Understanding epilepsy and the endocannabinoid system

Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurrent seizures resulting from overexcitation of the brain. These seizures vary in severity from barely noticeable to severe, resulting in physical disability. Although antiepileptic drugs are available, they do not help all patients, and many experience serious side effects.

Endocannabinoid bodies The system with which cannabis interacts is thought to play a role in the regulation of neurological functions, including seizure activity. It is because of this interaction that cannabis is being investigated as a potential treatment for epilepsy.

Cannabis and epilepsy

The two most common cannabinoids in cannabis are THC and CBD. While THC is psychoactive and can cause the “high” associated with marijuana use, CBD does not have the same effect. Interestingly, it is CBD that is most associated with potential benefits in epilepsy.

CBD is thought to act by affecting the endocannabinoid system and other areas of the brain, reducing the hyperexcitability that leads to seizures. However, understanding the exact mechanisms is an ongoing area of research.

Scientific research and evidence

In recent years, several studies have investigated the use of CBD to treat epilepsy and have yielded promising results. For example, in 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, a prescription CBD product, for the treatment of two severe forms of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaud syndrome and Dravet syndrome in patients aged two years and older. This decision was based on compelling data from several clinical trials showing that CBD can significantly reduce seizure frequency in these conditions.

A review published in the Journal of Epilepsy Research in 2020 found that CBD is a safe and effective treatment option for reducing seizures in people with treatment-resistant epilepsy. Another 2020 study in the Journal of Epilepsy and Behavior concluded that CBD can improve quality of life and sleep in people with epilepsy.

However, these studies also emphasized the need for more research to understand the long-term effects of CBD use and its impact on other aspects of health.

Recommendations for the use of cannabis in epilepsy

While the potential benefits of cannabis, especially CBD, are promising, it is crucial to approach this treatment option with caution. CBD is FDA-approved The Epidiolex product is different from medical marijuana and other CBD products available in pharmacies and online. Its use, dosage, and effects are well researched, while other products may vary in quality and cannabinoid content.

For those considering cannabis or CBD use for epilepsy, it is important to consult a physician. Abruptly starting or stopping cannabis use can affect seizure control, especially when used in combination with other anticonvulsant medications.

Conclusion

The potential of cannabis, especially CBD, in the treatment of epilepsy offers hope to those who have not responded to traditional anticonvulsant medications. The FDA approval of Epidiolex marks an important milestone in recognizing the therapeutic potential of cannabis-derived compounds. However, it is important to remember that while cannabis can be a valuable tool in the treatment of epilepsy, it is not a panacea. The experience of each person with epilepsy is unique and treatment should be tailored to individual needs and monitored by a healthcare professional.

The results of current research highlight the need for further robust, randomized and controlled studies to fully understand the benefits and potential risks of cannabis use in the treatment of epilepsy. These studies will also help determine the optimal dosages, strains and forms of cannabis that are most beneficial for patients with epilepsy.

It is equally important to remember that cannabis can interact with other medications and have side effects. Common side effects reported in studies include fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite or weight. In some cases, cannabis can also increase liver enzyme levels, indicating potential liver damage.

Open communication between patients, families and healthcare providers is paramount when using cannabis for epilepsy. Staying up-to-date on the latest research and advocating for patient needs can help find a treatment approach that effectively controls seizures and maximizes quality of life.

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In simple words, antioxidants are substances that slow down oxidation and therefore reduce oxidative stress. This process also promotes the formation of free radicals. The body produces some antioxidants such as glutathione and coenzyme Q10, but they are not always enough to prevent free radicals. This is especially true in older age, when the risk of oxidative stress increases significantly. That’s why it’s important to get enough antioxidants from other sources.

How can oxygen be dangerous?

Oxygen is commonly associated with life, and rightly so. That’s why you can understand why we dismiss the idea that oxygen can be dangerous to our health. Unfortunately, this is sometimes exactly the case.

We will need a little chemistry lesson to understand how oxygen can threaten our health. Oxygen is considered one of the most active substances. This is largely due to its atomic structure. The oxygen atom has six electrons on its outer shell. In order to be stable, it needs 2 electrons, which explains its activity in reacting with other elements such as hydrogen, which is just as active.

What are free radicals?

Oxygen is produced as a byproduct of various chemical processes in the body. Given its highly active nature, it easily combines with other elements in the body, resulting in the formation of harmful free radicals.

The free radicals formed then destroy cells by stealing electrons from their proteins. Sometimes they can even damage DNA. But the worst part is that once free radicals steal electrons from other cells, those cells become unstable, which destabilizes other cells. Simply put, a ripple effect begins that harms the entire body.

Although the whole process begins with the formation of oxygen as a byproduct of various body processes, oxidative stress is not necessarily harmful. It is actually a process by which the body destroys damaged cells in order to protect the rest of the body. It only becomes a problem when this process is in excess, meaning free radicals move throughout the body, taking up oxygen and destroying huge numbers of cells.

How exactly do antioxidants control the situation?

Antioxidants are very stable, so they can afford to give up a molecule of oxygen while remaining further stable. They bind to out-of-control free radicals, neutralizing them and stopping the damage they cause.

You may have heard that free radicals are blamed for a huge number of diseases that are associated with old age. Diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease. and chronic inflammation are often caused by free radicals. You may be asking why this is so. As mentioned, as we age, the body begins to produce fewer antioxidants. This means that free radicals can wreak havoc on the body and nothing neutralizes them. They can attack any system in the body and do a lot of damage there.

In addition, there are also free radicals that are formed from pollution such as cigarette smoke and even from emotional stress. As you age, you are increasingly exposed to these free radicals, which subsequently build up to toxic levels, making you more vulnerable to various diseases.

CBD as an antioxidant

For a long time, vitamins C and E have been considered among the strongest antioxidants. In addition to eating foods rich in these vitamins, people are also turning to supplements to get more antioxidants. New research has shown that cannabinoids are a rich, if not the richest, source of antioxidants known to man. Interesting, isn’t it?

CBD has also shown to have neuroprotective properties that protect the body from countless neurodegenerative diseases.

Research on CBD as an antioxidant

Various studies have been conducted to show the antioxidant properties of CBD. A study that was conducted on rats showed that CBD significantly reduces hydroperoxide toxicity in neurons3. Another study showed that CBD is 30%-50% stronger than vitamins C and E in antioxidant qualities4.

Another study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology found the property of CBD to reduce inflammation caused by injected amyloid, which is the protein associated with cell death that causes Alzheimer’s disease. CBD was found to reduce toxicity in rats that were exposed to high levels of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter.

Conclusions

Antioxidants are undoubtedly very important to the body. Without sufficient amounts of them, the body remains at the mercy of free radicals, which can cause significant damage. Antioxidants work by providing oxygen atoms to free radicals. Once free radicals get extra electrons, they stop taking oxygen from neighboring cells and the cycle of destruction ends.

There are many foods known as such that are rich in antioxidants, especially those rich in vitamins C and E. Another rich source of antioxidants is CBD. There are many studies that have shown how rich CBD is in antioxidants. CBD is actually richer in antioxidants than most other traditionally known sources of antioxidants.

The best part about this is that CBD also helps protect the nervous system. It has also shown its strong neuroprotective properties that curb neurodegenerative diseases5. With CBD you significantly reduce your risk of getting various diseases ranging from Parkinson’s to Alzheimer’s and even cancer. So why not give it a try today?

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As for cannabis and other drugs, the consequences of their combination can be very unfavorable. Thus, the combined use of ecstasy and marijuana is dangerous with the emergence of severe intoxication and impaired consciousness, up to coma. The combination of cannabis and methamphetamine causes cross-dependence, which is hard to treat.

In order for your loved one to successfully manage his or her disease, it is imperative that you give him or her full support and assistance. Moralizing and further fueling conflict will not help. Try to criticize the addict less, share his condition with him.

Invite the patient to focus on the reasons why he wants to quit smoking marijuana and the pros that will appear when he gets rid of the addiction. This way he will feel more motivated.

Help the patient find a new activity or hobby that interests him. This can help distract him from his drug cravings, boost his mood, and keep his free time occupied.

It is also important to know that any addiction occurs for a reason. For example, those who use cannabis may be trying to cope with anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders in this way. Help your loved one find appropriate treatments for these conditions, including lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, or medication therapy.

If you notice signs of addiction to this psychoactive substance in your loved one or relative, you should try to calmly discuss the problem with the sufferer and contact a doctor.

Very often cannabinoid addicts deny having problems and claim that they can easily quit smoking pot if they want to. They make promises and vows to their loved ones, but continue to use the drug.

It is not worth delaying a visit to a specialist, as tolerance to cannabis occurs quickly enough that it can lead to the use of other types of psychoactive substances, as well as life-threatening conditions.

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