Kidney disease can be due to abnormal renal function. There is hardly any cure for this complicated illness. In chronic cases, the treatment plan is symptom management and efforts to delay the progression of the disease.
CBD supplements have the potential to help in kidney disease treatment. Nonetheless, there is hardly any conclusive or exhaustive research done but CBD seems a promising alternative. In some way, CBD has helped in healing many conditions and symptoms associated with kidney disease.
Kidney disease in its last stage means kidney transplant and dialysis. If diagnosed early, there are prescribed medications that can help to address the other health degradation that accompanies the disease. Kidney disease symptoms that sufferers experience are high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, muscle & bone weakening, and anemia.
Treatments prescribed are effective but accompany unpleasant side effects. On the other hand, CBD oil does not cure kidney disease but helps to address several of these symptoms with the likelihood of no or mild side effects.
CBD supplementation is relatively safe but can interact with certain prescribed medications, so discuss this with your doctor before you think about using it for kidney disease management.
Potential side effects of kidney disease medications
Blood pressure medications [Angiotensin II receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors]
- Side effects – headaches, diarrhea, dizziness, skin rash, joint pains, nausea, and dry cough.
Statins [Zocor, Crestor, Lipitor]
- Side effects – Insomnia, drowsiness, dizziness, muscle weakness & pain, vomiting, and nausea.
Iron supplements
- Side effects – Nausea, dark stools, vomiting, and constipation.
Calcium
- Side effects – Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and constipation.
Vitamin D
- Side effects – Confusion, kidney stone, frequent urination, muscle weakness, weight loss, and extreme thirst.
CBD does not interact with iron and calcium supplements but vitamin D may not be able to metabolize well. Besides, using CBD with blood pressure medications and statins can increase liver damage risks. Therefore take medical advice before using CBD.
CBD is effective in managing some conditions like chronic pain, insomnia, weakened bones, increased cholesterol, and high blood pressure. This will make life easy and more pleasing for kidney disease sufferers.
CBD and chronic pain
Neuropathic and chronic pain is renal failure symptoms. CBD has inherent anti-inflammatory properties that can help to lessen the variety of painful experiences. It has been studied that CBD affects the glycine receptors that are associated with chronic and neuropathic pain. So, researchers believe that CBD may be a promising therapeutic agent for treatment associated with chronic pain and neuropathic.
CBD and high blood pressure
CBD is a vasodilator and allows blood to flow easily through the blood vessels thus lowering blood pressure. On the other hand, HBP medications hamper kidney functions and imbalance bodily electrolyte. So, CBD is a reasonable alternative.
CBD and cholesterol
CBD has omega 3-fatty acids, which prevents cholesterol buildup in the blood. An increase in metabolism means calories and fat get processed at a fast rate decreasing cholesterol levels in the blood.
CBD and insomnia
CBD proved to decrease stress. It means the cortisol levels get reduced making the mind and body feels relaxed. Blocking the production of cortisol CBD helps to combat stress-related insomnia.
CBD and bone strengthening
Bone density gets affected by osteoclasts and osteoblasts. The latter forms new bones and the former degrades the bone. Working in balance allows controlling bone growth as well as loss. In a study, CBD blocked the osteoclasts receptor GPR55, thus bone loss activity got significantly lessened. Endocannabinoids are associated with bones, so scientists feel that CBD has the same mechanism can help to promote bone strength.