Because phytocannabinoids like CBD and other compounds in hemp and cannabis are similar to those found in the body and brain naturally – known as endocannabinoids, it is believed that they are better than synthetic medications in managing symptoms and promoting wellness. To take this a step further, there is a good deal of research, using both animal and human test subjects, showing that CBD can also be used as preventive medicine for a wide range of physical and mental health conditions.
A Case for Prevention
Among the top ten leading causes of death and disability in the United States are heart disease, cancer, stroke, respiratory disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. Some of these are caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices and a smaller percentage are due to genetics. Either way, some current pharmacological treatments can lengthen life expectancy but with a burden of disease, others may not work well from the beginning, and some may cause side effects so frustrating that medication compliance becomes problematic. For these and many other reasons, an all-natural, plant-based solution (phytocannabinoid) which interacts with a naturally-occurring system in the body (endocannabinoid) seems like a good fit for symptoms management, general health and wellness, and prevention.
Heart Disease
Since heart or cardiovascular disease continues to be the number one cause of death and disability in the United States, it makes sense to investigate preventative qualities of CBD for diseases of the heart. Some studies show that the endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in the formation of plaque leading to cardiovascular disease. Specifically, the process of atherogenesis develops with high blood pressure, infectious microbes and the amino acid homocysteine, which can lead to atherosclerotic lesions. CBD has been shown to interact or “talk to” CB2 receptors as well as anandamide and 2-AG (naturally occurring cannabinoids) to decrease this inflammatory process.
Cancer
Another leading cause of death, cancer, has been the focus of a good deal of research examining the benefits of CBD, THC and endocannabinoids. While there are over 100 different types of cancer, research has drawn some general conclusions about the complicated biochemical relationship between CBD and other plant-based cannabinoids on cancer formation, progression and prevention. Results indicate that CBD and THC can slow cell growth and, in some cases, induce autophagy or cell death. They may also reduce the viability of cancer cells and prevent certain types of cancer cells from multiplying. Some studies report that CBD and THC may prevent cancerous tumors or reduce their size.
Diabetes
A disease that continues to affect more people in the United States, and one which some call a condition of epidemic proportions, diabetes is being studied to determine the effectiveness of CBD for symptom management and prevention. One such finding shows that CBD alone lowers the incidence of diabetes in laboratory rodents and another one reports the ability of CBD to assist in the conversion of white fat (non-healthy) into brown fat (healthy, weight-reducing) as well as promotes normal insulin production and sugar metabolism. A residual effect of CBD is its ability to manage stress and anxiety symptoms, which can exacerbate symptoms and are important to many people with diabetes.
Final Thoughts on the Preventive Power of CBD
The leading causes of death in the United States have been the same for a long time, with one or two differences here and there. Each disease has been rigorously studied and many pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are available. A novel concept in which cannabinoids from nature and those within the body appear to communicate and work well together to treat symptoms, and in some cases, prevent them altogether, have been the focus of much research lately. So far, the results seem good, but as it always goes with research, more time and work are needed to be more conclusive about CBD, other cannabinoids, and the endocannabinoid system to improve health, wellness and reduce risk of the leading causes of death in America.