While CBD oil is not a recognised treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS), there are benefits to be found in adding this supplement to your daily routine. CBD oil is best seen as a way to support health and overall wellness rather than a treatment for any specific condition, symptom or ailment. The World Health Organisation recently published a report on CBD in response to the growing demand. They found that CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people. It has a low risk of dependency, addition or withdrawal. Some companies have been quick to push CBD as a miracle cure for all problems, but it isn’t really this simple. While we love CBD and believe in the benefits, it’s important to remember that it is not a medicine. So when people ask if CBD can treat MS, for example, we are quick to point out that while it is excellent for supporting a healthy and active lifestyle, it is not a recognised treatment for MS. What is MS? Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the brain and the nerves, leading to a wide range of symptoms. While there is no cure for people with MS, there are treatment options to help alleviate the side effects. Most people are diagnosed in their 20s or 30s, but it can develop at any age. It’s more common in women than men and is one of the leading causes of disability in young adults. MS is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system incorrectly identifies something in the body as a threat. In this case, it is the brain, spinal cord or nervous system. The immune system attacks the myelin sheath, which protects the delicate nerves. When this is damaged, it leads to scarring, which interrupts and slows the messages sent along nerves. We don’t fully understand what causes MS, but experts believe that it may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. What are the symptoms of MS? The main symptoms of MS may include: Fatigue Difficulty walking Blurred vision Bladder control issues Numbness and tingling around the body Muscle stiffness or spasms Balance and coordination problems Cognitive issues There are different types of MS, including relapsing remitting MS and primary progressive MS. With the former, symptoms come and go in waves. And with the latter, symptoms get progressively worse. Some people are turning to CBD oil to help support an active lifestyle and also address some of the specific symptoms of MS. Is CBD good for MS pain? CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is a complex system of enzymes, receptors and neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids. This system is responsible for homeostasis throughout the body, which is how a biological system maintains stability by adjusting for external conditions. It’s involved in everything from sleep and appetite control to pain response and immune system functions. The human body produces its own endocannabinoids, but it can also interact with phytocannabinoids or plant-based cannabinoids. There are two famous cannabinoids that are extracted from the cannabis plant; THC and CBD. THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis. It’s responsible for the “high” and mind-altering effects. While THC binds to receptor sites and blocks signals, CBD helps the ECS by inhibiting enzymes that break down our own endocannabinoids. It is thought that taking CBD oil could help maintain a healthy ECS, which is an excellent way to support a healthy and active lifestyle. In addition, since cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, it is also thought that cannabinoids could offer promise to those living with MS. More research is needed to determine how CBD could help. What are the benefits of CBD for MS? We don’t yet fully understand how CBD interacts with the ECS and how this might benefit those living with MS. At the moment, we can only look at anecdotal evidence of the potential benefits. Since medical cannabis is often used as a method of pain relief, some are speculating that CBD could one day be used in a similar way. Unfortunately, medical cannabis isn’t widely available in the UK, but CBD is available in most health food shops and online. Lifestyle changes are often recommended to help treat the symptoms of MS. This could include trying to stay active and eating a healthy diet rich in whole foods. CBD could help to support these goals by improving overall wellness. And finally, CBD may also help combat anxiety and depression by encouraging a more mindful approach to health. When using CBD oil, it’s important to be aware of the body and how it responds. This is why it is ideal when used as part of mindfulness or meditation practice. Mindfulness and meditation are thought to be helpful in the treatment of mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. It can also help to improve sleep patterns, which are often impacted by MS symptoms. How to take CBD products for MS There are many ways to take CBD for MS, including oral drops, cbd gummies and even balms. Our CBD multivitamin offers a 10mg dose of CBD isolate per gummy, along with other beneficial vitamins and minerals, including 5-HTP, which can help improve sleep. If you suffer from sore muscles and aching joints, a topical CBD cream might offer some relief. Our CBD muscle balm contains natural oils and warming chilli to penetrate deep to the source of pain and provide relief. CBD oil drops offer a simple and accessible way to enjoy CBD supplements. A dropper deposits the required dose of CBD under your tongue. The small blood vessels under your tongue can absorb the CBD directly into your bloodstream, where it can get to work. And finally, CBD capsules offer a simple and effective way to manage your CBD dosing. Our capsules are available in 10mg or 25mg strengths. How much CBD should I take for MS? If you’re wondering how much CBD to take per day, the Food Standards Agency recommends that you do not exceed 70mg of CBD per day. This is considered a high dosage and would be more suited to experienced CBD users. For first time users, we recommend starting with around 5-20mg of CBD per day and determine how this makes you feel. You can then increase or decrease your dosage until you land on the ideal amount. Keeping a symptom journal can help you understand how CBD makes you feel and how it impacts your symptoms.
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