What is hypertension and what are the risks associated with it?
High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, is when the force of the blood that pumps through the arteries is too high for too long! It’s like turning a water hose on high and laying it on the ground in one place. Eventually the ground will shift and change to accommodate the force of the water. In the heart, the chambers will respond to the force by becoming hypertrophied or thickened. This then reduces the efficiency of the heart muscle itself and causes everything below that to shift and change to accommodate the force of the pumping action! When pressure stays high for too long it causes the vessels to stretch and become lax and then the blood isn’t able to move through the vessels with the proper force for protection from stroke and heart attack. To add to the risk, particles of cholesterol can get piled up and then break loose and cause a heart attack or stroke.
This increased pressure can damage the arteries, heart, and kidneys and can lead to stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure. There are many possible causes of hypertension, including
obesity
stress
genetics
poor diet (one high in sodium and processed foods)
sleep apnea
RAS (renal artery stenosis)
and weird things like pheochromocytoma
Thyroid issues can affect blood pressure.
There is so much to consider. While there are often no symptoms in the early stages of hypertension, it is usually discovered during a simple blood pressure check. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, as well as medications to lower blood pressure. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary. Although hypertension is a serious condition, it is often preventable through healthy lifestyle choices.
How can cannabis help to lower blood pressure and improve heart health?
For many people, the idea of using cannabis to improve heart health may seem counterintuitive. After all, cannabis is notorious for causing an increase in heart rate. However, recent research has shown that cannabis can actually help to lower blood pressure and improve heart health. One study found that just a single puff of cannabis lowered blood pressure by up to five points. The researchers believe that this effect is due to the fact that cannabis causes the blood vessels to dilate, which lowers blood pressure. Another study found that regular cannabis use was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers believe that this effect is due to the fact that cannabis helps to reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar control. Taken together, these studies suggest that cannabis can be an effective tool for improving heart health.
What is the advise?
All the research I have reviewed indicates that a controlled regimen of medical cannabis and CBD use is considered relatively safe in terms of heart health.
- If you have heavy use, you may have an increase of blood pressure but it should resolve after use has been discontinued.
- If you have very light use of medicinal cannabis or CBD, you may have transient elevations of blood pressure. I
- f you don’t use cannabis medically but more recreationally and your use is heavy, you may have an initial increase in blood pressure but as you become accustomed to using the plant, you will have a reversal of the elevated pressure by experiencing low blood pressure - hypotension.
- Of course, if your blood pressure stays elevated, stopping cannabis, getting an appointment with your provider for a work up is indicated.
Other things to consider in the setting of HBP are diet, decrease ALL processed foods, eat a diet rich in fresh vegetables, low sugar content fruits and lean meats. If you are a woman in menopause, avoid pork (at least a regular diet of pork). Eating pork occasionally is ok but too much can lead to an estrogen spike and can affect blood pressure.
Also, lastly, I was listening to a health series about parasite infections. The consensus is that we all likely have some sort of parasite because we eat raw foods, sushi, we have pets that sleep in our beds or lick our faces. In the setting of a parasite infection, you could have cardiac related issues along with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, brain fog, sweats, joint pain and more! That is the topic of another conversation
What is chronic pain exactly?
Chronic pain is pain that has existed for longer than 8 weeks. Chronic pain affects about 20% of adults in the US alone which amounts to about 50 million people. In states that have approved cannabis for medical use, chronic pain is one of the qualifying diagnoses. There are 2 types of chronic pain - somatic (which is musculoskeletal) and neuropathic (which is related to nerves).
The history of cannabis and its use in chronic pain relief
Cannabis has been used for centuries for joint pain, migraine headaches and neuropathic pain and many other types of chronic pain. Our ancestors knew there was value in using cannabis for these issues and modern science backs it up with the discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) about 20 years ago. A lot of chronic pain is actually an inflammatory condition and the ECS along with cannabis helps control inflammation. From Culpeper’s Complete Herbal: A book of Natural Remedies for Ancient Ills, 1653, “The cannabis root eases the pains of the gout, the hard humours of knots in the joints and the pain of hips”.
Conventional approaches to the Management of Chronic Pain
OTC medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil or Aleve or Naproxen ( NSAIDs) are the most common recommendations for the management of chronic pain. However, using more than 3 gms daily of Tylenol can damage the liver and using NSAIDs can lead to stomach issues like ulcer or kidney damage or high blood pressure.
The other option for pain management are opioids. For years opioids have been prescribed much to the detriment of the patient. They work on somatic pain but not so well on neuropathic pain, but they lead to dependency and addiction. We are currently in an opioid epidemic that has affected millions of lives leading to addiction, overdose and death. In 2019, 49860 people succumbed to opioid overdose. For folks who haven’t had an addiction problem, they may struggle with side effects such as constipation, mental brain fog, nausea, vomiting, breathing problems and dizziness. In 2019, 9 million people ages 12 and older misused prescription opioid drugs.
