Using CBD to Treat Muscular Dystrophy

CBD cannot cure muscular dystrophy but can reduce its symptoms. This article explains what CBD is, what muscular dystrophy is, CBD oil for muscular dystrophy and how to use oil.

CBD has gained popularity in the recent world due to the therapeutic benefits it offers to the body. It has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties that make it the potential to treat pain. Stiffness and muscle pain are among many symptoms of muscular dystrophy. This makes individuals feel uncomfortable, and they look for methods for relief. Some research was conducted on CBD for muscular dystrophy, and the results are promising. This condition may make individuals fail to accomplish their daily routines. A few drops of CBD oil can help ease the disorder's symptoms.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a substance that is derived from the cannabis plant. There are many cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, including THC, flavonoids, terpenes, CBN and others. Unlike THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive component that does not make people get high. THC is a substance that is accountable for altering the mental state of users. It is consumed in different forms, such as CBD edibles, vapes, topicals and drinks. CBD has an earthly taste, and for individuals who do not like this taste, CBD gummies, capsules and drinks are the best methods to use. It depends on individuals' preferences and needs to choose the best method that suits them well. It comes in different types: CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD. They are all effective, but the most effective is full-spectrum CBD. This is because it contains THC traces, making its effects stronger and more effective.

What Is Muscular Dystrophy?

This is a loss of muscle mass or progressive weakening of the muscles. This condition makes individuals experience difficulties in accomplishing their daily tasks since it decreases mobility. Its symptoms include frequent falls, learning disabilities, difficulty standing or sitting up, walking on the toes, difficulty in jumping or running, stiffness and pain in the muscles, and changes in the walking style. This condition makes individuals feel uncomfortable throughout the day.

When not attended to, its symptoms may worsen, including the inability to walk, difficulty swallowing, breathing problems and shortening of tendons and muscles. According to Tehrani et al. (2018), muscular dystrophy in different types, including Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, Limb-girdle, Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD), Myotonic, Becker muscular dystrophy, Congenital and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These conditions are very dangerous. They can cause death when they are not carefully attended to. It affects both children and adults.

CBD Oil for Muscular Dystrophy

CBD is known to interact with the endocannabinoid system responsible for controlling many body functions and maintaining the body's equilibrium. CBD makes the functions of this system more effective. Pain is one of the symptoms of muscular dystrophy. According to Guida et al. (2020), when in pain, the endocannabinoid system increases the level of anandamide to lessen inflammation and pain. Anandamide regulates pain response and inflammation by managing various immune cells in the affected region. According to Bonn-Miller et al. (2019), cannabidiol can potentially treat the symptoms of muscular dystrophy. Much research has been conducted, which has indicated that active components found in cannabis sativa plants have the potential to decrease inflammation and chronic pain significantly.

The substances of cannabis with these effects are CBD and THC. It has been understood for many years that THC can enhance muscle relaxation, aiding in lessening symptoms like muscle spasticity and stiffness. This is among the main situations for individuals having muscular dystrophy. The research outcomes have indicated that cannabidiol used for muscular dystrophy minimizes the loss of mobility, lessens inflammation and triggers the production of myotubes.

Full-spectrum CBD is the best when it comes to treating dystrophy. This is because it contains THC levels below 0.2% and other cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, which makes its effects stronger and more effective. According to Shimizu-Motohashi et al. (2019),muscular dystrophy cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be reduced. Some people suffering from this condition may respond well to CBD therapy, and others may not.

How to Use CBD Oil for Muscular Dystrophy

CBD oil can be consumed in various ways depending on individuals' preferences.

Sublingually

Taking CBD oil sublingually is considered the best way to consume CBD. This involves putting a few drops of CBD oil under the tongue using a dropper and holding it for a minute to be fully absorbed. Individuals with muscular dystrophy may start experiencing relief within 15 to 30 minutes, depending on various factors such as body chemistry, metabolism, body mass, dosage and product quality. Individuals having high metabolic rates tend to metabolize CBD very fast. This happens mostly to individuals who engage themselves in active activities. The quality of CBD also affects how long CBD will take to start working. When a high-quality product is used, users experience the results more rapidly than a poor product. A poor product may take time to start working or may be ineffective at all. Individuals can also consume.

CBD Edibles

CBD oil in other forms, such as gummies and capsules. CBD gummies are chewed and then swallowed, while CBD capsules can only be swallowed with water. These products pass through the digestive system and then to the bloodstream. This is why it takes longer for individuals to start experiencing the effects of CBD. CBD topical is not recommended since it does not enter the bloodstream. They are the best for localized relief but not entire-body relief. Muscular dystrophy requires the entire body's relief.

CBD Dosage

There is no standard CBD dosage for muscular dystrophy since every person is different. CBD dosage varies among consumers. Individuals can always look for their dosage by starting with small amounts. CBD, like any other drug, can cause some side effects. So, starting with small amounts will help users see if their bodies will tolerate CBD well. When it responds well but does not see any improvement in its condition, it should work its way up. Doing this for at least a week, they will be able to get the right dosage that they will be using.

Conclusion

Muscular dystrophy cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be reduced. CBD has shown the potential to reduce the symptoms of this condition. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which make it ideal for reducing inflammation and pain. It is good to consult the doctor before consuming CBD for this condition since CBD products are not regulated. Individuals should ensure they purchase a high-quality product from a reputable company. They should also ask for a certificate of analysis and third-party lab test results. This is to ensure that the product is safe for consumption. Starting with small dosages is also important and increasing gradually when the body responds well.

References

Bonn-Miller, M. O., Pollack Jr, C. V., Casarett, D., Dart, R., ElSohly, M., Good, L., ... & Abrams, D. (2019). Priority considerations for medicinal cannabis-related research. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 4(3), 139-157.

Guida, F., Boccella, S., Belardo, C., Iannotta, M., Piscitelli, F., De Filippis, F., ... & Maione, S. (2020). Altered gut microbiota and endocannabinoid system tone in vitamin D deficiency-mediated chronic pain. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 85, 128-141.

Shimizu-Motohashi, Y., Komaki, H., Motohashi, N., Takeda, S. I., Yokota, T., & Aoki, Y. (2019). Restoring dystrophin expression in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: current status of therapeutic approaches. Journal of personalized medicine, 9(1), 1.

Tehrani, K. H. N., Hajiloo, M., Asadollahi, E., & Lagini, F. P. (2018). Prevalence of muscular dystrophy in patients with muscular disorders in Tehran, Iran. European journal of translational myology, 28(2).