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Hashimoto's disease - the most common cause of hypothyroidism in Poland. It mainly affects women, and the likelihood of developing the disease increases with age. Currently, it is estimated that 800,000 Poles struggle with Hashimoto's disease [1].
The autoimmune nature of the condition requires lifelong treatment with levothyroxine, and the chances of a full recovery are usually not high. Want to know how CBD can help treat Hashimoto's and why you should include hemp products in your hypothyroidism treatment? We invite you to read!
Hashimoto's, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland. The main cause of the disease is the immune system, which becomes aggressive towards the thyroid gland (autoimmunity), damaging it to such an extent that it is no longer able to produce enough hormones. Some patients may develop the characteristic goiter - an inflammatory lump that causes discomfort in the neck area.
One way to diagnose Hashimoto's disease is by testing the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). In diagnosed patients, lifetime therapy with levothyroxine is used, which replenishes hormonal deficiencies.
Hashimoto's disease symptoms
Hashimoto's disease develops more often in women, especially after the age of 60. However, it can occur at any age, and affects both men and children. The most common symptoms of Hashimoto's disease include:
At first, the disease may be quiet and the symptoms may go unnoticed for a long time. However, in the preservation of the conservation of progress, progress, disease progression, progress in life [2].
Anyone interested in cannabis should be familiar with the endocannabinoid system, a complex cell signaling system (quite similar to the nervous system) that regulates physiological processes in order to keep the body in a state of equilibrium.
The cannabinoid receptors - CB1 and CB2 are an inseparable element of the endocannabinoid system. The receptors are actually scattered throughout the body, but in some places their density is much higher. For example, CB1 receptors are characteristic of the nervous and endocrine systems, and CB2 is found mainly on cells of the immune system.
Now let's take a look at the thyroid gland, as it is endowed with both CB1 and CB2 receptors. In 2015, scientists investigated the role of the endocannabinoid system in thyroid tumors [3]. Then they found that CB1 receptors located on the thyroid gland control the production of T3 and T4 hormones, and CB2 receptors affect the production of TSH and are directly involved in the reduction of tumors present on the thyroid gland.
Earlier, we mentioned that small molecules such as cytokines play a fairly important role in the development of inflammation of the thyroid gland. This was confirmed in one of the studies published in 2011 [4]. Scientists have proven that cytokines play a key role in the development of autoimmune thyroid disorders.
They also found that modulating the cytokine response could help treat diseases like Hashimoto's. Another study published three years later confirmed that CBD, along with other cannabinoids, works similarly to immunosuppressants due to their ability to block the production of inflammatory cytokines [5].
This is fairly clear evidence that CBD can limit the development of chronic inflammation in the body. It is worth recalling the results of another study that showed that cannabidiol is involved in the regulation of inflammatory response and expression by acting on a variety of receptors, not only cannabinoid receptors [6].
The benefits of using CBD oil Using CBD can help people suffering from Hashimoto's disease not only through its anti-inflammatory effects. Coming to the bottom line, regular use of CBD-rich foods affects:
reducing anxiety thanks to the modulation of GABA, serotonin and anandamide levels,
improving the quality of sleep by influencing the regulation of the circadian rhythm - many patients with Hashimoto's disease suffer from problems falling asleep,
pain reduction - people with Hashimoto's often struggle with chronic pain.
Using CBD can effectively help people suffering from Hashimoto's disease. Research has shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory properties that underpin its action in Hashimoto's disease. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, CBD doesn't get you high when consumed.
Moreover, CBD is a product widely available and over-the-counter from a doctor. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that CBD is well tolerated and non-addictive, according to many controlled studies.
Sources:
[1] Facts and myths, or how to live with Hashimoto's disease? | medonet https://www.medonet.pl/
[2] Hashimoto's disease | Practical Medicine https://www.mp.pl/
[3] Clinical Significance of Cannabinoid Receptors CB1 and CB2 Expression in Human Malignant and Benign Thyroid Lesions | NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
[4] Role of Cytokines in the Pathogenesis and Suppression of Thyroid Autoimmunity | NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
[5] Cannabidiol Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Promotes the Host Innate Immune Response | NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
[6] Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol | NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov