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CBD y Ansiedad
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is arguably the most essential biological system in the body. It is involved in regulating nearly every physiological process, to include female reproductive events. The main role of the ECS is to keep us balanced. For women, we experience several events that may knock us out of balance; our bodies rely on our ECS and endocannabinoids to bring us back. At times, we can experience what is known as Endocannabinoid Deficiency, where our bodies are not producing enough endocannabinoids to activate our receptors and witness physiological actions such as pain relief. This is where supplementing with phytocannabinoids can help. Phytocannabinoids are those cannabinoids produced by plants, such as Cannabidiol (CBD) or Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The ECS has been researched in rodent, primate, and human studies for its effect on a number of aspects of the female reproductive process. It may have a strong impact on fertility, reproduction, and endocrine function. Numerous studies have looked at how cannabinoids may improve symptoms associated with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Menopause, and Endometriosis.
These conditions have side effects to include: depressive and anxiety disorders, muscle pain and joint aches, osteoporosis, gastrointestinal discomfort, weight gain and diabetes, impaired cognitive function, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction or pain.
What can Cannabinoids do to Help?
Depression and Anxiety
CBD works as a modulator to our physiological processes. This includes how effectively our body may facilitate the serotonin it creates, allowing more of that “happy chemical” to be made available for our brains and, therefore, regulating our moods. Just as it helps to move serotonin along, CBD may also help with the functioning of GABA, the neurotransmitter that regulates our nerve signals; therefore aiding in the reduction of our anxiety, panic, and stress response. It may also be important to note that stress may lead to vaginal infections (such as vaginitis), excess discharge, and increased pressure.
Muscle Pain and Joint aches
In addition to the researched relaxing effects CBD and THC can have on vaginal muscles and uterine muscles (which are responsible for causing cramps when contracting), these cannabinoids may relieve tension, tightening, and spasms of all muscles. This helps to decrease pain and increase the recovery time.
Cannabinoids that may perform best as potent anti-inflammatory agents are CBD, Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA), Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA), and Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). Cannabinoid therapy to include these cannabinoids may help to ease the inflammation on the surrounding tissue of the joints of arthritic individuals and lessen the inflammation associated with painful contractions, among several other inflammatory conditions of the body.
Osteoporosis
Speaking of inflammation, recent research suggests that inflammation triggered from conditions such as arthritis may be a leading cause of bone thinning. Therefore, cannabinoid therapy may prevent bone degenerative conditions such as osteoporosis. As well, cannabinoids like CBD may aid in the repair of bone fractures and increase bone mass.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation all can take place before, during, and/or after menstruation. Anecdotal data supports the potential of CBD to alleviate these Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) like symptoms. CBD may reduce intestinal inflammation, improve the immune response of the gut, and alleviate the anxiety and stress associated with gastrointestinal discomfort.
Weight Gain and Diabetes
The ECS plays an important role in modulating metabolism and appetite. CBD may help the browning of white adipose tissue (the process of burning fat in the body) and promote lipid metabolism. This may help with the weight gain often associated with irregular menstrual cycles and menopause. Sometimes, this weight gain may lead to Type 2 Diabetes. Being that Type 2 Diabetes is an inflammatory condition, the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids, as well as their ability to prohibit oxidative stress, could help to be a preventative measure. There is also research to show promise of CBD and THCV in reducing insulin resistance and moderating blood sugars.
Impaired Cognitive Function
The decreased Estrogen as a result of menopause may lead to mild cognitive changes, otherwise known as a “brain fog”. Prolonged CBD therapy has shown positive improvements in psychological symptoms and cognition. Currently, using cannabinoids to benefit neurological issues and serve as a neuroprotectant is being studied. The antioxidant properties of cannabinoids, such as CBD, may have the ability to provide neuroprotection. As well, research is showing that elevation of cannabinoid receptor activity could potentially slow down the progression of brain ageing and alleviate symptoms associated with neurodegenerative disorders, therefore cannabinoids with the ability to activate receptors may provide these additional benefits.
