CBD is anti-inflammatory
There is a lot of documentation on the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. The possibilities offered by the different cannabinoids in reducing inflammation are well recognized. Naturally, reducing inflammation helps fight chronic inflammation. Considered a harbinger of heart disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer, preventing chronic inflammation is linked to living a longer, happier life. Both the risks and preventative measures associated with chronic inflammation are discussed here in detail.
If we focus exclusively on the anti-inflammatory abilities of CBD, what does the research say? The Journal of Experimental Medicine tried to evaluate the effectiveness of CBD in eliminating inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
To do this, they monitored the reaction between CBD and glycine receptors. The receptors were linked to rat medullary dorsal horn neurons, a collection of sensory neurons that transmit information; in this case, we tell our brain that we are in pain. The researchers concluded that “administration of cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main non-psychoactive components of marijuana, and its modified derivatives, significantly suppress chronic inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain.”
Another study, this time published in PLOS one, also examined the effectiveness of CBD in mitigating inflammation. The study focused on “biopsies from patients with ulcerative colitis” and “intestinal segments from mice with LPS-induced intestinal inflammation.” Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, long-term condition that causes the colon and rectum to become inflamed. Once again, CBD proved its effectiveness. Preliminary results showed that CBD “counteracts the inflammatory milieu induced by LPS in mice and in human colon cultures derived from ulcerative colitis patients.”
CBD is proving to be a very powerful anti-inflammatory, so the cannabinoid could be incredibly beneficial. However, he raises a question: what happens if we decrease the effectiveness of our inflammatory response too much? Remember, we have to try to maintain a balance.
CBD May Reduce Inflammation Too Much
Fortunately, scientists at the Quebec University Institute of Cardiology and Pulmonology Research Center also wanted to understand this question. A proper inflammatory response is vital for our immune system to be effective in fighting infection. By analyzing data collected by the scientific community, the regulation of lung immunity and inflammation caused by cannabinoids was examined.
The initial interpretation was that, through downregulation of immune cell functions, cannabinoids “might decrease host defence.” In this way, it would increase the risk of contracting an infection and reduce the effectiveness of our immune system. They went on to recognize that the relationship between too much and too little support and inflammation is a complicated one. More extensive research would be needed to transfer the data from animal models to humans.
Abusing something good can be negative
Contradictory research always supposes a reading about it. The inflammatory “balancing act” is no different from other aspects of healthy living. If you take a look in your medicine cabinet, you will see a wide range of health supplements. Iron, vitamin D, vitamin C; Various supplements are needed to strengthen our bodies. It is a form of support that may be necessary due to limitations in our lifestyle or diet. As with CBD, taking too many vitamins can cause adverse effects.
We should not fear the consequences of abusing something that is good for us. In most cases, the tolerance level is much higher when the effect is beneficial, rather than detrimental. Something that is “good” for us can also be “bad”, and vice versa. The problem is that if we separate the products in this way, it will be impossible to know if a supplement is safe to consume. Instead, always return to the issue of balance. Good versus bad is too basic, especially when each of us is unique and different in our genetic makeup.
The dose is crucial
We know from research that CBD has fantastic potential as an anti-inflammatory. We also know that in some of the data collected, this can actually decrease the effectiveness of our immune system. After these two statements, the next logical step is to consider the dosage. The ideal dose of CBD will depend on a lot of variables, more than what has been studied so far. Your physiology, condition or disease, CBD concentration, external factors; the list of potential parameters is extensive.
While we wait for the experts to identify and reduce the variables, the safest option is to start small. Gradually increase your CBD intake to recognize how your own body reacts. With a little patience, the hope is that extensive research will establish and quantify the exact consequences of CBD use.