In an attempt to change the trajectory providers started prescribing tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants and medications for anxiety but all without relief or without getting to the source of the pain which is usually inflammation. And of course, these medications come with a host of side effects like dizziness, cardiac problems, nausea, constipation, weight gain, insomnia and fatigue.
How cannabis works to relieve chronic pain
THC is a pain-relieving psychoactive cannabinoid that reduces signals being sent to the brain, thereby reducing our perception of discomfort. Unlike opiates, which block pain receptors and create dependency through receptor upregulation (which means the process of increasing the response to a stimulus), THC modifies the spine’s signaling pathways to improve tolerability of pain rather than its actual intensity.
Among its many functions, THC is also effective in reducing inflammation. It does this by activating CB2 receptors that live on the immune system's pro-inflammatory cells. When THC binds to these cells, it inhibits cytokine-mediated recruitment of lymphocytes. Studies have shown that, in the case of arthritis, inflammation improves at baseline and during flare-ups and actually slows long-term disease progression. This is just one more way in which THC can be an effective tool in the fight against a variety of diseases and conditions.
The benefits of using cannabis over traditional medications
Although cannabis has been used for centuries to treat various medical conditions, its use has been largely overshadowed by criminalization and traditional medication. However, recent studies have begun to explore the potential benefits of using cannabis as a treatment option. One of the major advantages of using cannabis is that it is relatively safe, with few serious side effects. Additionally, cannabis is effective in treating a wide variety of conditions, including pain, inflammation, anxiety, and seizures. Moreover, cannabis is generally non-addictive and rarely interacts negatively with other medications. As a result, it represents a promising alternative for patients who are looking for an effective and safe treatment option.
The risks and side effects of using cannabis for chronic pain relief
Though cannabis has been used for millennia to treat various forms of chronic pain, its use remains controversial. Some worry about the risks and side effects of using cannabis for chronic pain relief, especially in light of the current opioid crisis. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that cannabis may provide a safe and effective alternative to opioids. In one study, patients who used cannabis for chronic pain reported a 64% reduction in their use of opioids. Other research has shown that cannabis can help to reduce inflammation and relieve neuropathic pain. Though more research is needed, these studies suggest that cannabis may be a promising treatment for chronic pain.
How to find the right strain and dosage of cannabis for you
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right cannabis strain and dosage for you. The first thing to keep in mind is the reason why you are using cannabis. Are you looking for relief from pain? Different strains will produce different effects. It really comes down to the terpenes in the chemovars available. Looking for chemovars with beta caryophylline is great for addressing pain issues. Also choosing CBD or any of the many other constituents in CBD and cannabis like CBDa, CBC, CBN & THCV will certainly address inflammation and pain.
The next step is to consider your preferred method of ingestion. Cannabis can be consumed in many ways, including smoking, vaporizing, and consuming edibles. Each method will produce different effects, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs. For example, smoking or vaporizing provides quick relief from symptoms, while edibles take longer to take effect but offer longer-lasting relief.
Finally, it is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. This will help you find the perfect balance of efficacy and side effects. Everyone’s body responds to cannabis differently, so it is important to experiment until you find what works best for you. With a little trial and error, you can find the perfect strain and dosage of cannabis for your specific needs.
Tips for using cannabis safely and effectively to manage chronic pain
When used correctly, cannabis can be an effective way to manage chronic pain. Here are a few tips to help you use it safely and effectively:
- Start with a low dose. It can take a while for cannabis to take effect, so it’s important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed.
- Be patient. Don’t expect immediate relief from pain. It may take a few days or weeks of consistent use before you notice any effects.
- Pay attention to side effects. Cannabis can cause some side effects, including dizziness, dry mouth, and fatigue. If you experience any of these, reduce your dose or stop using it altogether.
- Choose the right delivery method. There are many ways to consume cannabis, including smoking, vaporizing, edibles, and topicals. Find the method that works best for you and is most comfortable to use.
- Talk to your provider. But unfortunately, most providers do not have an understanding of cannabis. If you would like a cannabis coach then look no further. As a medical provider, I completely understand this topic and can guide you in the direction you need to go.
Before you go, grab my free Terpenes Guide right here!
Insomnia can be frustrating and debilitating. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available to you
What is insomnia and what are the symptoms?
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. Individuals with insomnia often feel tired during the day and may have trouble concentrating or staying awake.
There are two main types of insomnia: primary and secondary.
- Primary insomnia is not caused by another health condition and typically lasts for a short period of time.