Sleep
The symptoms associated with these conditions often contribute to sleeping issues. The anxiolytic properties of CBD may help to improve sleep by mitigating anxiety or stress induced insomnia. Where it has been fairly established that THC can promote sleep, it is suggested through on-going research that CBD may improve sleep-wake cycles, leading to an increase in the percentage of total sleep.
Sexual Dysfunction or Pain
These conditions women face may also lead to a decreased libido and/or pain during intercourse. Research is finding that women who consume low amounts of cannabis prior to sexual intercourse experience an increase in libido, improvement in orgasm, and decrease in vaginal pain. Acute THC administrations in female rats have shown increased sexual receptivity. CBD may offer relaxation to benefit symptoms of dyspareunia, potentially allowing you to focus more on intimacy sans the interference of spasms, pressure, and cramping.
Watch our Care Team Chronicles about women’s health here:
If you have any questions about this topic, a Realm of Caring Care Specialist is here to help. Call us at 719-347-5400 option 1, email us at info@realmofcaring.org, or visit our website and sign up for a free client account at www.realmofcaring.org.
Disclaimer
The Realm of Caring Foundation specifically invokes the first amendment rights of freedom of speech and of the press without prejudice. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. the products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease. Realm of Caring always recommends when and wherever possible that licensed local healthcare professionals be consulted.
The Realm of Caring Foundation is an independent nonprofit with its own governing board. We do not produce or sell cannabinoid products, nor do we receive funds from the sale of other company’s products.
This blog was written by Cathe and submitted by our friends at Stratos.
I am 63 years old. Four years ago breast cancer and the medications I needed to fight that battle, mixed with some aging, were not kind to my body. After my treatments, I was left with feet that were in unbelievable constant pain. My feet felt like they were constantly on fire. The burning pain never went away, and was especially challenging in bed when the nerve pain went up higher and higher. Standing in lines like at the post office or at the grocery store were no longer possible. My passion for travel, and love of movement and just walking were totally gone, as was golf and any hiking.
I tried everything. Friends sent me salves and numerous different ideas constantly. I did serious attempts to relieve the pain with reflexology, acupuncture, even using prescribed medications, Advil, meditation, physical therapy and tequila. For me, getting the courage to go to a dispensary was a big deal, as THC does not really agree with me and never has. The recommendation of Stratos CBD 15:1 Tablets (5mg CBD + 0.33mg THC per tablet) was a desperate attempt to get some kind of quality back into my life. I went to a few lectures on CBD and tried other products but I noticed nothing. I was seriously skeptical.
Both of my sons were the true persistent ones who kept telling me to try a combo of THC and CBD. My one son knew the dispensary owner and staff in our town and started asking them what they would recommend for me. Then he researched Stratos’ reputation. He knew I was not going to just ” smoke pot” or take just anything.
At first, after I began taking the tablets, I felt nothing different. I think it was cumulative. Sadly, it took a physical therapist to recognize what I had started to take for granted. He pointed out that I was walking and standing after two pretty bad years. I began this product around June of 2017 and by the next November it was pointed out to me that I had started LIVING and walking, doing small hikes again. This product has me able to walk for up to 20,000 steps on some days and has been one key tool in my toolchest fighting neuropathy. Again, I believe for me it was a cumulative effect, and slowly the product tamed my nerves. I have no idea what happened, but I am never stopping. I am a Stratos lifer.
I take one tablet later in the morning and some days need to take two. I often forget the afternoon dose, but I am holding in a good pattern and am very happy to say I am a believer. I never seem to need Advil, as headache days are relieved by the same dose of the 15:1. If the pain is greater, I double up.
Sleep is also less painful and slightly easier as I do not have the nerve pain shooting up my legs when I relax and go horizontal. So now that I am open minded (please laugh at this), I am currently experimenting with the Stratos Sleep 1:1 Tincture which the dispensary suggested. Being a lightweight, I start low and go slow. I think it might be working as well. I might have found another product that can help me.
