Cirrhosis and CBD

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Cirrhosis is a condition characterized by irregular liver functioning that manifests from liver scarring, damage, or disease. This illness arises from gradual and irreversible liver damage that causes deterioration and a lack of function over time. Scar tissue over liver tissue prevents regular blood flow from reaching the liver, creating potentially life-threatening side effects.

Symptoms of Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis arises as a response to other illnesses that have caused damage to the liver, including various forms of liver disease, alcoholism and hepatitis B and C.

Since the liver plays a crucial role in cleansing the body and forming vital nutrients necessary for everyday functioning, the complications of this disease can significantly impair one’s quality of life.

The effects of liver damage may not always be immediate, so cirrhosis symptoms may only start to manifest once the injury becomes more severe. Common symptoms and side effects of cirrhosis include:

  • Bruising and bleeding easily
  • Nausea
  • Jaundice
  • Fatigue and lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Leg swelling

Although the liver damage that forms cirrhosis cannot be completely resolved, there are treatment plans available to patients seeking to limit further liver injury.

How Cirrhosis Affects the Endocannabinoid System

Although researchers are still learning the full functionality of the recently discovered endocannabinoid system, scientists and doctors alike realize how significant this system is in ensuring proper bodily regulation. CB1 and CB2 receptors guide the various cannabinoids responsible for guaranteeing regulated functions. In patients with cirrhosis, the endocannabinoid system and its receptors experience complications that inhibit healthy inflammatory responses.

In patients with severe liver damage or for those with cirrhosis, the lipid signaling molecules mediated by CB1 and CB2 receptors are abnormally low or absent within the endocannabinoid system. This irregularity causes cell damage or heightened inflammation responses that lead to fat accumulation in the liver. Because the endocannabinoid system cannot regulate appropriately in patients with liver damage or disease, patients miss out on the potentially therapeutic benefits offered by a normalized system.

How CBD Regulates the Endocannabinoid System of Patients With Cirrhosis

Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the more than 85 cannabinoids found in marijuana, produces many promising effects for those experiencing the complications that arise from liver damage or disease. As a non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis, patients reap the benefits of this substance without experience hallucinogenic effects.

How does CBD work to improve the endocannabinoid system? Since the endocannabinoid system experiences a lack of functioning when liver damage occurs, cannabinoids like CBD help “turn on” this system. Brain function becomes normalized and liver enzymes can restore, inhibiting fatty tissue from growing over this vital organ instead.

Forms of CBD for Patients With Cirrhosis

Even though the liver damage that stimulates cirrhosis cannot be reversed, patients can often find relief by turning to a treatment plan compromised of CBD products. CBD offers therapeutic benefits while avoiding many of the adverse effects caused by traditional medicines.

To find the most effective form of relief from your symptoms, be sure to choose the cannabis ingestion method that’s ideal for your condition. Not sure which type of CBD is best suited for you? Cirrhosis patients typically find the most relief from the following methods:

  • Smoking and Vaporizing: Because the effects of cirrhosis often manifest as internal discomforts, it’s best to find a form of relief that targets these symptoms immediately. Smoking and vaporizing offer a way for cannabis to directly enter the body to produce quick support. Vaporizers are ideal for those with asthma or throat sensitivity.
  • Ingestibles: Another method of intake for cirrhosis patients includes edibles, capsules and tinctures that are orally ingested for a slow-releasing effect.
  • Topicals: Lotions and patches can offer targeted pain relief, especially around the liver. However, more commonly used options for cirrhosis patients include smoking and edible forms.

Always consult with a trained physician to develop the medical cannabis plan best suited for your needs.

The Best CBD Products for Patients With Cirrhosis

As scientists, doctors and herbalists begun to uncover the curative properties of cannabis, they have started to create various strains and products made to target different symptoms and side effects. If you are currently experiencing liver disease or cirrhosis, consider incorporating the following CBD strains into your daily treatment plan:

  • OG Kush
  • Mother of Berries
  • Blue Dream
  • Harlequin
  • Critical Kush
  • Death Bubba
  • Tangerine Dream

Because cirrhosis can produce a myriad of effects that differ depending on the severity of liver damage, consider checking out our marijuana strains page to find out what products are best suited for your symptoms first.

Learn More About Cirrhosis and CBD at MarijuanaDoctors.com

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Learn More About Cirrhosis

Learn more about Cirrhosis and what makes medical marijuana an effective treatment for Cirrhosis’s symptoms.