- Secondary insomnia is caused by another health condition, such as stress, anxiety, pain or shifting hormones due to menopause
Symptoms of insomnia can vary from person to person, but may include:
- trouble falling asleep
- waking up frequently during the night
- waking up early in the morning
- feeling unrested after a night of sleep.
Treatment for insomnia typically includes lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques. In some cases, medication may be prescribed. Typical conventional medications that are referred to as “Z-drugs” include ambien, Lunesta, or restoril. These drugs are indicated for short term treatment of insomnia. You may have heard stories of people driving or eating in bed when on these drugs. You typically don’t remember what you did while taking these drugs. They are not safe for long term use.
How cannabis and CBD can help fight insomnia
For many people, the word "cannabis" conjures up images of couch-locked stoners munching on Doritos and watching Netflix. But there's another side to cannabis that's gaining popularity among people who are looking for natural ways to combat insomnia.
- CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis that has been shown to help with sleep.
- THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound that gets people high, but it can also help with sleep.
- Research has shown that both CBD and THC can be effective at treating insomnia. CBD is thought to work by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, while THC may help to increase drowsiness and reduce REM sleep as it binds to receptors in the brain that are responsible for inducing sleep.
The different ways to consume cannabis and CBD for sleep and the benefits of using plant medicine
There are many different ways to consume cannabis and CBD for sleep. CBD can be taken in pill form, as a tincture, or inhaled as vapor. THC can be smoked, eaten, or vaporized. And both can be used topically in the form of lotions or oils. There are even CBD bath bombs!
So which method is best? It really depends on the individual. Some people find that smoking or vaporizing THC helps them to fall asleep quickly and get a good night's rest. Others find that consuming CBD in pill form gives them the most consistent results. And still others find that using a topical CBD oil before bedtime helps to quiet their minds and ease them into a deep slumber. No matter how you choose to consume cannabis and CBD for sleep, make sure that you start with a low dose and increase slowly over time to find the perfect amount for you.
Both THC and CBD are effective at treating insomnia, and they can also help to improve the quality of your sleep. In addition, CBD is non-addictive and does not produce the same side effects as other sleep medications. If you're looking for a natural way to improve your sleep, cannabis and CBD may be worth considering.
How to find the right cannabis or CBD product for you
Trying to find the right cannabis or CBD product can feel like a daunting task. With so many different products on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. However, there are a few key factors that can help you narrow down your options and find the perfect product for your needs.
- First, consider what you want to use the cannabis or CBD for. Are you looking for relief from pain or anxiety because that is what interferes with your sleep? Are you struggling with hot flashes that cause you to wake several times a night? Once you know what you want to use it for, you can begin to narrow down your options.
- Next, take into account your preferred method of consumption. Do you want to smoke or vape? Or would you prefer to take a capsule or tincture?
- Finally, consider your budget. With so many different products on the market, there is sure to be something that fits your needs and budget. By taking these factors into account, you can be sure to find the perfect cannabis or CBD product for you.
So How Did that woman ditch her meds for cannabis?
I am that woman. I have had sleepless nights for years and years. It started with early onset menopause at age 36. I would have flashes at night and have to toss the covers back to cool off. Then the hormones shifting all around caused anxiety and restlessness and relationship issues. I would just lay there and my brain wouldn't shut down and sleep wouldn't come. Out of desperation, I finally saw my provider who gave me Ambien. Wonder drug!!!!!! I slept so good! Trouble is, I wouldn't remember anything at all the next day. Then I heard stories of people driving around on Ambien and nothing good comes out of that. I also heard stories of people eating and not remembering. The only evidence would be the chips all over the bed or half-eaten peanut butter sandwich smashed into the pillow. I didn't want that for me but I was literally terrified to not have it. I just kept going back to my provider for refills. Finally I decided enough was enough!!! I weaned off using essential oils like lavender and rutavala. And then I found cannabis! It has taken a minute to get the right dose but I have found what works! My sleep app proves it! I am so happy when I see that I only woke 1 time (had to pee) and was restless for only 10 minutes! It varies, obviously, but for the most part, I sleep like a baby with my cannabis and essential oils.
So how about you? Would you like someone to hold your hand and help you get a good night's sleep? Reach out if you would like that. I'm here to help!
What is CBD?
CBD is a compound known as cannabidiol with therapeutic properties and is not known for intoxication like its cousin THC. It is found in both cannnabis and hemp and can be made into edibles like gummies, cookies, brownies, tinctures, oils and more.
The difference between CBD and THC is the molecule known as tetrahydrocannbinol that is found in THC and is responsible for the High you feel if you use it. It’s nice to know we can reap the benefits of the plant and eliminate the psychoactive effects of THC by using CBD. But the other news is that because of the way the molecules work on the receptors in the body, with that little dab of THC present it actually causes the CBD to be more effective.
CBD can be used to help manage stress, anxiety, pain, insomnia and many of the symptoms associated with menopause.
