Scientists have found that CBD has multiple health benefits. Studies have shown that CBD can help reduce stress and anxiety, relieve pain, manage diabetes and hypertension, and improve sleep quality. The discovery of the therapeutic benefits of CBD has increased its demand manifold. Manufacturers have made various CBD-infused products to meet the growing demands and diverse needs of the consumers. One of the most popular products is CBD gummies.
CBD gummies are sugary edibles infused with non-psychoactive Cannabidiol extracts obtained from the Cannabis plant. You can consume CBD gummies for either therapeutic or recreational purposes. Vendors also add various flavoring agents to the gummies to make them delicious.
Experts also speculate that CBD gummies can help treat thyroid symptoms. This article will explore whether CBD Gummies truly aid in managing Thyroid symptoms.
Can You Consume CBD Gummies To Help With Thyroid Symptoms?
We need to understand the interrelation between our endocannabinoid system and the thyroid gland to understand whether CBD gummies work on thyroid function. The endocannabinoid system is a plexus of chemical signals and receptors densely packed throughout the body. Studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system is associated with almost all the vital organ systems of our body.
Scientists believe that the erratic functioning of the endocannabinoid system can hamper the proper functioning of the Thyroid gland and increases the risk of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
A 2015 study showed that many endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) are present in the thyroid glands. Scientists also found that the endocannabinoid receptors helped block the spread of malignant cells in the thyroid gland and shrink the thyroid tumor. Research also suggests that the endocannabinoid system might also be associated with developing thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s disease and Grave’s Disease.
Do CBD Gummies Help Treat Thyroid Symptoms?
Building on the fact that the endocannabinoid system is closely related to thyroid functions, scientists assumed that CBD gummies might be beneficial for managing thyroid symptoms associated with thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Ongoing studies indicate that CBD can help reduce thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis), correct hormonal imbalance, and even decrease the risk of thyroid cancer. Experts believe that CBD gummies can also be beneficial for treating Hashimoto’s disease and Grave’s disease.
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For Sleep troubles
People suffering from hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) often experience difficulty falling asleep. Experts believe that consuming CBD gummies with food increases melatonin synthesis, the neurotransmitter which induces sleep. As a result, it helps treat insomnia by promoting Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep. It also helps improve sleep quality and makes you feel refreshed when you wake up.
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For Weight Management
While hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, hyperthyroidism can increase the risk of unintentional weight loss. CBD gummies help convert the fat cells into brown fat cells (the fat cells that help burn energy and calories), promoting weight loss. In addition, CBD also interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors and helps stimulate metabolism.
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For Muscle Weakness and Joint Stiffness
Thyroid disorders are often accompanied by muscle weakness and joint stiffness. Studies have shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It alleviates inflammation and pain associated with joint stiffness. CBD gummies also help improve muscle strength and relieve soreness.
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For Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. It can wear you down and also decreases your productivity. Prolonged fatigue can also lower your focus. CBD gummies interact with the nervous system and help recharge you. CBD helps increase protein synthesis and stimulates the areas of the brain that promote wakefulness and alertness.
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For Anxiety and Irritability
People with hyperthyroidism often complain of anxiety, nervousness, and irritability. CBD has anxiolytic qualities. It helps relieve anxiety and irritability by triggering the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that bestows a feeling of calmness and relaxation.
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For Dry Skin
Dry and rough skin is a common symptom experienced by patients with hypothyroidism. CBD gummies have antioxidative properties, which are beneficial for dry skin. It also increases the moisture-retaining properties of the skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD gummies also help relieve itchiness, dryness, and flaking of the skin.
Effects of CBD Gummies on Thyroid Cancer:
CBD extracts are believed to have anticarcinogenic properties. When consumed, CBD gummies help shrink cancerous growth and inhibit the proliferation of malignant cells in the thyroid gland. The pain-relieving properties of CBD gummies also help alleviate the discomfort and ache in the throat caused due to tumor growth.
The CBD extracts bind with the endocannabinoid receptors and block the pain-mitigating pathway, thereby reducing the sensation of pain. It also helps relieve the inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck (a common symptom of thyroid cancer). CBD gummies can also help cope with the side effects of chemotherapy.
A study conducted in 2017 suggested that prolonged use of Cannabis-derived products might cause thyroid dysfunction and lower the levels of thyrotropin hormone. However, more studies are required better to understand the effect of CBD on thyroid function.
Do CBD Gummies Interact With Thyroid Medications?
CBD supplements like gummies can inhibit the activity of the Cytochrome p450 system. The Cytochrome p450 system consists of a set of enzymes responsible for breaking down the chemical components of the drugs and metabolizing them. CBD often interacts with certain medications and causes adverse drug reactions.
When CBD gummies are consumed along with thyroid medication, they might inhibit the metabolization of the drugs leading to subtherapeutic effects of the medication. It might also lead to the accumulation of drugs in the bloodstream, thereby increasing the risk of side effects.
We recommend consulting your physician to understand whether it is safe to consume CBD gummies with Thyroid medications. Lastly, scientists have established that our endocannabinoid system is associated closely with our endocrine system. It is assumed that impairment of the ECS can trigger abnormal functioning of the butterfly-shaped Thyroid gland located at the base of the neck. Building on this fact, scientists have speculated that consuming medicated cbd supplements like gummies can help manage symptoms associated with Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroiditis.