How CBD can help for Autonomic Dysfunction

What is Autonomic Dysfunction

The autonomic nervous system controls the functions responsible for well-being and maintenance of balance. Autonomic dysfunction occurs when the system is not properly regulated.

Autonomic dysfunction is commonly referred to as autonomic neuropathy and describes many conditions caused by damage to the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The autonomic nervous system is the division of the peripheral nervous system that unconsciously controls bodily function:

• Breathing.
• Heart rate.
• Blood pressure control.
• Temperature regulation and digestion.
• Sweating

Diabetes is the most common cause of autonomic dysfunction. Other possible causes include autoimmune diseases, certain medications, some viruses and bacteria.

Symptoms include:

• Sexual difficulties such as erectile dysfunction.
• Urinary problems
• Excessive sweating
  fainting on standing due to sudden drops in blood pressure and heart rate
• Problems digesting food, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and other related problems due to changes in digestive function
• Exercise intolerance and other…

Types of autonomic dysfunction and side effects

Neurocardiogenic syncope (CNS) is the most common type of autonomic dysfunction. It affects tens of millions of people worldwide. The main symptom is fainting, also called syncope. It may occur only occasionally, or it may be frequent enough to disrupt a person’s daily life.

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal form of autonomic dysfunction. However, it has similarities to Parkinson’s disease, with a life expectancy of only 5-10 years from diagnosis.

Orthostatic hypotension is a type of orthostatic intolerance. It occurs when blood pressure drops significantly on standing, including fainting.

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is an abnormal increase in heart rate that occurs after sitting or standing. It is only diagnosed when orthostatic hypotension has been ruled out. In addition, there is no acute dehydration or blood loss.

Holmes-Adie syndrome (HAS) affects the nerves that control the eye muscles, causing vision problems. One pupil is likely to be larger than the other and contract slowly in bright light. It mainly affects the nerves that control the eye muscles, causing vision problems.

Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (HSAN) is a genetic disorder that affects the development and survival of certain nerve cells. Problems related to this disorder first appear during childhood. The first signs and symptoms are as follows:

• Lack of muscle tone.
• feeding difficulties
• poor growth
• Lack of tears.
• Frequent lung infections.
• Difficulty maintaining body temperature.
• Older babies and young children may hold their breath for prolonged periods. This may result in a bluish appearance of the skin or lips (cyanosis) or fainting.

Traditional treatment of autonomic dysfunction

There is no cure for most types of autonomic dysfunction. However, symptomatic treatment is available for many of the symptoms associated with the disease, and some disease processes can be treated directly.

The prognosis for people with autonomic dysfunction depends on the particular diagnostic category. People with chronic, progressive, generalised autonomic neuropathy often have a poor long-term prognosis. Fatal outcomes can result from pneumonia or acute respiratory failure.

The disease is difficult to diagnose and is often misdiagnosed. Symptoms may be confused with those of another disease already present. Diagnosis is made by functional testing of the ANS, focusing on the organ system affected. An accurate diagnosis is usually the result of collaboration between several specialists.

In any case, the neurologist will review the results of previous tests. He or she will prepare a report that includes a detailed diagnosis and a treatment plan.

On the one hand, treatment can help people manage their side effects and experience a better quality of life. Such treatment plans may include medications to:

• Help stabilise blood pressure.
• Control symptoms such as intolerance to high temperatures.
• Manage digestive problems and bladder function.

On the other hand, it also helps to change lifestyle habits:

• Drinking plenty of fluids (best enriched with electrolytes).
• Raising the head of the bed.
• Adding salt to the diet.
• Changing position slowly.
• Exercise regularly.
• Wear clothing to improve vasomotor problems (compression stockings, compression tights and cooling waistcoats).
• Another alternative may be cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which can be combined with mindfulness.

CBT is based on the idea that thoughts and responses create negative mood states. By identifying and adjusting inaccurate or distorted thoughts, mood can be improved. CBT is very helpful when dealing with chronic or recurrent thoughts.

