REWARDS
Cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychoactive chemical compound found in cannabis, has been gaining praise recently for its long list of medical benefits. People suffering from physical pain, anxiety, depression, IBS, and other conditions are finding relief through the use of CBD. Research also suggests that CBD could help cancer patients in various ways.
A recent study concluded that CBD given to mice with pancreatic cancer nearly tripled their survival rate compared to those not given CBD.
CBD could be the next big thing in cancer treatment. It has the potential to increase chances of survival and ease the painful symptoms and side effects of traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.
“From a medical perspective, CBD is the most promising cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids like CBD interact with the body’s Endocannabinoid System, or ECS, which is made up of cell receptors found throughout the human body – from our brains and organ tissues to our digestive and nervous systems – the Endocannabinoid System is responsible for regulating sleep, mood, appetite and immune function.”
From a medical perspective, CBD is the most promising cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids like CBD interact with the body’s Endocannabinoid System, or ECS. The ECS is made up of cell receptors found throughout the human body. Our brains, organs, digestive system, and nervous system all depend on the ECS for regulating sleep, mood, appetite, and immune function.
To summarize, the ECS promotes and maintains homeostasis, or “balance” within our bodies, keeping us happy, healthy and stable. CBD can cause a cascade of positive changes in a variety of systems throughout the body depending on the dosage and receptor that CBD interacts with.
Here are 5 more reasons CBD is great for cancer patients.
1. CBD May Stop Tumor Growth
Studies show that CBD can inhibit tumor growth, kill cancer cells and prevent more cancer cells from spreading.
In addition to the pain-relieving effects CBD has on cancer-associated symptoms, a large body of evidence shows that the compound can decrease tumor growth in animal models of cancer. It does this by modulating key cell signalling pathways involved in the control of cancer cell proliferation and survival.
2. CBD May Make Chemotherapy More Effective
Research shows CBD can make chemotherapy more effective when the two join forces. Cannabis has proven itself for years as an effective treatment for multiple forms of cancer. Those suffering from breast cancer, liver cancer, and leukemia have found relief from chemotherapy thanks to the use of cannabis. CBD could embody the same positive results that cannabis has had on cancer patients in the past.
CBD may help those suffering from cancer by controlling appetite, reducing feelings of nausea, vomiting, and swelling (people’s hands and feet tend to swell during chemotherapy). In addition to these, it could aid in neuropathic pain and could promote emotional health.
3. CBD Can Help with Cancer-Related Pain
CBD is well-known for its incredible pain-relieving properties. Cancer, no matter what kind, tends to cause some kind of pain. This pain is often unbearable and very frustrating for cancer patients. Typically, the pain is a result of treatments such as chemotherapy.
A study on patients with advanced cancer pain – despite chronic opioid dosing (a typical drug for pain) – found that patients experienced a reduction in cancer related pain of more than 3o percent when given a THC:CBD extract.
4. CBD Can Aid with Cancer-Related Depression
CBD is also widely known for its anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects. Patients can become depressed after being diagnosed with cancer. Often times cancer patients will feel hopeless as a result of their diagnosis. Not knowing the outcome or stage of cancer that they are in contributes to even more grief.
According to the American Cancer Society, one in four cancer patients struggle with clinical depression. Depression can negatively affect the recovery process. CBD can help these individuals by improving mood and lessening the symptoms of sadness and depression following chemotherapy.
One study in particular found that a combination of THC and CBD produced antidepressant-like results in mice. Another study from Washington State University, found that participants reported a 50 percent reduction in symptoms of depression while using a high CBD/low THC product.
5. CBD and Chemotherapy Induced Symptoms
Nausea can be one of the most challenging and unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy. It can also be one of the most difficult symptoms to treat.
CBD can help patients better manage chemotherapy induced symptoms. It has the power to help regulate nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues that cancer patients experience.
Another common side effect of chemotherapy is appetite. Many cancer paitnets struggle with a serious lack of appetite during chemotherapy treatment. CBD can help increase appetite by “fooling the brain’s central feeding system,” while activating a group of neurons called POMC, or proopiomelanocortin, to help stimulate appetite and stop weight loss.
Takeaways
- CBD has the potential to successfully treat a host of health issues, including cancer.
- Numerous claims have been made saying CBD has the potential to be one of the most effective treatments for cancer on the market.
- CBD can help with the cancer-related pain induced by chemotherapy.
- CBD can aid with symptoms of anxiety and depression that often follow cancer diagnosis.
- CBD has proven to be an excellent anti-nauseating agent, and can increase appetite, helping cancer patients maintain their weight.