There is a lot of buzz around CBD oil and its potential health benefits. Some people claim that it can help with everything from anxiety to cancer. But what about Parkinson's Disease? Can CBD help improve the quality of life for those living with this condition? The answer is yes.
In this article, we will take a look at the research on CBD and Parkinson's Disease. Let's get started!
What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain. It is characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity, and problems with balance and coordination.
The cause of Parkinson's Disease is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Parkinson's Disease at the moment. But there are treatments available that can help improve the symptoms.
However, many of these treatments come with side effects. One example is levodopa, the most common treatment for Parkinson's Disease. It can cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Low blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
This is where CBD comes in, as it has way fewer side effects than levodopa. But can it help with Parkinson's Disease? Let's see what science says.
Are CBD Gummies Good For Parkinson’s Disease?
Yes, studies suggest that CBD gummies may be effective in treating the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.
One example is this study conducted by researchers at University of São Paulo. In this study, researchers selected 21 patients with Parkinson's and divided them into 3 groups. These groups were treated with placebo, CBD 75 mg/day, and CBD 300 mg/day, respectively.
At the end of the study, those treated with CBD reported a significantly better quality of life than the placebo group.
Unfortunately, CBD did not improve motor symptoms in these patients. Nonetheless, the fact that it was able to improve the quality of life for those with Parkinson's is promising.
Another good example is this experiment conducted by doctors at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil.
Here, researchers divided 24 patients with Parkinson's into 2 groups. One group was given 300 mg CBD, while the other received placebo.
All participants then underwent a Simulated Public Speaking Test (SPST). During the test, researchers monitored their:
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Tremor frequency and amplitude
The study found that patients who took CBD before the test had a significantly lower anxiety level and tremor amplitude.
Here is how the stress levels varied during the experiment:
Source; P = pre-stress; A = anticipatory; F = post-stress; PLC = placebo
This study demonstrates that CBD can also help reduce the motor symptoms of Parkinson's, at least temporarily. However, more research is needed to determine whether or not CBD is a long-term solution for Parkinson's.
Can Parkinson’s Patients Take CBD?
Yes, CBD is generally considered safe for most people. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering taking CBD for Parkinson's.
First, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment, including CBD. This is because CBD can interact with other medications you may be taking for Parkinson's. For example, some patients with CBD take anti-anxiety drugs like SSRIs. And CBD may alter how these drugs get processed in the body.
Second, start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. This will help you avoid any negative side effects from CBD, such as fatigue or diarrhea. In both of the studies discussed above, participants were given 300 mg of CBD per day. You might want to start at a dose lower than 300 mg/day and work your way up as needed.
Finally, make sure you buy your CBD from a reputable source. This is because the quality of CBD products can vary greatly. Some companies use low-quality CBD or add other substances to their products. So, it is important to do your research before buying any CBD product.
Is CBD Oil Good For Neurological Disorder?
Yes, CBD has been shown to help with a variety of neurological disorders. This is especially true for neurological disorders that lead to pain.
One example is peripheral neuropathy. In this condition, the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected area.
A study published in Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology found that applying CBD oil on the skin can reduce the pain caused by peripheral neuropathy.
Another neurological disorder that CBD can help with is fibromyalgia. In fibromyalgia, the body experiences widespread pain and stiffness.
This study — conducted by Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands — showed that inhaling CBD vapor can reduce the pain seen in fibromyalgia.
Finally, Dr Ethan Russo — a board-certified neurologist — is currently studying the effects of cannabis on ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) currently has no cure and many patients die 3-5 years after their diagnosis.
Of course, there are many more neurological disorders that CBD may be able to help with, such as trigeminal neuralgia. This is because it interacts with CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). And these receptors play a role in many neurological functions of the body, including
- Motor activity
- Motor coordination
- Pain perception
- Short-term memory
- Thinking
But before starting CBD for any condition, it's extremely important to talk to a doctor. This is especially true for neurological disorders because CBD interacts with many medicines used to treat them.
Can CBD Cause Neurological Problems?
Yes, CBD can cause neurological problems. The most commonly reported neurological problem with CBD is somnolence.
But this is only true if you take very high doses of CBD. This is also true if you are taking other medications that interact with CBD.
So, what is considered a “very high” dose of CBD? Well, this review published in Current Drug Safety suggests that "chronic use and high doses up to 1,500 mg/day of CBD are reportedly well tolerated in humans."
Conclusion
So as you can see, several studies show that CBD can be useful for Parkinson's. At the same time, it is important to remember that CBD is not a cure for Parkinson's. In fact, there is no cure for Parkinson's currently.
Still, you can try CBD to see if it improves your quality of life as a Parkinson's patient. But before you do that, make sure to talk to your doctor first. Plus, buy CBD from a reputable source. If you’re not sure where to start, we have a great selection of products you can try.
