Many adults experience inflammation at some point in their lives. For some, that inflammation leads to chronic conditions that reduce or eliminate normal quality of life.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications are easily available and commonly used. The majority of these anti-inflammatories are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which include: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and prescribed: celecoxib, and diclofenac among many others. NSAIDs work by blocking enzymes called COX-1 and COX-2 which produce compounds called prostaglandins. COX-1 prostaglandins activate platelets for blood clotting and protect the lining of your stomach and intestines. COX-2 prostaglandins respond to injury or infection regulating inflammation. Most NSAIDs lack the ability to only inhibit COX-2 and by also blocking COX-1 they cause unwanted side effects.
Complications can include heartburn, ulcers and bleeding of the upper gastrointestinal system, headaches, dizziness, liver or kidney problems, leg swelling, high blood pressure, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and even death.
Health Canada reccomends the lowest dose possible for these medications, but this is often ignored. Especially when people can get them over-the-counter and self regulate their dosage. This leads to preventable drug-realted hospital visits and an increase in the chance of heart attacks and strokes.
Being non-toxic and non-hedonistic CBD ( and Cannabis) has been shown in many studies over the last few decades to have proven anti-inflammatory benefits. Cannabinoids have many anti-inflammatory cproperties including blocking those prostaglandin compounds that are pro-inflammatory. CBD and CBDA (the CBD pre-cursor) has shown significant COX-2 enzyme blockage when compared to placebos and two NSAIDs (Takeda 2008).
Due to the lack of any known negative side effects CBD quickly shows itself to be a great alternative to NSAIDs. CBD is also a very promiscuous compound when interacting with receptors in your endocannabinoid system. So beyond being a great alternative it could also counteract the side effects that NSAIDs produce such as gastrointenstinal stress and headaches.
Please contact us if you have any questions about how CBD can help improve you quality of life!