How CBD oil can help with kidney disease

Kidney disease is a common and complicated problem and can lead to kidney failure. Currently, there is no way to cure kidney disease completely. Thus, medicine usually focuses on supportive treatment of symptoms and trying to stop the progression of the disease. This is where CBD oil (CBD drops) can help.

Current research into the use of CBD oil in the treatment of kidney disease is not yet sufficient and thus not conclusive enough, but the interim results are certainly promising. For many of the symptoms and difficulties associated with kidney disease, CBD helps or affects them.

The following is a summary of what we know so far about all the ways in which CBD oil may be helpful in managing kidney disease.

Benefits of CBD drops in kidney disease

Acute kidney disease can sometimes be reversed, however, it can become chronic, which usually cannot be cured. The only treatments for the end stages of this disease are dialysis and kidney transplantation. In the early stages, however, a number of medications are used in treatment to help address the health problems that accompany this diagnosis.

People with kidney disease often experience elevated blood pressure, higher cholesterol levels, anemia and weakening of muscles and bones. Medications prescribed for these ailments can be effective, but also cause unpleasant side effects.CBD oil, while certainly not a cure directly for kidney disease, can help with some of these symptoms, with potentially fewer side effects that are also milder.</p

Note: Kidney disease does not usually cause high cholesterol. High blood pressure and high cholesterol cause end-organ disease, which in turn leads to kidney damage. With blood pressure, the situation is more complicated because it can cause kidney disease on its own, but it can also be caused by kidney disease.

If you're considering CBD oil to manage your kidney disease symptoms to try, either alone or in conjunction with your current kidney disease medications, talk to your doctor first. Although CBD oil is considered relatively safe, it can interact with some medications in ways that are dangerous to the liver.

The table below provides information on the most common medications used for kidney disease, their side effects, and their possible interactions with CBD.

A cure for kidney disease	Possible side effects of the drug	Interaction between CBD and medicine for kidney disease
Blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers)	Dizziness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, dry cough, skin rash, back and joint pain.	Using CBD oil along with some ACE inhibitors may increase the risk of liver damage. Always consult a doctor before taking CBD oil.
Statins	Headaches, insomnia, muscle aches and weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting.	Using CBD oil with some statins may increase the risk of liver damage. Always consult a doctor before taking CBD oil.
Iron supplements	Constipation, dark stools, nausea, vomiting.	Using CBD oil with some statins may increase the risk of liver damage. Always consult a doctor before taking CBD oil.
Calcium	nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, muscle weakness, lack of energy.	There are no known interactions between CBD oil and calcium. However, this does not mean that they do not exist. Always consult a doctor before taking CBD oil.
Vitamin D	Kidney stones, confusion, muscle weakness, weight loss, frequent urination, extreme thirst.	Vitamin D may not be metabolized as well as usual when taken with CBD oil. Always consult a physician before taking CBD oil.

The effectiveness of CBD oil in kidney disease

Research into the potential use of CBD oil is ongoing. Although the results are not yet conclusive, there is a large body of evidence that cannabidiol (CBD) may be effective in managing some of the difficulties associated with kidney disease, making life easier and more comfortable for those affected.

CBD drops in oil form can be particularly helpful for symptoms of chronic pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insomnia and weakened bones. Let's look at research on specific ailments.

CBD oil for chronic pain

Chronic pain, and specifically neuropathic pain, is a common symptom of kidney failure.CBD oil is widely used to relieve pain, and this ability continues to be intensively researched.</p

The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol also help to reduce the experience of various painful conditions by acting on the underlying causes. In addition, CBD has been found to affect glycine receptors that are related to neuropathic and chronic pain. The researchers also found that cannabinoids such as CBD "may represent a new class of therapeutic agents for the treatment of chronic pain and other diseases.

CBD oil and high blood pressure

High blood pressure is common in people with kidney disease. Unfortunately, many blood pressure medications can actually weaken kidney function and alter the balance of electrolytes in the body, leading to the need for ongoing blood tests. CBD oil may be a more sensible choice.

CBD is a vasodilator. This means that it can dilate (dilate) blood vessels, allowing blood to pass through more easily and lowering blood pressure. A 2017 study found that even a single dose of CBD oil significantly lowered the blood pressure of participants both under stress and at rest.

In the same year, a review of blood flow studies found that despite limited research, CBD can be used as a treatment for various cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, and stroke.

CBD drops for high cholesterol

When it comes to CBD drops and cholesterol, few studies have been published to date. However, research suggests that CBD may be able to help boost metabolism, thereby balancing cholesterol levels. A faster metabolism means that the body processes fat and calories faster, which ultimately lowers cholesterol levels.

CBD oil also naturally contains omega-3 fatty acids. The cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are well researched. These include, for example, the ability to prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the bloodstream.

More research is certainly needed, but at present it appears that CBD has a significant effect on cholesterol levels.

CBD oil for insomnia

Research into the use of CBD oil in sleep disorders is still in its early stages, as in other areas, but the results so far are encouraging.

A2019 clinical study examined the effects of CBD on 72 patients suffering from anxiety and sleep problems. At the end of the three-month study, patients who suffered from sleep problems experienced a slight improvement in their sleep scores. Interestingly, patients who initially reported anxiety problems experienced a small negative impact on sleep scores due to CBD.