To all, yes, I am sincerely grateful for your company and products which is why I asked at the dispensary how to write and say THANK YOU to Stratos. Here is a photo taken of me in an Apple Class, we were recording a dance. Imagine that!!! I still have my handicap parking pass but I am NOT using it.
Cathe D.
If you have any questions about this topic, a Realm of Caring Care Specialist is here to help. Call us at 719-347-5400 option 1, email us at info@realmofcaring.org, or visit our website and sign up for a free client account at www.realmofcaring.org.
Disclaimer
The Realm of Caring Foundation specifically invokes the first amendment rights of freedom of speech and of the press without prejudice. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. the products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease. Realm of Caring always recommends when and wherever possible that licensed local healthcare professionals be consulted.
The Realm of Caring Foundation is an independent nonprofit with its own governing board. We do not produce or sell cannabinoid products, nor do we receive funds from the sale of other company’s products.
Things are changing in the CBD industry. Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) recently introduced the The Hemp and Hemp-Derived CBD Consumer Protection and Market Stabilization Act of 2020, which helps legally regulate the sale of hemp-derived CBD products. This is significant for the hemp industry and consumers alike, as sales and quality of products will be greatly enhanced for the benefit of both consumers and farmers.
Since the start of the booming industry, CBD businesses have had to overcome many hurdles getting their products to the general market. The FDA was failing in legally regulating the sale of hemp-derived products, thus making it confusing and misleading. Because of this, prices have been decreasing, while quality of the products on the market varies across the spectrum with no regulation. Safety and consumer protection are of great concern in the CBD industry, and having this bill will create a standard of regulating products.
Presented on September 3rd, the bipartisan Schrader/Griffith bill ensures that hemp-derived/non-intoxicating hemp ingredients can be put in the market as dietary supplements. Using existing regulatory framework, this bill would require manufacturers to make sure products are safe, labeled accurately, and the companies are using Good Manufacturing Practices. Most notably, this bill would stabilize the hemp industry as a whole, going hand in hand with the 2018 Farm Bill. This would mean a huge boost in the agricultural sector.
This means more than just CBD manufacturers are excited. Dietary supplement organizations such as the American Herbal Products Association and the Council for Responsible Nutrition applaud the efforts of this bill as a necessary part of the supplement industry. For years, supplement organizations have been calling on congress to regulate CBD, as many consumers are looking for quality CBD products in the dietary supplement market. If passed, hemp-derived products in supplements would be deemed as “New Dietary Ingredients” or NDIs.
Though there is a buzz surrounding this new bill, the Schrader/Griffith bill hasn’t been passed yet. With grassroots efforts from the Hemp Roundtable, we hope this bill will pass with flying colors and help millions of people across the US. If interested in supporting the H.R. 8179 bill, please send a message to your representative through their call to action page.
If you have any questions about this topic, a Realm of Caring Care Specialist is here to help. Call us at 719-347-5400 option 1, email us at info@realmofcaring.org, or visit our website and sign up for a free client account at www.realmofcaring.org.
Disclaimer
The Realm of Caring Foundation specifically invokes the first amendment rights of freedom of speech and of the press without prejudice. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. the products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease. Realm of Caring always recommends when and wherever possible that licensed local healthcare professionals be consulted.
The Realm of Caring Foundation is an independent nonprofit with its own governing board. We do not produce or sell cannabinoid products, nor do we receive funds from the sale of other company’s products.
November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, and we want to shine a light on the cannabinoid therapies that are showing promise with epilepsy diagnoses today.
Epilepsy affects over 65 million people across the globe. Cannabinoid therapy is being widely researched and documented for its potential to bring seizure control and symptomatic relief to those affected; helping children and adults to live an enhanced quality of life.
