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Can CBD Help ALS Patients?

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Nothing But Hemp

CBD is a special compound that offers numerous therapeutic benefits for people suffering from various health conditions. There is evidence to suggest that CBD products such as oils and tinctures may also be able to help patients with ALS. Keep reading if you want to learn more about CBD hemp oil and ALS treatments.

 

 

What is ALS?

ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is a group of neurological diseases that affect certain nerve cells in the body. The cells it targets are usually responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement.

People with ALS typically develop problems with simple actions such as chewing, walking, and speech. These symptoms usually get worse with time, which makes the condition very serious for those afflicted by it.

It is estimated that ALS affects around two per 100,000 people. This means approximately 16,000 individuals in the United States suffer from this condition.

What Causes ALS?

ALS’s causes can be classified as either familial or sporadic.

Familial ALS

Familial ALS is usually inherited. This means parents with the condition may pass it onto their offspring. However, it is believed that only 5 - 10 percent of ALS cases are inherited.

 A significant portion of patients with familial ALS developed the condition due to a defect in one of their genes known as C9orf72.

A smaller percentage of patients with familial ALS developed the condition due to a defect in the gene responsible for the body’s production of a copper-zinc enzyme. This defect results in nerve cells being damaged and destroyed.

Sporadic ALS

The vast majority ALS patients suffer from sporadic ALS. These individuals developed the condition without inheriting it from a parent. Scientists attribute sporadic ALS to genetic mutations; however, they also believe it may be caused by chemical imbalances, an overactive immune response or mishandled proteins.

ALS in the Media

One of the most famous people with this condition was the late theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. He was diagnosed with ALS when he was only 21 years old. Doctors initially told him that he would not live long, given that half of the people with this condition usually pass away within three years of the diagnosis.

However, Hawking survived an astonishing 55 years with the condition. Unfortunately, very few people with ALS make it as far as he did after their diagnosis.

You may also remember the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that gained popularity worldwide in July 2014. This challenge was meant to raise awareness about the condition and help fund research into curing it.

Can ALS Be Cured?

Despite having been discovered over 150 years ago, medical researchers have been unable to find a cure for ALS. People with ALS constantly hope that a cure will be found some day, but many believe that this may not occur within their lifetime.

ALS Treatment Options

ALS may be an incurable condition, but there are treatment options out there to slow down the rate at which it deteriorates the body’s motor functions. Two medications have currently been approved by the FDA for ALS treatment. These are Rulitek (riluzole) and Radicava (edaravone).

ALS patients that are currently relying on these medications may be able to supplement their treatment with the help of CBD. Let’s look at this compound in greater detail.

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of the active compounds in cannabis. It can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana plants, and offers a wide range of therapeutic benefits when consumed.

Studies have found that CBD may be able to help combat problems such as arthritis pain, anxiety, and some skin conditions.

CBD offers all these therapeutic benefits without the “psychoactive” effects associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the other active ingredient in cannabis.

How Can CBD Help ALS Patients?

CBD cannot be used to treat ALS, but it may help patients deal with some of the symptoms of this condition.

One study found that ALS patients that consumed cannabis experienced moderate relief for several symptoms such as appetite loss, depression, and pain.

Another study found that ALS patients who consume cannabis reported improved spasticity.

 Given that CBD is one of the major compounds in cannabis, it may play an important role in helping patients with their ALS symptoms.

How Is CBD Consumed?

Once CBD has been extracted from cannabis plants, it can be added to different products for consumption. CBD product retailers such as Nothing But Hemp sell CBD oil tinctures, CBD capsules, CBD gummies, and CBD hemp oil vape products.

CBD Oil Tinctures

CBD oil tinctures come in small bottles with droppers. These oils can be ingested by placing a few drops under the tongue.

CBD Capsules

CBD capsules are special capsules containing CBD oil. These are usually swallowed whole and provide users with a pre-measured quantity of CBD with each dose.

CBD Gummies

CBD gummies are a type of edible product containing CBD. These can be chewed and swallowed, similar to a regular gummy candy.

CBD Vape Oil

CBD vape oil is sold in CBD pens or special cartridges that can be inserted into vape pens. These devices heat up the oil by passing it along a heating element and turn it into a vapor for inhalation.

Should I Use CBD to Help With My ALS?

If you suffer from ALS, some people say they are able to find some relief with the help of CBD products. While there is no conclusive evidence that states that CBD can help ALS patients, the aforementioned studies reveal that it may help patients deal with many of the symptoms they experience.

It should be noted that CBD products should not be used as a substitute to the ALS medications prescribed by your doctor. You may be able to supplement your existing ALS treatment with CBD, but it’s always best to check with a medical professional first.

Where Can I Purchase CBD Products?

You should always purchase CBD products from a reliable seller such as Nothing But Hemp.

 Nothing But Hemp is one of the leading suppliers of premium-quality CBD products in the country. Visit their website to see their wide range of products, or call (651) 330-9810 to speak with one of their CBD experts to learn more about how CBD can help you.

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