usually due to tissue damage, infection, or genetic changes.
It begins as acute inflammation and if unresolved, manifests into subacute, chronic inflammation—which alters immune function, cellular signaling, the loss of barrier function and increases pro-inflammatory genes.
Inflammation is basically your body’s internal fire alarm—alerting you when there is something extremely wrong going on inside of your body.
So, where does CBD come into play?
The Science Behind the Madness: CBD’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Although cannabis has been used therapeutically for thousands of years, scientific studies are just beginning to surface.
And by the looks of things, CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties are showing to be quite promising.
The typical protocol among doctors is to prescribe a synthetic anti-inflammatory drug (both steroidal and non-steroidal) and send you on your way.
However, these drugs have a laundry list of side effects including gastric irritation and ulceration, kidney failure, the killing off of red blood cells, the aggravating of asthma, and skin rashes.
Sounds to us like you’ll leave the doctors with more problems than you came in with.
Luckily, there is a natural, effective, and safe way to alleviate inflammation and the pain you’re growing numb to: CBD.
One of the perks of CBD is that, unlike THC, it won’t get you high.
In multiple studies, it was found that cannabinoid receptors block pain in both acute and chronic pain models (1, 2, 3)…
An animal study conducted in 2008 revealed that activation of the CB1 receptor (primarily found in the brain) reduced the firing rate of nerves by up to 50% in control knee joints and up to 62% in osteoarthritic knee joints.
In another study, CBD demonstrated neuroprotection, which can be hugely beneficial to those with multiple sclerosis (MS) and diabetes.
How CBD Much Should I Take?
This is a question that research doesn’t quite touch on, but we have a trusty recommendation for you…
When you start taking CBD, you’ll want to journal how many milligrams you start with and how your body feels over the following 2 to 4 hours.
To begin, take 15 milligrams of CBD. This will be your “starting dose.”
If you’re still feeling aches and pains, up your dose by 5 mg the next time you take it. Journal how you feel.
Continue upping your dose by 5 mg until you find your sweet spot.
If you have any questions, or you simply want some advice, schedule a CBD consultation with us! We’ll address all of your needs so that you can have the clarity and confidence you need to leverage all of CBD’s profound effects.
The Bottom Line
It’s evident that CBD does, in fact, boast anti-inflammatory powers.
So much so that more and more healthcare professionals are recommending CBD over the conventional drugs they’ve been prescribing for decades.
So, if you’re battling the painful side effects of an inflamed body and brain, CBD may be your knight in shining armor.
Stock up on CBD oil, softgels, gummies, salves, and more to get a slice of the benefits.
Disclaimer: Thryv Organics’ materials are intended to educate. They are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent diseases in any way. We advise all customers to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements, diets, or lifestyle changes to their regimen.