Patients with the disease may feel frustrated when coming to a diagnosis and dealing with the health care system. Thought patterns then emerge that can be detrimental to physical and psychological health.

What is CBD and how does it work for autonomic dysfunction?

It is important to mention that the use of CBD oil to treat autonomic dysfunction should be supervised by a medical specialist. The healthcare professional can help determine the appropriate dosage and any possible interactions with other medications the patient may be taking.

Once medical approval has been obtained, CBD oil can be consumed orally, topically or inhaled. The most common method is oral administration, which is achieved by placing drops of oil under the tongue. It is recommended to hold the oil under the tongue for 60 seconds before swallowing, to allow the CBD to be absorbed through the sublingual capillaries.

The dosage of CBD oil for autonomic dysfunction can vary depending on several factors, such as age, weight, severity of symptoms and individual tolerance. It is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase until the desired effect is achieved. It is important not to exceed the recommended dose and to follow the doctor’s instructions.

How can CBD help with autonomic dysfunction?

CBD is the main non-psychotropic component extracted from the Cannabis plant. CBD interacts with the human endocannabinoid system and has shown positive results in its regulation and stabilisation.

Cannabinoids in cannabis have been shown to stimulate neuroregeneration and limit neuronal damage. They also play a role in regulating the immune system. These effects regulate inflammatory reactions through components of the adaptive and innate immune responses.

Cannabinoids have been shown to be potentially effective for autonomic neuropathy through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a complex system responsible for regulating various bodily processes to maintain health and prevent disease.

Modulation of the endocannabinoid system has been shown to be medically beneficial in slowing the progression of neuronal disorders. One study provided evidence that CB2 receptor activation attenuates autonomic function following spinal cord injury.

Some symptoms of autonomic dysfunction that CBD may help include

Nausea and vomiting: cannabinoids function as antiemetics.
Sexual functioning: There is a positive association between cannabis and impotence and it helps erectile function.
Lack of appetite: Medical cannabis stimulates your metabolism, which helps to increase your hunger. It can also help you gain weight.
Diarrhoea: It works as a treatment for stomach problems and intestinal disorders.
Anxiety: CBD (such as CBD oil) has similar properties to manufactured medicines.
Depression: Provides the user with energy and improves mood to help with depressive emotions.
Inflammation: Can effectively reduce chronic inflammation and inflammation-related pain.
Studies on CBD for autonomic dysfunction
Studies indicate that CBD appears to be beneficial in preventing and treating autonomic dysfunction. In addition, it has been shown to have antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. It supports nervous system health and may limit or prevent nerve damage. Cannabinoids found in cannabis, including CBD, have been shown to be effective in limiting neuronal damage and promoting neurological regeneration.

Another study shows that cannabinoids play a role in regulating blood pressure. Cannabinoids that activate CB1 receptors have been shown to dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. However, these findings may be of concern for those with low blood pressure who are subject to fainting.

The vasodilator effect has been shown to help normalise blood pressure in people with hypertension. Therefore, the reduction in blood pressure caused by cannabinoids may increase the risk of fainting in a person with SNA.

How to use CBD oil for autonomic dysfunction?

Cannabinoids have been shown to be potentially effective for autonomic neuropathy through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a complex system responsible for regulating various bodily processes to maintain health and prevent disease.

Modulation of the endocannabinoid system has been shown to be medically beneficial in slowing the progression of neuronal disorders. One study provided evidence that CB2 receptor activation attenuates autonomic function following spinal cord injury.

