Osteoporosis and cannabis

INSERM estimates that 39% of women over 65 suffer from or are at risk of osteoporosis, which causes over 400,000 fractures a year.

CBD, especially topical products, can relieve some of the symptoms of this disease and help improve bone health.

In this article, we'll discuss recent medical research and whether CBD can be used to alleviate the symptoms of osteoporosis and help improve bone health.

What causes osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis means «porous bone», and occurs when bones weaken over time, increasing the risk of fractures. Worldwide, osteoporosis is responsible for 8.9 million fractures every year.

Osteoporosis can be caused by a number of factors, including nutritional and hormonal factors. It is also linked to normal bone degradation, which occurs in every person. Human bones are broken down and replaced repeatedly throughout life in a process known as bone remodeling. Bone mass loss occurs when bone degradation occurs at a faster rate than bone replacement.

Eventually, bones lose calcium faster than they can replace it, so they become less dense. In women, bone mass loss accelerates after the menopause.

Certain medical conditions increase the likelihood of bone degradation. These include Cushing's syndrome, hyperthyroidism and kidney disease.

While it is impossible to completely reverse the process of osteoporosis, there are ways of slowing down the loss of bone density. A change in lifestyle may be necessary. People at risk often need to increase the amount of calcium and vitamin D in their diet. They should also avoid alcohol and caffeine wherever possible.

The most useful foods and drinks are :

• milk and milk-based products such as yoghurt
• broccoli or cauliflower
• fatty fish
• green leafy vegetables

In addition to a healthy diet, exercise can help strengthen bones. Reasonable options include brisk walking, stair climbing, aerobics, racquet sports and dancing.

Living with osteoporosis

As we age, falls become a real danger. If their bone mass is low, a fall can result in a serious injury, such as a hip fracture.

People at risk should make sure their home is safe by clearing clutter from stairs and walkways to prevent falls. They should also place non-slip mats in the bathroom and use adhesive to ensure that the mats stay in place.

Conventional treatments for osteoporosis

There is also a range of prescription drugs that can slow the breakdown of bone mass. The bisphosphonate family is popular and includes Boniva, Zometa and Actonel.

However, bisphosphonates are not highly effective. This type of medication can also cause serious side effects such as esophageal ulcers, atypical femur fractures, skin rashes and low blood calcium levels. It can also cause bone, joint and muscle pain. CBD can help counter some of these effects.

How does CBD help osteoporosis and bone health?

The endocannabinoid system (SEC) plays an important role in maintaining bone health. At a time when the stresses of everyday life are taking their toll, SEC facilitates the process of bone remodeling.

According to an article published in 2011 in the British Journal of Pharmacology, Fatty acid amides (FAAs) interact with the body's cannabinoid receptors to enhance bone remodeling.

Research on CBD and osteoporosis

A study from 2015 examined the impact of CBD on fracture healing. It looked at rats, and over eight weeks, the study determined that CBD could markedly increase peak load and work-to-failure rates in rats when the compound was injected into their femurs.

Why choose CBD for osteoporosis and bone health?

Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help slow the rate of bone loss. Prescription drugs are also an essential part of treatment. However, they can be accompanied by a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe.

There is growing evidence that the endocannabinoid system may play a role in bone remodelling associated with osteoporosis. However, it remains to be determined whether CBD use has any effect on human bone health.

Final thoughts on CBD, osteoporosis and bone health

Unfortunately, there's no way to defeat the aging process. While experts are not yet able to reverse osteoporosis, CBD could play a role. It's available in a variety of forms, including oils, vaping juices, edibles and even balms, and has no intoxicating or mind-altering effects.

For people with osteoporosis who choose to go CBD, CBD-containing topicals may be the best choice, as they can be applied to a targeted area that might be tight or painful. The CBD oils, are consumed sublingually and have a less targeted impact.