How CBD Fights Against Post Cancer Pain
Chemotherapy, as a first-line treatment for cancer, has saved many cancer patients who would have otherwise not survived. However, it comes with adverse side effects like post cancer pain that can be very difficult to tolerate. Most of the patients who have gone through chemotherapy have experienced its side effects, though the intensities may differ. Some of these effects include; vomiting, hair loss, nausea, fatigue, anorexia, fatigue, immune suppression, and neuropathic pain, among others.
Some patients struggle with these side effects for years after the administration of chemo, which can be quite devastating. It is for this reason that studies have been undertaken to see how CBD can help combat these side effects. Below is how CBD can help these post cancer patients.
Reduction of Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is one of the most devastating effects of chemotherapy. It is attributed to changes in the nervous system and affects more than 70% of patients. These patients are usually treated with anti-depressants and anti-epileptics, and for those whose pain is severe, they depend on opioids for pain relief. However, opioids taken for extended periods can put patients at risk of getting impaired cognitive functions, and also lead to addiction. They can also damage one’s gastrointestinal and cardiovascular system, which will affect the patients in the long run.
It is for these reasons that CBD is replacing these drugs since it is naturally occurring and has no side effects. It also does not affect one’s nervous systemic functioning as the opioids do. Studies have shown that CBD oil has shown a drastic change in cancer patients with neuropathic pain and neurotoxicity, with some indicating that it can do so in around two weeks.
Reduction of Swelling
CBD has anti-inflammatory properties which are significant in managing the swelling of hands and feet after chemotherapy. It also prevents cell death. A lot of inflammation occurs in the body tissues, which can hinder their functioning; thus, they will not be able to perform as they would have before. This inflammation can also lead to blood detoxification and even contraction of the cardiac muscles, which can be very dangerous. CBD interacts with the CB2 receptors in one’s endocannabinoid system and suppresses the inflammatory response within no time.
How To Choose The Best CBD For Cancer
When choosing the best CBD for cancer, it is vital to note that you need to pick one that is of high quality. You should not bargain on the quality since your health depends on it. It should also be used regularly to ensure that you achieve the maximum effects.
Onset Time
When combating the symptom flare-ups that come after chemotherapy, you will need to consider the time it will take for the CBD to show its full effect. Ingestible CBD products such as capsules or tinctures take up to 90 minutes for one to experience their impact on the body. On the other hand, vaporizing CBD isolate works instantaneously, is pure CBD and provides relief for the whole body in a short time.
Third Party Testing
When buying CBD, you need to ensure that the company you are buying from has had their product tested for quality and accuracy by a third party. They should show you a certificate of analysis that shows the ingredients they have used and the quality of their CBD oil; a company that hesitates to give you these analysis details should be avoided at all costs. This is because it may mean that their goods are substandard and are not safe for one to use.
Selecting A Reputable Company
When choosing a company to buy the best CBD for cancer from, you should ensure that they have a good reputation. This means that they are available to answer any questions that you have and have great reviews. You can check out the reviews people have given them online. If they have good ones, then it is worth trying it out. If most of the reviews are bad, then it is time to choose another company. If the reports are very few or none, you should avoid them since it may mean that they are new in the market, hence they may be trying things out, and no one wants to be an experiment.
The Potency Of CBD Oil
You should check for milligrams per serving amount. Ensure you check with the label to ensure that you are getting the right amount per serving. Most people assume that a bigger tincture will have more product to last longer, but this is not the case. You need to check for what you are getting.
Post Cancer Pain Management
CBD has been efficient in helping combat chemo side-effects, mainly pain. Many patients are adopting it since it has numerous benefits and has no side effects. However, it is advised for one to seek advice from their doctor before embarking on this journey to ensure that they get the maximum benefit from it.