Cancer is considered a genetic disease. Changes in the genes control the way cells function. While healthy cells have a lifespan, cancer cells continue to grow and ignore the messages that they have reached their boundaries. Quite often, cancer cells travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, to other parts of the body (metastasis). We know cancer causes serious illness and death.
Traditional Cancer Treatments
Typically, cancer treatments involve removing a cancerous tumor, radiation to shrink the tumor, drugs to kill cancer cells (chemotherapy), and Immunotherapy to trigger the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells.
Cancer treatments save lives. Unfortunately, these treatments can damage the liver, kidneys and have numerous side effects. They also suppress the immune system.
Cannabinoids: The New Frontier of Cancer Research
There is mounting evidence to suggest that cannabinoids, like CBD, may be the next frontier in anticancer treatments. During a ten-year quest to develop cancer interventions therapies, Dr. Sean McAllister discovered that the cannabinoid CBD, a product of the cannabis plant, might provide benefit as a non-toxic therapy for aggressive forms of cancer. Interested researchers soon followed his lead.
Studies Confirm Those Initial Findings
Studies in mice and rats show that cannabinoids inhibit the growth of tumors, block the development of blood vessels necessary for tumors to survive, and kill cancer cells. Here are a few of the findings based on some of the research.
- CBD stimulates the production of the messengers (anandamide and 2-AG) that prompt the immune system to seek out and destroy cancer cells
- CBD can hijack the lipoxygenase pathways, inhibiting tumor growth
- CBD inhibits metastasis – which means cancer cells cannot migrate through the bloodstream or lymphatic system
- CBD stimulates the caspase cascade, which breaks down cancer cell proteins and peptides. This kills cancer without harming healthy cells
- CBD induces apoptosis cell death by destroying cancer cells from within. When a cell dies from apoptosis, rather than external damage (necrosis), there is no leakage of destructive enzymes
- CBD suppresses inflammation which can speed cancer growth
The National Cancer Institute is well-aware of the potential benefits of CBD supplements. Not that long ago they acknowledged cannabinoid benefits as potential “treatment for people with cancer-related symptoms caused by the disease itself, or its treatment.” The research continues.
Why Your Body Responds to CBD Supplementation
The reason CBD provides so many potential benefits for cancer treatment is because of its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for nearly every operation in your body. It’s a network of neurotransmitters and receptors that bridge the communication channels between your body and your brain.
CBD (cannabidiol) sourced from natural hemp, reacts within this system. In fact, these messengers mimic the naturally occurring cannabinoids in your body, but the effects are stronger and last longer.
Supplementing Endocannabinoids with CBD
When stress, illness or injury require more messengers than your body can produce, CBD helps your body by supplementing your natural supply. With transitory stressors on your body, the effects of CBD are transitory. With long-term stressors, like cancer, continued supplementation can potentially sustain the balance necessary to promote healing.
In fact, some researchers believe that many diseases are the result of an imbalance of transmitters and receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Endocannabinoid deficiency may be the primary cause of many diseases, including fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic migraines, anxiety, and cancer.
The Potential Benefits of Supplementing Cancer Treatment with CBD
Many cancer patients are using CBD alongside traditional forms of treatment like radiation and chemotherapy. Based on the testimony of many of these pioneers, CBD is beneficial in relieving cancer symptoms and providing relief from the many side-effects of aggressive cancer treatment. Most often, those undergoing cancer treatment experience side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, swelling, weight loss, and pain.
For example, a group of 131 cancer patients took part in a study where they supplemented their chemotherapy with CBD. The anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD provided significant relief from their chemo side effects. Those participating in the CBD study noted that CBD provided the following benefits:
- Reduced or eliminated nausea and vomiting – as well or better than prescriptions
- Provided pain relief – even when opioids failed
- Reduced swelling of hands and feet – due to CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties
- Improved appetite – which reduces weight loss
- Improved emotional health – CBD may also alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Increased energy and stamina – possibly due to the relief of other symptoms
The potential benefits of CBD to inhibit cancer growth, kill cancer cells and reduce the many side effects of cancer treatments are based on lab studies, animal testing, and the testimony of those who have experienced benefits from CBD supplementation. CBD is not a cure, medical treatment or medication. CBD is a dietary supplement, with promising potential benefits.
To support the many functions of your endocannabinoid system, visit The CBDistillery, who offers an excellent selection of CBD products, including capsules, tinctures, vape products and topical ointments. We encourage you to download The Ultimate CBD User Guide, to learn more about the potential benefits of CBD supplements for a healthier, happier life.
Additional Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4791148/https://www.verywell.com/cancer-cells-vs-normal-cells-2248794
https://www.solcbd.com/blogs/cbd-science/cannabinoids-fight-cancer-cellular
https://echoconnection.org/chemotherapy-side-effects-medical-cannabis-and-cbd-research-overview/
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579246/
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