The really cool thing is that since CBD/hemp was made legal in most states with the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018, researchers have been discovering more and more therapeutic compounds that are in the plant that can help with our health concerns.
How Does it Work in the Body?
We have receptors all over the body that make up part of the endocannabinoid system. This system, also referred to as ECS, is very complex. It helps our bodies get into and stay in a state of balance or homeostasis. We have a load of natural endocannabinoids in the body. CBD helps the receptors of those natural endocannabinoids and also encourages the body to produce more of the natural endocannabinoids.
CBD not only interacts with endocannabinoids but also interacts with other important neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and opioid receptors. This is one of the reasons THC and CBD have been legalized for medical purposes. Here are some of the issues this plant based medicine can help.
Anxiety: Because of the endocannabinoid receptors known as CB1 receptors that are abundant in the brain, the theory is that the serotonin neurotransmitter is involved in this pathway. You can use a dry herb vaporizer to inhale CBD flower for a fast result or use a quality, lab tested oil or tincture. I have a couple of companies I love that are quality pure products and have transparent lab testing.Pain: People suffer with pain. Sometimes it's from nerves or other times it is inflammatory musculoskeletal pain. People who struggle with chronic pain can use CBD since it binds to the opioid receptor thereby, reducing discomfort associated with chronic pain. Either way, CBD is a great choice for addressing this problem and even better with a very small, teeny tiny amount of THC
Insomnia: My favorite use of CBD by far is to help with sleep issues. I can use CBD and a small amount of THC and sleep like a baby. I used to wake up to go to the bathroom and then toss and turn and then my mind would start churning and couldn't go back to sleep. This regimen allows me to wake up and go right back to sleep most nights. Depending on the person, body habitus, other medications, etc. CBD dosing needs to be higher for most folks. This is something you can work with me to figure out.
Where does CBD really come from?
It can come from hemp that traditionally contains <0.3% THC. It can come from cannabis as well but will have higher levels of THC.
Will CBD show up in a drug test?
No. CBD won’t show up and people aren’t tested for CBD. BUT…..if you live in a state where THC is illegal or you work for a federal government agency, you will need to be very careful as you could test positive for THC since there may be trace amounts of THC in CBD.
Would you like to WORK WITH ME? I am a Certified Cannabis Coach with another certification as an Educator. When I first started looking at trying CBD, I was so confused, it was overwhelming going to the dispensary and I just didn’t know where to start with dosing and all the many kinds of products. Together we can figure out the best solution for your health concerns.
What the Heck is an Endocannabinoid System???? Good question and one that is being asked more and more especially on Dr. Google!!
So this Endocannabinoid System thing is a fairly new concept in the world of science, health and wellness.
When I was in PA school in 2001 to 2003 there was no mention of an Endocannabinoid system. I went to a conference in California in 2007 and one of the speakers suggested that there was this thing called an Endocannabinoid system and that it was very promising for helping people control chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD and other things. It was discovered in the late 1980’s early 1990’s.
Since then, there's been a lot of research and we know now that we all have an Endocannabinoid system whether you use cannabis or not. The thing is, what unlocks or causes that system to work is to use cannabinoids which would be CBD or THC.
(Interested in being coached? Book an appointment for personalized health coaching incorporating cannabis, CBD and/or essential oils).
There are 3 parts to your ECS: 1). Endocannabinoids (small molecules produced inside the body that activate cannabinoid receptors called anandamide and 2-AG)
2). Enzymes (FAAH & MAGL) that help break endocannabinoids down
3). Receptors (CB1 and CB2) that are found on the surface of cells in animals and humans. They manage memory, digestion, immune response, inflammation, appetite, pain, motor function, blood pressure, bone development and growth, neuroprotection and more in an effort to maintain homeostasis or balance.
CB1 receptors are abundant in the brain and central nervous system.
CB2 receptors are abundant everywhere else. They are just waiting for something to come along and unlock them and that would be CBD or THC.
Your endocannabinoid system is very different from mine. We make our own Endocannabinoid's and that is based on different factors like stress, health, emotions and more.
How does this work?
To give you a simple explanation, your endocannabinoid receptor is sitting there waiting for something to bind to it to unlock it so it can become activated. That something is CBD/THC which are called phytocannabinoids.
When you are faced with illness, or inflammation, chemical exposures like medications, or trauma your endocannabinoid system recognizes these issues and makes more anandamide and 2-AG (endocannabinoids) in an effort to maintain balance.
Using CBD with a small amount of THC will activate that system and help balance become a reality!!
Learning about this concept has been a fascinating experience for me especially coming from the 70’s where it was sex, drugs and rock and roll!!
This plant has changed and the stigma of the plant is changing! Let’s use it for what it was intended- as medicine to bring balance to our health!!