Studies Show Promising Results
Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological condition in the world. In December of 2017, a promising study put on by The Journal of Epilepsy Research found that cannabidiol (CBD) had a positive effect in reducing seizures. They stated the following, “In these studies, CBD was found to be superior to placebo in reducing the frequency of convulsive (tonic-clonic, tonic, clonic, and atonic) seizures in patients with Dravet syndrome, and the frequency of drop seizures in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). For the first time, there is now class 1 evidence that adjunctive use of CBD improves seizure control in patients with specific epilepsy syndromes.”
The research suggests that CBD interacts with the receptors in our brains in different ways to possibly prevent seizures from happening.
A Holistic Alternative
In 2017, a study was performed in which participants who found common medication ineffective tried CBD. The results showed that the median frequency of seizures decreased from 12.4 to 5.9 in the treatment group, while the placebo group showed a far less significant change from 14.9 to 14.1. CBD therapy was particularly effective with patients that were having seizures with convulsions.
Promise for Research
Approved by the FDA in 2018, EPIDIOLEX is a prescription CBD isolate, originally prescribed to pediatrics who suffer from Dravet Syndrome or LGS. To date, it has gone through several clinical trials, making it possible to understand more about CBD as a potential therapy to those affected by Epilepsy. These clinical studies, along with observational research, are furthering our knowledge and understanding of how CBD may help us and our loved ones achieve that quality of life.
If you would like to participate in our observational research registry with John Hopkins University, please go to realmofcaring.org/orr to access your baseline survey. This is completely valuable to researchers, providers, other clients, and caregivers to help make informed decisions about medical cannabis use.
If you have any questions about this topic, a Realm of Caring Care Specialist is here to help. Call us at 719-347-5400 option 1, email us at info@realmofcaring.org, or visit our website and sign up for a free client account at www.realmofcaring.org.
Disclaimer
The Realm of Caring Foundation specifically invokes the first amendment rights of freedom of speech and of the press without prejudice. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. the products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease. Realm of Caring always recommends when and wherever possible that licensed local healthcare professionals be consulted.
The Realm of Caring Foundation is an independent nonprofit with its own governing board. We do not produce or sell cannabinoid products, nor do we receive funds from the sale of other company’s products.
November is Epilepsy Awareness month, and whether you are only curious, just getting started, or in the midst of cannabinoid therapy for you or a loved one, the process can be an overwhelming addition to everything you already must endure. This is where we at the Realm of Caring step in. We want to help make this challenge easier to navigate, starting with, the five things to consider when starting cannabinoid therapy with epilepsy.
1. There is clinical research to support the benefits
Among those communities looking for research to support utilizing cannabinoid therapy to potentially bring relief to symptoms, the epilepsy community is fortunate to have the human data that has been made available on cannabis.
Although evidence of cannabis to provide relief to seizure disorders dates back thousands of years, the first detailed modern study of the use of cannabis-based products for their anti-seizure benefits was published in 1843. In this study, W.B. O’Shaughnessy tested the behavioral effects in several mammals, fish, and birds. Among other subjects, the reported remarkable anti-seizure effects were witnessed among a 40-day old baby girl with recurrent convulsive seizures.
Despite plant cultivation of cannabis becoming illegal with the twentieth century, scientific advances continued as chemists and pharmacologists began diving into the chemical characterizations of the active ingredients and effects on biological activity. Many experimental studies have demonstrated that exogenous cannabinoids may prevent or modulate seizure activity; specifically with the exogenous, phytocannabinoids Cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Since that first published study in 1843, many more exploratory studies have taken place to determine the efficacy of CBD with treatment-resistant epilepsy. From published observational data to open-label studies to well controlled randomized trials.
2. AED interactions
The first recommendation when utilizing both cannabinoid therapy and conventional pharmaceuticals for epileptic conditions is to space the administrations of the two at least 2-4 hours apart to avoid potential interactions. It is also recommended that serum AED levels and liver function tests (LFTs) be monitored closely for those choosing to incorporate CBD into an AED regimen.
