Nausea is a protective mechanism of the body caused by health problems. Cannabidiol (CBD) may relieve this nausea through its interaction with the human endocannabinoid system. Research is growing to find the link between the two. To learn more, let's take a look at what CBD and nausea are and how they are related.
What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
Cannabidiol or CBD, is one of the cannabinoids identified in cannabis. Once consumed, it acts on the body's receptors just like another better known cannabinoid, Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Unlike THC, CBD produces a relaxing effect but has no psychoactive effects.
But why is CBD so popular? CBD fascinates scientists and consumers alike because of its therapeutic properties that have made it a revolution. CBD is considered to have anticonvulsant, antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidepressant effects. In particular, it is known to have very encouraging effects on certain severe forms of epilepsy and many other inflammatory diseases for which medicine cannot find a cure.
For example, studies have already proven the benefits of cannabidiol on the condition (physical and psychological) of people with multiple sclerosismultiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia fibromyalgiafibromyalgia, Parkinson's parkinson's disease or evenendometriosis. Current studies are also trying to prove its effectiveness on cancer patients
The side effects of CBD are rare and depend on the individual who experiences them. Some of the effects include changes in appetite, dry mouth, dizziness, diarrhea and sometimes temporary headaches. If they occur, they often subside within the first two weeks.
Understanding Nausea
What is nausea?
Before we dive into how CBD can help with nausea, it's important to understand why nausea occurs in the first place. Nausea and vomiting are protective defense mechanisms in the human body that can be caused by a very large number of factors. Nausea can be caused by underlying health problems or by temporary health problems, such as motion sickness.
One of the most common forms of nausea occurs when our body experiences a viral infection. Although the exact cause of nausea caused by viral infection varies from virus to virus, researchers have found that rotavirus and norovirus cause a toxin to be shed into infected cells. In turn, enterochromaffin cells (a type of sensory cell) are stimulated in our digestive tract. In turn, these cells communicate with the brain to cause nausea.
What causes nausea?
Here is a list of reasons that can cause nausea in an individual:
Migraine
Head injury
Ear disorders, including infections
Gastrointestinal disorders
Appendicitis
Bacterial or viral infections
Chemotherapy and other drugs
Pregnancy
Heart attack
Pain
Psychiatric or emotional disorders
Drug and alcohol use
Chemotherapy
Side effects of medications
Nausea is often accompanied by vomiting or the urge to vomit.
How does nausea work?
What happens in the body when we feel nauseous? First of all, we need to know that the brain, gastrointestinal system and nervous system are all involved in creating this symptom. We know more about the physiology of vomiting than we do about nausea, so we have better therapies available for its relief.
One key to controlling the symptoms seems to be the receptors in parts of the brain and in the gastrointestinal tract that produce the neurotransmitter serotonin. Zofran, a well-known anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) drug, works by blocking the nauseating effects of serotonin release.
Does CBD relieve nausea?
Unfortunately, there is not enough research surrounding CBD and nausea for us to fully understand how the two interact. However, there is more research surrounding the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and CBD.
The ECS is a biological system within our body that is responsible for a number of functions, from our mood to our sleep quality. The SEC also interacts with our digestive system, nervous system and immune system.
A key aspect of our SEC is the fact that it is composed of endocannabinoids (cannabinoids naturally formed in our bodies) and cannabinoid receptors. The hemp plant contains phytocannabinoids. CBD may relieve nausea through its interactions with the human endocannabinoid system.
Since CBD is believed to balance our SEC and the CB1 and CB2 receptors it affects are found in the digestive system, health professionals believe the phytocannabinoid could help relieve nausea. To date, however, there is little scientific evidence to prove this theory correct.
At this time, we have found two scientific papers (the one from 2013 and the one from 2015) examining the topic of CBD and nausea. Obviously, a lot more research needs to be done.
CBD for cancer-related nausea
One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is nausea. Over 80% of chemo patients suffer from chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The very restrictive aspect of this symptom discourages many concerned who choose to abandon this vital therapy. According to scientists, synthetic THC (nabilone) is recommended to help combat chemotherapy-induced nausea, but not all patients are comfortable with the stimulating effects of synthetic THC.
That's where CBD comes in. CBD can inhibit serotonin by working with serotonin receptors, which are highly responsible for nausea and motion sickness. Cancer patients can benefit from CBD without any euphoric psychotropic effects. Testimonies are in the direction of a clear relief of nausea without other worrying side effects in chemotherapy patients.
Which CBD products should I use for nausea?
Because research shows that THC is probably more effective at reducing nausea than CBD, full-spectrum Full spectrum CBD products are your best CBD option for soothing nausea.
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the beneficial and natural cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, including tiny amounts of THC, down to 0.2%, the legal limit in France.
So choose products that you like and that make your life easier! Find a range of premium CBD oils on the e-shop 321 CBD.