If you’re someone who suffers from multiple sclerosis, you know that the symptoms can be nothing short of brutal. Many patients who have the condition call it debilitating, as it greatly disrupts the function of the nervous system, making it anywhere from challenging to impossible to execute simple day-to-day tasks.
Today, we’ll be talking about a new product that more and more MS sufferers are using alongside their traditional treatments, which is CBD. As you may already know, CBD is widely used for a wide array of unique situations relating to the body and mind, and this massively popular industry means that this cannabinoid is more accessible to MS sufferers than ever before.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis, for those who don’t know, is a disorder of the nervous system that is caused by a dysfunctional immune system. In MS patients, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating that lines the nerves, which results in a failure for the brain and the rest of the body to communicate properly. We underestimate just how important the relationship is between the brain and the body, as simple tasks like walking are automatic and require no thought. However, MS sufferers find that sometimes, even walking can be a challenge because the brain is not communicating with the parts of the body that are involved in this function.
What are the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis symptoms include:
· Vision problems
· Sensations of electrical shock throughout the nerves
· Tingling throughout the body
· Dizziness
· Trouble with speech
· Tremors
· Weakness in the limbs
MS tends to come in the form of intermittent attacks rather than consistent symptoms. Attacks cause sudden increases in the severity of the symptoms, and then the attacks pass until another one hits.
What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?
We do not know the exact cause of MS at the present moment. Doctors believe it’s a combination of environmental and genetic factors. MS is considered an autoimmune disease.
How is Multiple Sclerosis Treated?
At the moment, MS cannot be cured, so treatment revolves around minimizing the severity of the symptoms. Symptoms may be treated with anti-inflammatories, steroids or other pain relievers and muscle relaxers. Many doctors also prescribe physical therapy, as it can help keep nerve function as strong as possible.
Can CBD Help Support Multiple Sclerosis Sufferers?
So, what does this all have to do with CBD? Well, a lot of people know what CBD is, but they don’t quite understand the way in which it functions once it’s in the body, and what makes it unique from other plant-based methods.
CBD is a cannabinoid that belongs to the hemp plant. Cannabinoids are a fascinating and unique class of compounds because they work with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This bodily system seems to be responsible for homeostasis, which is a state in which every bodily system and process is functioning properly.
The endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors that can be found all throughout the body, including the skin, nervous system, immune system, digestive system, brain and more. These cannabinoid receptors are seeking out cannabinoids, as once they bond with cannabinoids, they can produce chemical reactions that aid in the regulation of bodily processes run by the systems throughout. When all of the bodily processes are properly regulated, homeostasis can be achieved.
As MS affects both the nervous system and the immune system, CBD may be worth a try, as there are cannabinoid receptors in both of these systems, and they interact with CBD in a way that can be potentially useful.
In fact, there have been studies done on the specific effects of CBD on MS patients. More medical researchers and doctors are looking into the potential that CBD has for multiple sclerosis sufferers.
How Should CBD Be Taken by a Multiple Sclerosis Patient?
Now, let’s talk about the way in which you can incorporate CBD into your routine if you suffer from MS.
#1: Speak with Your Doctor
First and foremost, we strongly urge you to talk to your doctor when beginning a new CBD routine, or any kind of routine that aims to help with your condition. Your doctor can use your medical history, medications you are on and current symptoms to help you finetune your regimen in a way that can potentially be more impactful.
#2: Find the Right Brand and Product
When it comes to CBD, some brands make better-quality products than others. And, if you’re going to be taking CBD daily, you want to know that the quality is as good as it can be. So, seek out a brand with a good reputation, and check for third-party lab reports, as these are a way to prove that the products are the real deal. Make sure you opt for a product made with excellent ingredients as well.
#3: Choose Your Delivery Method
There are a number of unique delivery methods out there, with each one interacting with the body differently. Choose the one for you based on your specific needs, preferences and goals. For instance, some delivery methods last longer, while others take effect more quickly. Do some research to learn more about how each one is different.
#4: Find the Right Milligram Strength Based on Your Symptoms
A big part of having a successful experience with hemp is choosing the right milligram strength. The milligram strength you choose should be based on both your body weight and the severity of what you’re experiencing.
#5: Be Consistent
It’s best to take CBD consistently if you’re hoping for it to do something specific within the body. The endocannabinoid system utilizes cannabinoids more efficiently if it can first accumulate them. So, try to stick to a daily dosing schedule, and increase the dose as needed after a couple of weeks, under your doctor’s guidance.
#6: Monitor the Effects
Make sure to pay attention to how CBD works in your body as you begin your journey. Tell your doctor of any changes, either positive or negative, so that he or she may be able to guide you further.
Final Thoughts on This Specific Area of Research
If you suffer from MS, you might want to speak to your doctor about adding CBD to your treatment plan. As you can see, CBD is very unique from other natural products thanks to its fascinating relationship with the body’s endocannabinoid system which seems to play a role in the function of the nervous system. And, make sure that if you choose to go the hemp route, you choose a high-quality CBD product from a trusted brand.