Arthritis and CBD!
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the joints and can lead to destruction of joint and periarticular tissue. There is also a wide variety of extra-articular changes.
It is a chronic disease because there is no cure, but if diagnosed and treated in time, significant improvements can be achieved. The greatest difficulty reported by patients with this condition is difficulty in moving their joints, as the inflammation causes pain and swelling.
In Portugal, it is estimated that it affects 0.8 to 1.5% of the population. Women suffer from this disease four times more than men, and the peak incidence in women is after menopause, but people of all ages can develop the disease, including adolescents. This pathology can have several origins. It is a medical pathology that causes a lot of discomfort and pain. Among the most reported complaints, the ones that stand out the most are: pain, swelling and inflammation. And CBD can be a good ally to alleviate these symptoms.
How can CBD help?
Over time, CBD has been gaining popularity for its medicinal properties. When it comes to arthritis, CBD helps reduce the symptoms caused by arthritis.
Our brain is made up of the endocannabinoid system, where the CB1 and CB2 receptors are found, which are the receptors that are directly related to the immune system and chronic inflammation.
A study carried out by the Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool , United Kingdom, identified that activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors by phytocannabinoids can reduce the chronic inflammatory process.
In other words, our brain produces peripheral norepinephrine, which is the substance that regulates the inflammatory process in our body. This substance is released into the peripheral synaptic endings and is controlled by the CB1 receptor.
CB2 receptors, present in the mononuclear cells of the immune system and in the cells of the synovial tissue of the joints, when connected to a cannabinoid promote the reduction of inflammation and inhibit the synthesis of osteoclasts, that is, the cells that corrode bones.
This means that cannabinoids are a good ally for treating arthritis. CBD, the best-known cannabinoid, has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a powerful analgesic, thus alleviating the main symptoms caused by arthritis.
In addition, CBD helps reduce joint swelling, improves sleep quality, regulates mood and improves mobility in arthritis sufferers. This contributes to improving not only the physical condition of these patients, but also their social life.
It can be administered orally or applied directly to the areas of the body affected by arthritis. Whenever possible, this treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.
You've probably heard of or know someone who suffers from arthritis. Share this article and help someone improve their physical condition!