Assessment of data suggests that changes in serum levels of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) taken with CBD administration have been generally minor for the majority of AEDs tested. Sedation was a frequent result of AEDs administered with CBD. Researchers have concluded in studies that CBD in combination with pharmaceuticals may be well-tolerated, however, it should be taken into consideration that CBD is processed by the body’s cytochrome P-450 (CYP450) system. Therefore, it is best to consult with your doctor when co-administering CBD with drugs that are also metabolized by enzymes CYP3A4 or CYP2C19.
3. Patience and the biphasic response
When starting out, it is important to keep in mind that administration may be made complicated by the non-linear response of cannabinoids. It is non-linear in that our response to cannabinoid administration forms a bell curve. This means that higher amounts do not always equate to more relief. In fact, we should be cautioned to assume that higher amounts of cannabinoids will yield enhanced therapeutic effects. What you may find is that higher amounts could exacerbate seizures and related symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended that if improvements begin to diminish, especially after an increase, that you consider reducing the amount as a potential strategy.
This is why we abide by the “start low and go slow” method. This is a strategy that requires the difficult art of patience, but the goal is to find that optimal dose where relief is realized at the lowest possible amount. Every individual truly has their own, therefore we want to slowly work our way up (as needed) to the peak of that bell curve, or to the point where relief is realized.
4. Administration and extraction methods
CBD may be administered by a variety of methods. The first, and most commonly used, would be sublingual or buccal administration with an oil or tincture. Individuals also administer by capsule or tablet, through g or j tube, and rectally as a suppository.
When considering a product to buy, for potentially higher efficacy it is suggested to look for full spectrum products rich in CBD. Full Spectrum products contain all of the natural compounds of the plant in the finished product. When the process to make the product is alcohol-extracted versus CO2 extracted it results in, potentially, an even more potent product to provide benefit. The Entourage Effect explains to us that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”; meaning that full spectrum may have an advantage to purified CBD in that the other plant compounds act synergistically with CBD to potentiate the anticonvulsant therapeutic effects.
5. You are not alone
Possibly the most important thing to consider is that you are not alone in this process. The Care Team at Realm of Caring as well as the community we have are here for you. There have been stories of success that we love to share with you through our client spotlights. We have individuals from all walks of life looking for relief from the suffering epilepsy can bring. We have spoken with individuals who are solely using cannabinoid therapy and those using both conventional medical treatments and cannabinoid therapy. We are here for your questions and we are here to support you.
We hope to continue this conversation all month long. Look for our weekly success stories and join us for an education webinar on epilepsy: 11/25 at 11am MT.
If you have any questions about this topic, a Realm of Caring Care Specialist is here to help. Call us at 719-347-5400 option 1, email us at info@realmofcaring.org, or visit our website and sign up for a free client account at www.realmofcaring.org/client-registration.
Disclaimer
The Realm of Caring Foundation specifically invokes the first amendment rights of freedom of speech and of the press without prejudice. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. the products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease. Realm of Caring always recommends when and wherever possible that licensed local healthcare professionals be consulted.
The Realm of Caring Foundation is an independent nonprofit with its own governing board. We do not produce or sell cannabinoid products, nor do we receive funds from the sale of other company’s products.
Lisa of Care Team Chronicles interviews Trevon Ferguson, an athlete with High Five Foundation about his journey to hope and possibility.
If you have any questions about this topic, a Realm of Caring Care Specialist is here to help. Call us at 719-347-5400 option 1, email us at info@realmofcaring.org, or visit our website and sign up for a free client account at www.realmofcaring.org.
Disclaimer
The Realm of Caring Foundation specifically invokes the first amendment rights of freedom of speech and of the press without prejudice. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. the products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease. Realm of Caring always recommends when and wherever possible that licensed local healthcare professionals be consulted.
The Realm of Caring Foundation is an independent nonprofit with its own governing board. We do not produce or sell cannabinoid products, nor do we receive funds from the sale of other company’s products.
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¿Qué es el sistema endocannabinoide?
