area
HEALTH
C B D O I L for PA I N R E L IE F:
Does it work? WO R DS : J O H N D E USTC H
A
recent study on CBD by SingleCare (a discounted health plan) found that 33% of Americans have used CBD. When looking at why people use CBD, that study also found most people (64%) take it for pain relief or inflammation, followed by anxiety and stress (49%), and for sleep issues (42%). With the majority of Americans taking CBD for pain management, the question is — does it work? While the answer is not definitive, current data is promising. As it relates to pain, CBD is thought to have beneficial effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This complex cell-signaling system is found in all humans. Although it is not completely understood, the ECS seems to play a role in regulating many functions in the body, including: chronic pain, inflammation, immune system processes, sleep, mood, stress, appetite and memory. If, for example, something throws off part of our body's normal operating system, the ECS seems to help our body maintain homeostasis. Experts think CBD works by preventing the breakdown of these endocannabinoids, which allows them to have a greater beneficial effect, helping the body return to a more balanced state. Many small-scale studies have been completed with CBD and they are pointing to a positive effect when used to help with pain. A 2018 study published in Frontiers of Pharmacology reviewed studies on CBD conducted between 1975 and 2018, and the researchers concluded that CBD was effective in overall pain management. CBD is currently available as an over-the-counter product in numerous forms such as oils, creams and capsules. Anyone investigating CBD will also see it is promoted as either an isolate, full-spectrum or broad-spectrum product.
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:: areawomanmagazine.com