What is MS?
Multiple sclerosis, MS, is a debilitating disease that affects the brain and spinal cord also known as the central nervous system. Globally, more than 2.3 million people are living with MS. In the United States alone, nearly 1 million adults have been diagnosed with the disease.
It is autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s nerves by depleting the fatty layer that surrounds them, the myelin sheath. This layer is insulating and protective. Disease progression is also characteristic to MS as the condition worsens with time and there are chances of relapse.
This degradation of nerve fibers leads to issues with the way they communicate with other parts of the body specifically the brain and its commands. The depletion of the myelin sheath physically affects the body by causing symptoms that deeply affect quality of life.
People with MS experience miscommunication between the brain and body resulting in several uncomfortable symptoms like difficulty walking, tremors, numbing within the limbs, changes in vision, fatigue, and some organ dysfunction.
What are the risk factors?
Women are 2-3 times more likely to be diagnosed with MS. While there is no specific cause for the disease, people who smoke, have contracted the epstein barr virus, have a vitamin D deficency, are white, and have other autoimmune conditions are most at risk.
How to manage MS?
At the moment, there are no ways to cure MS. However, there are treatment plans to help combat some of the negative effects. Some food and drug administration (FDA) approved options include corticosteroids to reduce nerve inflammation and infusion treatments to soften relapses.
Corticosteroids can cause negative side effects like insomnia, changes in blood pressure and sugar, as well as changes in mood. Some infusions increase the risk for certain cancers like breast cancer and infections.
Are there alternatives?
Yes! Luckily, innovative research is showing promising results when it comes to cannabidiol (CBD) managing MS symptoms. CBD has increased in popularity due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Most people take CBD oil for chronic pain or chronic conditions.
The effects of CBD are different for everyone, but its antioxidant levels, anti-inflammatory properties, and pain-relieving effects are the most accounted for. Research shows that CBD may be effective in managing stress, pain, anxiety, and inflammation levels.
Because MS patients struggle with nerve inflammation, CBD may be an alternative option for those that have exhausted their options. We recommend to always seek medical advice and speak to your doctor before taking any new dietary supplements. This is to make sure there are no contraindications with the medicines you are currently taking.
Always make sure to look for CBD that is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) free. THC is the psychoactive molecule that causes a ‘high’. Broad spectrum CBD oil is the best option as it is THC free and still has the whole plant extract. For a good dose of CBD, start at 15-25mg per day and work your way up from there.
While many studies are focused on the inflammation and pain-relieving properties of CBD, others are conducting research on the immunomodulatory properties of CBD. Since MS is an autoimmune condition, the immune system is hypersensitive and over expressive. One study indicates that CBD is effective in modulating immune response when it comes to MS to soften its severity.
We are here for you, so should you have any questions regarding CBD, how to take it, how much to take, or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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