A healthy and natural alternative to traditional medicines is becoming more accessible if you are suffering from the effects of Parkinson's disease (PD). Studies show that CBD, cannabidiol, also known as CBD-rich cannabis, can provide much-needed relief to relieve Parkinson's symptoms.
CBD is a natural compound found in cannabis Sativa plants, with no side effects of prescription drugs and no "high" effect of THC in marijuana. And while traditional medicines may lose their effectiveness or cease to work over time, CBD users have a lasting benefit and many abandon medicines forever.
A small study of 22 people with Parkinson's disease, found that using cannabis helps improve pain. However, this research was conducted with marijuana for medical purposes, containing CBD and THC.
But other studies suggest that CBD has only benefits for reducing pain and inflammation, and both can regularly affect people with Parkinson's.
In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know regarding CBD's effect on Parkinson's symptoms, so please keep reading to learn more...
Some of the most common treatments for Parkinson's disease can be caused by medication-related tremor or uncontrolled muscle movement. Drug treatment will not improve and can even make it worse.
An older and smaller source, suggests, as a possible solution, that CBD can help release these muscle movements.
Psychosis is a possible complication of Parkinson's disease. It can cause hallucinations, delusions, and is more common among people in the late stages of the disease.
In fact, up to 50% of people suffering from PD suffer from this complication.
Although there are medicines to treat Parkinson's psychosis, some are wondering if CBD might be useful.
A small 2009 study, among people with Parkinson's and psychotic symptoms, found that the compound reduced the severity of the symptoms. Neither did it cause any side effects.
Sleep disorders and lack of quality sleep are severe problems for people with Parkinson's disease. Dreams or nightmares, as well as movements during sleep, are common.
Studies have shown that only cannabis and CBD can help treat sleep disorders.
Because of the many potential benefits of CBD for people with Parkinson's disease, researchers suggest that using this compound can help improve the quality of life. This is an important issue for people with Parkinson's disease.
Let us look-in to what Parkinson's Disease is all about and how CBD can help treat Parkinson's Disease.
What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the nervous system that affects movement and symptoms begin gradually, sometimes with barely noticeable shaking in one hand. Concussions are common, but this disorder usually causes stiffness or slowing of movement.
In the early stages of Parkinson's disease, your face may show little, or no expression at all, and hands cannot swing while walking. Your speech may become icy or slurred. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease worsen over time.
Although Parkinson's cannot be cured, medications can significantly improve your symptoms. Sometimes your doctor may suggest surgery to regulate specific areas of your brain and improve your symptoms.
What Causes Parkinson's Disease?
The exact cause of Parkinson's is unknown. May have genetic and environmental components. Some scientists believe that viruses can also trigger Parkinson's disease.
Low levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, a substance that regulates dopamine, have been linked to Parkinson's disease.
Proteins called Lewy bodies have also been found in the brains of people with Parkinson's disease. Scientists do not know the role of Lewy bodies in the development of Parkinson's disease (if any).
Although the cause is unknown, research has identified groups of people who are more likely to develop the disease. That includes:
- Gender: Men are one and a half times more likely to get Parkinson's than women.
- Race: White is more likely to be infected with Parkinson's disease than African-Americans or Asians.
- Age: Parkinson's disease usually occurs between the ages of 50 and 60. This happens before the age of 40 in 5 to 10% of cases.
- Family History: People who have close relatives with Parkinson's chance will also develop it.
- Toxins: Exposure to certain toxins may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease.
- Head Injury: People who suffer a head injury are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease.
Treatment Options for Parkinson's
Consult your doctor if you have any of the symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. Not only will he or she diagnose your condition, but also rule out other causes of your symptoms and the type of treatment option to be taken.
While CBD is not a cure for any disease, it has been shown to help with symptoms you may be experiencing. If you want relief and think CBD may be a solution for you, be sure to check out Mana Artisan Botanics™
Medical Treatment
Different medications can be used to treat Parkinson's disease.
