CBD and Chemotherapy

Patients undergoing chemotherapy experience debilitating and uncomfortable side effects. Chemotherapy involves the administration of drugs that are strong and meant to stop the growth of cancer cells. The drugs lead to side effects that include memory changes, infertility, fatigue, swelling, pain, hair loss, diarrhea, loss of appetite, constipation, emotional adjustment, and vomiting.

Cannabinoid (CBD) which is extracted from cannabis plants such as hemp has been proven to help patients manage the effects of chemotherapy in the following ways.

Promoting Emotional Health

Depression occurs when the endocannabinoid system of the body functions improperly or fails to function. The system is responsible for mood regulation. Studies have proven that CBD influences the system making it elicit anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. Consequently, taking CBD while undergoing chemotherapy help modulate feelings of anxiety and depression.

Reducing Swelling

The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD are beneficial to patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. CBD helps in managing the swelling of hands and feet. This benefit is achieved as a result of the suppression of the inflammatory response.

Reducing Nausea and Vomiting

CBD has anti-emetic and anti-nausea effects that make the patient comfortable with chemotherapy treatment. CBD activates the somatodendritic receptors which suppress nausea and vomiting.

Preventing Weight Loss

The influence that CBD has on the endocannabinoid system helps manage the appetite. With the system being responsible for regulating the food intake its interaction with CBD influences its effectiveness.

The interaction assists the system’s receptors in regulating eating motivation. This motivation is important for cancer patients for they can take in important nutrients regardless of the side effects of chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Most drugs that are administered in chemotherapy affect the production of new cells. They also affect the normal functioning of the body and make the patient feel depressed and sluggish. CBD has proven to reduce these effects and to make it comfortable to undergo chemotherapy for most patients.