Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound in cannabis, has become a popular alternative to pharmaceuticals. CBD users can sometimes find relief from their conditions without harsh side effects. 

“41% of cannabis users surveyed report swapping out other medications completely in favor of cannabis, while another 58% use cannabis and other medication or alternate between them,” researchers stated in a survey by Brightfield Group. 

While CBD may be a beneficial alternative for chronic conditions, it’s important to consider the implications of using CBD before changing your current regimen.

Diabetes

Studies have suggested that inflammation has a correlation with insulin resistance. This may be the result of the body not moving sugar from the bloodstream into cells, causing excessively high blood sugar. Obesity-related inflammation particularly limits glucose metabolism, resulting in high blood sugar. 

Researchers still don’t know exactly how CBD improves insulin resistance, but often credit it to the compound’s anti-inflammatory effects. 

According to a report on Type 1 diabetes from the Diabetes Council, “CBD can save insulin-forming cells from damage so that normal glucose metabolism can occur.”

It’s important to note that most claims being made are based on studies with animals, not humans. Using CBD to treat diabetes without more substantiated research and medical oversight could be dangerous. Until further human studies are conducted, CBD can’t be considered a direct treatment for diabetes. 

However, the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol may be beneficial for managing secondary symptoms from the disease. For example, CBD has neuroprotective qualities and may prevent retinal damage.

Cancer

While there is anecdotal evidence of successfully treating cancer with CBD, no definitive studies can back this up. However, we do know that CBD plays a role in cancer prevention and seems to have anti-tumor effects. In a 2012 report, researchers explained, “Evidence is emerging to suggest that CBD is a potent inhibitor of both cancer growth and spread.”  

The U.S. National Library of Medicine explains that CBD is anti-proliferative, meaning it can stop, slow down, or reverse the growth of cancerous tumors. It is also anti-angiogenic, meaning it does not support the generation of new blood vessels, specifically ones that allow cancerous tumor growth. Lastly, it is pro-apoptotic, which means it induces cellular suicide of cancerous cells. 

In addition to these cancer-specific effects, CBD may help patients dealing with pain related to cancer treatment, such as pressure on the organs and nerve injuries. Patients with cancer are commonly prescribed opiates to manage pain, but managing pain with CBD may be just as effective with fewer side effects.

Unlike opiates, which mimic our bodies’ natural endorphins, CBD actually encourages the production of natural endorphins by interacting with a neurotransmitter called anandamide. As a result, CBD is a non-habit-forming pain-reliever. 

It’s important to consider the legal implications before using CBD for cancer, or any other chronic condition. Hemp-derived CBD is legal across the United States, with specific guidelines per state. Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota have strict, conflicting rules regarding CBD, so caution should be taken if you live in those states. 

Whatever state you’re in, be sure to get high-quality CBD from producers who follow the guidelines of the law. 

Multiple Sclerosis

According to Neurology.org, “inflammation occurs in the brains and spinal cords of people with a specific kind of MS called relapsing-remitting MS.” CBD has been shown to protect against this harmful inflammation. 

In a 2011 study with mice, researchers found that CBD diminished axonal (nerve) damage and inflammation. CBD also reduced microglial activation, an inflammatory process that occurs in the central nervous system and is attributed to conditions like MS, Parkinson’s, and more. 

CBD may help users get relief from their MS without causing the sometimes intense side effects that come with pharmaceuticals. Still, CBD may cause some side effects that users should be aware of. Side effects may include:

 

• Anxiety
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in mood
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea

Anxiety and Depression

The hippocampus, the most widely studied portion of the brain, is responsible for the regulation of memories and emotions. Researchers believe the hippocampus plays a major role in depression, and have found that this region of the brain can shrink or decay in those with depression.

Fortunately, the shrinkage does not have to be permanent. The brain is very regenerative and can bounce back as new neural connections are made. This process is known as “neurogenesis” and is an important process to target for antidepressants, contrary to the prior belief that they just work to increase serotonin. 

Where does CBD come in? Research has shown that cannabidiol signals a serotonin receptor called 5-HT1A. This receptor is responsible for controlling many neurotransmitters, and is also the target of some anti-anxiety medications, like Buspirone. Activating this receptor can encourage neurogenesis, and potentially relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

While each individual case is unique, anxiety and depression tend to go hand-in-hand. CBD may encourage the neural regeneration necessary to find relief from either or both conditions. 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is caused by — you guessed it — inflammation. A 2009 study found CBD was beneficial for colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers induced colitis in mice and tracked their gut inflammation, finding that “cannabidiol, a likely safe compound, prevents experimental colitis in mice.”

Another review found “this compound may interact at extra‐cannabinoid system receptor sites, such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma. This strategic interaction makes CBD as a potential candidate for the development of a new class of anti‐IBD drugs.”

If you’re considering using CBD with other medications, consult your doctor first. Much like grapefruits, CBD inhibits the cytochrome P450 enzyme, which can prevent drugs from metabolizing properly. 

CBD could also negatively affect the liver by increasing liver enzymes. A 2014 review of CBD saw changes in the liver function of 10% of the subjects, and 3% had to drop out of the study to prevent further damage. Again, consult with a doctor if you want to use CBD for a chronic condition like IBD but are worried about the effects on your liver.

The Bottom Line

Americans spend around $1,200 on prescription drugs each year, which is more than the residents of any other developed country. The price of pharmaceuticals has risen without any improvements or innovation, according to CNBC. This makes CBD an exciting avenue as a potential alternative to standard pharmaceuticals.

It’s important to remember that the effects of CBD will vary by person, and that a lot of the claims we hear about CBD are in relation to animal studies and not humans. It’s also important to be as informed as possible before diving into the complicated world of buying CBD.

Still, many people find success with CBD for their chronic conditions. 

 

Macey is a freelance writer from Seattle, WA. She writes about natural health, cannabis, and music.

Dear Lyfebulb Community,

EXCITING NEWS: We have chosen the 10 finalists for our Innovation Challenge with UnitedHealth Group in Depression and Anxiety! Listed below, each of our Patient Entrepreneurs were selected because of their personal connection to Depression and/or Anxiety that inspired them to innovate in the mental health space to satisfy an unmet need in the patient community.

• Health Behavior Solutions, Jay Brown – Digital therapeutics company with apps aimed at improving health outcomes for individuals with mental health conditions
• Lief Therapeutics, Rohan Dixit – Smart patch that tracks and improves biomarkers of mental health
• Wellth, Matt Loper – Digital health company using behavioral economics to help motivate individuals to better manage their chronic conditions by building lasting, healthy habits
• Workit Health, Lisa McLaughlin – Telehealth addiction care company that provides medication assisted treatment and counseling by phone or web
• ForLikeMinds, Katherine Ponte – Online peer support community for people living with or supporting someone with mental illness, substance use, or stressful life events
• NeuraMetrix, Inc., Jan Samzelius – Non-invasive software technology that measures the inconsistency of Typing Cadence to aid in monitoring cognitive and motor functions of patients with CNS diseases and psychiatric disorders
• COMPASS for Courage, Dr. Ryan Stoll – Program using the best available evidence-based tools to support anxious youth to become more resilient, confident, and courageous
• NeuroQore, Dr. Mehran Talebinejad – Rapid 4-day treatment for major depressive disorder patients at imminent risk of suicide
• Timsle Inc, Quayce Thomas – Social accountability network designed to help people improve their health, with the support of friends and family
• SuperBetter, Keith Wakeman – Digital mental health and resilience app to improve the ability to stay strong, motivated and optimistic in the face of difficult obstacles

On our panel of judges, we are also excited to have:

• Mike Christy: Senior Vice President of Ventures for UnitedHealth Group Research & Development;
• Raja M. David, PsyD, ABPP, LP: Founder & Owner of the Minnesota Center for Collaborative/Therapeutic Assessment;
• Matt Kudish: Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City (NAMI-NYC);
• AnnMarie Otis: Patient Advocate and Lyfebulb Ambassador;
• Bethany Ranes, PhD.: Senior research scientist from UnitedHealth Group Research and Development who specializes in cognitive neuroscience and mental health; and
• Dennis Urbaniak: Chief Digital Officer of Havas Health & You and CEO of Havas Health Plus.

Click here to learn more about the 10 finalists as well as an overview of the Challenge.

The human body is an incredible thing. Yes, it can fall apart and let you down, but it also holds amazing minds that dream up things like insulin and glucose pills that can save someone’s life and help you work around the parts of your body that can’t keep up anymore.

Weight isn’t everything — health is. I grew up battling an eating disorder and now that my focus is on health, and not weight, I feel much more connected to my body. It’s like meeting an old friend I haven’t talked to in a long time (and we have a lot to catch up on). Having to count, track and balance every bit of food or drink that goes in my body is definitely a trigger for me, but I’m getting to know what food makes my body healthy now.

