Lupus is a widespread autoimmune disease that affects 1.5 million people in the United States, alone. The symptoms are just as diverse and far-reaching for those who suffer, too. That’s because Lupus is an incurable and chronic condition that affects practically every part of the body. So, it’s understandable that those who suffer from it are seeking additional and alternative sources of relief. One of those sources is CBD. The natural plant compound is being further explored by researchers, and patients alike, for treating the debilitating symptoms of Lupus. Here we’ve compiled everything you need to know about Lupus symptoms, causes and how CBD can help.
What is Lupus?
Patients with Lupus endure a number of symptoms from the autoimmune disease. Normally, the body produces antibodies to deter harmful pathogens. With Lupus, and other autoimmune disorders your body cannot decipher the difference between protective and destructive cells. Therefore, it attacks anything and everything. Meaning, your antibodies are depleted and a number of systems succumb to damage from being unprotected. Including your skin, organs, and joints that suffer from over-inflammation and chronic pain.
Even more, Lupus stimulates the production of autoantibodies that further damage healthy tissue. Autoantibodies also cause pain, inflammation and negatively affect different parts of the body. Symptoms from lupus can be mild to life endangering. In fact, many of those who suffer from Lupus can live normal lives with the help of medication to tame detrimental symptoms. A few of the most common being –
- Fatigue
- Swelling
- Pain
- Malar Rash
- Fevers
So by now, you may be wondering…is Lupus contagious? Or, how do people come to have lupus? Let’s discover the causes of Lupus before exploring how CBD can help treat the ailment.
What causes Lupus?
Luckily, Lupus is a non-contagious disease but can come from a few specific sources or factors. Researchers have found that the condition is somewhat genetic in nature. Throughout conducting a number of studies, it was found that at least 50 specific genes are associated with those who have Lupus. Even though the genes might not directly cause Lupus, it’s believed that they may contribute to the condition.
Your surrounding environment is another factor that is associated with developing Lupus. Triggers to the disease include being exposed to a virus or chemical, even though no specific virus or chemical can be confirmed. Researchers believe being genetically susceptible and encountering these environments may cause Lupus to appear or flare. The other most common environmental triggers noted by the Lupus Foundation of America include ultraviolet light, silica dust exposure, antibiotics or life events like emotional traumas or even a surgical procedure.
Hormones like estrogen may also play a part in causing Lupus to appear. One key piece of evidence is women with the condition displaying more symptoms when menstruating or pregnant, when estrogen levels are higher than normal.
CBD: A Natural Remedy for Lupus
The problem with many common prescriptions recommended for Lupus, is they come with a number of side-effects themselves. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medications work to reduce symptoms like inflammation, but can have long-term implications. For instance, corticosteroids can cause osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma or cataracts. Short term side effects of immunosuppressants include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. All non-ideal effects for those already suffering from a debilitating condition in Lupus.
Which is why CBD as a natural remedy is being further explored by researchers, and personally by many patients. Cannabidiol or CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to promote its positive effects. The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors that communicates with other systems found in the body. That’s how CBD can address a number of symptoms, mentally and physically.
Early research has shown a strong connection between cannabinoids like CBD and the positive regulation of the immune system. Which is important for Lupus, as it’s an immune attacking condition. In addition, several studies show that cannabinoids downregulate cytokine and chemokine production. Cytokine and chemokine have been noted as having a role in the specific type of Lupus known as Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Even more, research shows that CBD can alter T-regulatory cells (Tregs) activity, which helps to suppress inflammatory responses found in Lupus, too.
CBD also addresses common Lupus symptoms without inducing adverse effects of its own. That’s because CBD alone has very few to no side-effects at all. The main sources of relief that CBD can provide to Lupus patients is pain relief, reduction in inflammation and depression or anxiety from having the condition. Here’s how CBD works internally, to help each.
Inflammation
Put simply, CBD can suppress inflammation that triggers autoimmune responses. More scientifically, CBD elevates the endocannabinoid 2-AG, which allows the direct binding to the CB2 receptor. CB2 receptors are found throughout the body in skin, organs, your brain and tissue and are connected to your immune system. By connecting to the CB2 receptors, CBD can promote its natural anti-inflammatory effects to a wide range of systems that are affected by the over inflammation found in Lupus.
Pain
Pain is unavoidable with Lupus, but luckily CBD interacts with the receptors that signal the feeling internally. CBD stimulates the production of anandamide which binds to the CB1 receptor. This receptor is primarily responsible for neurological communication. While, Anandamide has been proven to suppress ‘pain initiation’. Together, CBD, increased levels of anandamide and the CB1 receptor, reduce pain signals sent to the brain and decrease pain sensitivity, overall.
Depression & Anxiety
Depression and anxiety can affect those with Lupus, due to the erratic and debilitating nature of the symptoms. Many studies have proven that CBD is anxiolytic in nature, and can effectively reduce anxiety and improve depression symptoms. It does so through stimulating production of the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor. Also known as the ‘happy chemical’ and responsible for a sense of well-being or overall happiness.
CBD for Lupus
When looking at Lupus and the natural properties and effects of CBD, they seem to go hand in hand for healing. As research and more targeted studies increase, it’s expected that CBD will continue being a recommended supplement to address symptoms of the condition. Of course, before adding CBD to your health regimen do make sure to consult with a medical professional or doctor. Especially to ensure that CBD doesn’t interact with any prescribed medications. With the green light…when you’re in search of high quality CBD capable of soothing effects to address common symptoms, Nature’s Pure is here for you.