In general, CBD has been shown to help reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone produced in times of stress that triggers an alert and fight-or-flight response. At night, cortisol levels should naturally drop, allowing the body and mind to relax. However, busy schedules, work pressures and many other factors contribute to a lifestyle of chronic stress and chronic cortisol production, which can make it almost impossible to fall asleep at the end of the day. By blocking the secretion of cortisol, CBD oil can help combat stress-induced insomnia.

CBD oil to strengthen bones

When it comes to CBD research, one of the most interesting and surprising areas of study concerns bone strengthening. Specifically, how CBD can help those suffering from weakening bones and ailments such as osteoporosis.

There are two types of cells that affect bone density: osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Osteoblasts make new bone and osteoclasts break down bone. They work in balance to regulate bone growth and loss.

Osteoclasts have a receptor called GPR55 that, when stimulated, increases the rate of bone loss. In a 2009 study, CBD was found to block GPR55, reducing the rate of osteoclast activity and ultimately bone loss.

Last but not least, it is worth noting that the body produces its own natural endocannabinoids in the bones. Scientists have not yet determined their exact function and mechanism of action, but it makes intuitive sense that phytocannabinoids such as CBD, which are similar to endocannabinoids in our bodies, may have a positive effect on bone health.

How to use CBD oil for kidney disease

There are many different ways to use CBD drops for kidney disease, and the option you choose will depend on your needs and lifestyle. For most people with kidney disease, it makes sense to take consistent therapeutic doses in capsule form or through CBD oil tinctures or drops.

Tinctures and CBD oil drops provide a faster-acting dose of CBD oil. When administered sublingually (under the tongue), CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream directly through the thin lining of the mouth and the effects are usually seen within 30 minutes. It usually lasts for 2 to 4 hours afterwards. While tinctures and drops do not last as long as capsules, they are easily portable and their use is completely discreet. They also offer the most control over dosage, as they allow you to determine the amount of CBD you take, literally down to the drop. Because you can easily adjust the dosage, drops or tinctures can be a good starting point if you've never taken CBD before and need to figure out your ideal dose.

The use of CBD oil capsules or CBD-containing edibles such as gum candies will be familiar to most of you. Like the use of other dietary supplements, these forms of use provide a fairly consistent dose of CBD and the effects usually last for 4 to 6 hours. Because CBD must first be processed by the digestive system, it may take longer for the effects of the ingestion or capsules to take effect. Depending on the rate of metabolism and the amount of food already present in the stomach, it can take up to an hour for CBD capsules and ingestibles to take effect.

CBD vaping oil, e-liquids, and CBD flowers may not be the best choice if you want to supplement with CBD regularly, but they can still be useful. Because vaping and smoking CBD produces almost immediate effects, these CBD products are mainly used to treat sudden flare-ups of symptoms. In the case of kidney disease, these products can be useful in managing stress levels and sudden spikes in blood pressure. Inhaled CBD oil bypasses the digestive system, is absorbed through the lungs and the effects are felt immediately. Unfortunately, these effects are short-lived and usually wear off within an hour. It is easy to take another dose if needed, but it should be stressed that smoking and vaping are not always an option.

When dealing with the myriad of symptoms associated with kidney disease, patients may find that a combination of different products will be most effective for them.

Dosing CBD oil for kidney disease

It would be great if there was a single recommended dose of CBD oil for kidney disease, but unfortunately this is not the case.

The amount of CBD oil you need depends on a number of factors that are unique to each person. Unless your doctor suggests otherwise, always start with the lowest recommended dose for your product. Once you know how your body responds to CBD, you can adjust the dose up or down as needed.

As a general starting point, we analyzed hundreds of products and came to the following conclusions:

The standard dose of CBD oil is 25 mg of CBD twice a day.

If this amount doesn't produce the results you were aiming for, try increasing the dose by 25 mg every 3-4 weeks until you get relief.

You can also consult with your doctor, who will tailor the CBD oil dosage and treatment plan to your specific needs.

Best CBD oil for kidney disease

There is no one particular brand or product that is best for kidney disease. When buying CBD oil, safety and effectiveness are the most important factors. To make sure you purchase a quality CBD product, keep the following in mind:

Laws. Before you purchase CBD for the first time, be sure to check the legal status of CBD. As of early 2022, hemp products containing 1% THC or less have been legalized in the country. However, the same situation does not apply in all states. Some countries require CBD users to have a doctor's prescription, while others ban the sale of hemp products altogether. When travelling abroad, we recommend checking the laws in all the countries you will be passing through. Check the THC content. If you do not want to use THC, only buy products made with broad spectrum CBD oil or CBD isolate.

Try to look for the relevant certificates as well. Use brands that publish a certificate of analysis for each batch of CBD oil products they produce. These certificates are actually lab results that tell you exactly what is in your CBD oil. They will help you verify the concentration of both THC and CBD and help you avoid possible heavy metal contamination. Kidney disease is a complicated disease. It is chronic and progressive, leading sufferers to seek effective ways to manage symptoms and related conditions.

Research into CBD oil and all its potential uses is still in its infancy. As scientific studies progress, it is likely that we will learn more about how CBD oil may be useful in treating kidney disease. In the meantime, CBD oil is promising for its potential in combating high blood pressure, regulating cholesterol and maintaining bone strength. Talk to your doctor to find out if taking CBD oil for kidney disease is the right choice for you.

Author: Matthias Roth

Photo: Shutterstock

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