It’s okay to be sad and let go.

There is no perfect health zone. There will be days when I can’t “beat” diabetes no matter what and there will be days when I need to treat myself and not focus on only eating things I know I can control well. Life needs little moments like that to stay sane and right now, the only path to staying happy I can see is one that embraces ups and downs and doesn’t try to turn them into a perfect straight road.

Last and most importantly: LIFE CHANGES. It is important to remember. Life looks and will not look the same even though we have a disease that will need the same type of treatment.

Winner selected for potential of innovation to impact people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their care partners

NEW YORK, June 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Lyfebulb, a chronic disease-focused, patient-empowerment platform that connects patients with industry to support user-driven innovation, and Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) announced that Kinza Kasher of Leoplus USA was chosen as the winner of the Lyfebulb-Celgene 2019 “Addressing Unmet Needs in MS: An Innovation Challenge.”

Leoplus USA is developing Duet, a device and app which aims to support communications between people with MS and their care partners to help improve patients’ disease management outcomes.

“We know communication within families affected by multiple sclerosis can be challenging. Duet is an innovative way to create connections with those you love,” said Tim Coetzee, Ph.D., Chief Advocacy, Services and Research Officer at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, who served as chair of the judging panel. “We were particularly inspired by Kinza’s love for her mother, which then inspired this unique approach to fostering meaningful conversations and connections.”

An honorable mention was given to Jason DaSilva, the creator of AXS Map, a web platform that allows users to locate, rate and review the accessibility of any location in the world to help MS patients and their care partners facilitate travel.

Ten innovative finalists whose companies are helping to develop potential solutions to address an unmet need in MS were invited to compete at the MS Innovation summit hosted by Lyfebulb and Celgene at Celgene headquarters in New Jersey on June 13. The competition was only open to patient entrepreneurs – those who have been affected by MS as either a patient, loved one or support partner. A diverse panel of judges, which included experts in the MS, healthcare and business communities, selected Kinza as the winner of a $25,000 monetary grant to further develop her proposed potential solution.

“We congratulate each of our patient entrepreneur finalists and Celgene for helping us shine the spotlight on both the issues confronting people affected by multiple sclerosis and the innovative solutions that patient entrepreneurs are developing,” Dr. Karin Hehenberger, CEO and Founder of Lyfebulb. “Additionally, it is highly inspirational to spend two days with such passionate thought leaders in the multiple sclerosis community, from the entrepreneurs to the judges to our host, with stimulating, thought-provoking dialogue around the disease.”

“We are proud to be supporting exceptional patient entrepreneurs who are bringing innovation and personal experience to develop potential solutions to help address challenges of those with multiple sclerosis,” said Terrie Curran, President, Celgene Inflammation and Immunology. “Our team and the esteemed panel of judges, who are leaders in the community themselves, were impressed with the quality and thoughtfulness of the 10 innovations presented. We want to congratulate Kinza as being selected the winner of the Lyfebulb-Celgene 2019 Innovation Challenge and are excited to provide this award to support her ongoing work in the space.”

For additional information on the Innovation Challenge and the full list of finalists, please visit https://lyfebulb.com/innovation-award/celgene-2019/.

About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often debilitating disease that affects approximately 2.5 million people worldwide. In MS, an abnormal response of the body’s immune system causes inflammation and damage to myelin—the substance covering nerve fibers—in addition to damage to nerves themselves. Signs and symptoms are varied and can pose significant challenges in daily life.

About Lyfebulb
Lyfebulb is a chronic disease-focused, patient empowerment platform that connects patients and industry (manufacturers and payers) to support user-driven innovation. Lyfebulb promotes a healthy, take-charge lifestyle for those affected by chronic disease. Grounded with its strong foundation in diabetes, the company has expanded disease states covered into cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and depression/anxiety.

See www.lyfebulb.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Karin Hehenberger LinkedIn, and Lyfebulb LinkedIn.

About Celgene
Celgene Corporation, headquartered in Summit, New Jersey, is an integrated global pharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases through next‐generation solutions in protein homeostasis, immuno‐oncology, epigenetics, immunology and neuro‐inflammation. For more information, please visit www.celgene.com. Follow Celgene on Social Media: @Celgene, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

For inquiries, please contact:

Lyfebulb:
Karin Hehenberger
CEO and Founder
917-575-0210

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