Some symptoms of autonomic dysfunction that CBD may help include

Nausea and vomiting: cannabinoids function as antiemetics.
Sexual functioning: There is a positive association between cannabis and impotence and it helps erectile function.
Lack of appetite: Medical cannabis stimulates your metabolism, which helps to increase your hunger. It can also help you gain weight.
Diarrhoea: It works as a treatment for stomach problems and intestinal disorders.
Anxiety: CBD (such as CBD oil) has similar properties to manufactured medicines.
Depression: Provides the user with energy and improves mood to help with depressive emotions.
Inflammation: Can effectively reduce chronic inflammation and inflammation-related pain.

Studies on CBD for autonomic dysfunction

Studies indicate that CBD appears to be beneficial in preventing and treating autonomic dysfunction. In addition, it has been shown to have antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. It supports nervous system health and may limit or prevent nerve damage. Cannabinoids found in cannabis, including CBD, have been shown to be effective in limiting neuronal damage and promoting neurological regeneration.

Another study shows that cannabinoids play a role in regulating blood pressure. Cannabinoids that activate CB1 receptors have been shown to dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. However, these findings may be of concern for those with low blood pressure who are subject to fainting.

The vasodilator effect has been shown to help normalise blood pressure in people with hypertension. Therefore, the reduction in blood pressure caused by cannabinoids may increase the risk of fainting in a person with SNA.

How to use CBD oil for autonomic dysfunction?

It is important to mention that the use of CBD oil to treat autonomic dysfunction should be supervised by a medical specialist. The healthcare professional can help determine the appropriate dosage and any possible interactions with other medications the patient may be taking.

Once medical approval has been obtained, CBD oil can be consumed orally, topically or inhaled. The most common method is oral administration, which is achieved by placing drops of oil under the tongue. It is recommended to hold the oil under the tongue for 60 seconds before swallowing, to allow the CBD to be absorbed through the sublingual capillaries.

The dosage of CBD oil for autonomic dysfunction can vary depending on several factors, such as age, weight, severity of symptoms and individual tolerance. It is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase until the desired effect is achieved. It is important not to exceed the recommended dosage and to follow your doctor’s instructions.

How to buy CBD oil for autonomic dysfunction?

If you would like to order any of our CBD products, please follow the steps below:

• First select any of our CBD products from our online shop and click on the add to cart button.
  If you have selected products worth more than 100 euros, you have a free gift to choose from. A pop-up window will then appear in the online basket.
• In the delivery window you must fill in your personal details. For example, your name, your address, a valid e-mail address. Also a telephone number where we can reach you in case we need any additional information.
  You can register an account at Canalanza Labs. And you will receive a discount on your next order and you will be kept up to date with our interesting offers on health and CBD.
• In the payment window you will have to fill in your credit card details. And you will be asked for confirmation with a sms or a notification from the bank app. The final confirmation depends on the bank. Our website is protected by an SSL certificate that guarantees the security of the process.
• If the process is successful you will receive an email from Canalanza Laboratories. With your order number, the ordered goods and the confirmation.
• When the order is shipped our system will send you the tracking identifier and the link where you can track your order and when it will arrive.
  In a few days you will receive it safely at home.

I hope this article has helped you and I encourage you to start right now with a balanced diet, but fresh and quality products, to get off the couch and take walks and meet with friends and do not stop exercising. If you take care of yourself, you will thank yourself for it.

*Sources:

https://pnsd.sanidad.gob.es/profesionales/publicaciones/catalogo/catalogoPNSD/publicaciones/pdf/Bases_cientificas.pdf

-Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836. doi: 10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1
-Rong, C., Lee, Y., Carmona, N. E., Cha, D. S., Ragguett, R. M., Rosenblat, J. D., Mansur, R. B., & McIntyre, R. S. (2019). Cannabidiol in medical marijuana: Research vistas and potential opportunities. Pharmacological Research, 145, 104253. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104253
-Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18-041. doi: 10.7812/TPP/18-041
-Turcotte, C., Blanchet, M. R., Laviolette, M., & Flamand, N. (2016). The CB2 receptor and its role as a regulator of inflammation. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 73(23), 4449-4470. doi: 10.1007/s00018-016-2300-4