- Levodopa
Levodopa is the most common treatment for Parkinson's disease. Help with dopamine supplementation.
About 75% of cases respond to levodopa, but not all symptoms improve. Levodopa is usually given with a drug known as carbidopa.
Carbidopa delays the breakdown of levodopa, which increases the availability of levodopa in the blood-brain barrier.
- Dopamine agonists
Dopamine agonists can mimic the action of dopamine in the brain. They are less effective than levodopa but may be useful as transient medications when levodopa is less effective.
Medicines in this class include bromocriptine, pramipexole, and ropinirole.
- anticholinergic
Anticholinergics are used to block the parasympathetic nervous system. They can help with stiffness.
Benztropine (Cogentin) and trihexyphenidyl are anticholinergics used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Alternative Treatment
Supportive therapies can help alleviate some of the symptoms and complications of Parkinson's disease, such as pain, fatigue, and depression. Combined with supportive therapies, the following treatments can improve your quality of life:
- Massages: Massage therapy can reduce muscle tension and facilitate relaxation. However, this therapy is rarely covered by health insurance.
- Tai Chi: An ancient form of Chinese exercise, tai chi uses slow, fluid movements that can improve flexibility, balance, and strength. Tai Chi can also prevent falls. Several forms of tai chi are designed for people of all ages and physical levels.
One study found that tai chi can improve the balance of people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease from stretching and resistance training.
- Yoga: In yoga, gentle strokes and stretches can increase your flexibility and balance. You can edit most poses based on your physical abilities.
- Alexander technique: This technique, which focuses on holding your muscles, balance, and thinking about how to use your muscles, can reduce muscle tension and pain.
- Meditation: In meditation, you think quietly and focus your mind on an idea or image. Meditation can reduce stress and pain and improve your sense of well-being.
- Pet Therapy: Having a dog or cat can increase your flexibility and movement and improve your emotional health.
CBD Treatment
CBD is also becoming a better treatment option for other medical conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, anxiety, and chronic pain. Studies are ongoing, but CBD is an intriguing alternative to traditional medicine.
A reliable source study found that people with Parkinson's disease who do not have symptoms or psychiatric conditions have a better quality of life with the use of CBD. This study was also conducted on a tiny group of people, so further research is needed to fully support the results.
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How CBD Can Treat Parkinson's Disease Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease may be different for everyone. The first signs can be slight and go unnoticed. Symptoms often start on one side of your body and usually worsen on that side, even after the symptoms start affecting both sides.
Signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease may include:
- Tremors
- Slowed movement
- Rigid muscles
- Impaired posture and balance
- Loss of automatic movements
- Speech changes and
- Writing changes
CBD is an effective way to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, as it works with two cannabinoid receptors present in particular cells called CB1 and CB2. By interacting with one or both receptors, CBD can delay the onset of tremors and have neurologically beneficial effects.
What's the CBD Dosage for Parkinson's Disease?
Based on widespread anecdotal evidence only, the standard CBD dosage recommendation may depend on your body weight. Start with 1 to 6 mg for every 10 pounds of body weight.
We've built a calculator for you so that you can find the lowest starting dose for your body weight below:
The above dosage recommendation is general and merely a suggestion. Your case may differ in that you may need a lot more, while others may need a lot less. Please consult with your physician before supplementing your treatment with CBD.
FINAL THOUGHTS
CBD is very promising for your Parkinson's disease. Cannabinoids may both alleviate the symptoms of this degenerative disease, while also combatting side effects from prescribed medications.
But it's important to remember that many of these studies are quite small. Broader and more in-depth studies are needed before many doctors, and the FDA approves CBD. However, the results are promising, and there is a reason to be optimistic about future research.
Some doctors are increasingly open to CBD as a complementary treatment. Talk to your doctor about what you are going through and how you can get relief with CBD or other methods.