March is observed as Autoimmune Awareness Month, to build awareness and understanding of the more than 100 identified autoimmune diseases (AuD) that affect an estimated 50 million people in the U.S. alone. Cannabinoid research for AuD continues to grow due to their immunomodulating traits. Autoimmune is the leading cause of death among female children and women 65 years of age and younger. One hundred billion are spent every year in the US for AuD compared with only 50,000,000,000 in cancer care.
Autoimmune disease is the most popular topic requested by the National Women’s Health Information Center. Eighty percent of people who get AuD are women due to the disease being estrogen-dominant. 720,000 searches per month in the US alone with the term lupus, and another 440 thousand for lupus syndrome. Atherosclerosis is no longer considered a cardio disease. It ranks with AuD due to the cause being inflammation of blood vessels.
Bilstrom’s Nuclearitis (BN) is a newly discovered disease characterized by a “positive ANA” test. BN is affecting 1:6 women. In the past BN was only treated symptomatically. However, the combined medical research in this area by Dr. Swathi Varanasi and Dr. David Bilstrom deepens our understanding of the integrative approaches to AuD while focusing on how CBD may help in treating the root cause of the disease instead of treating symptoms.
BN can progress into several horrible AuD that are completely preventable. Some of them are Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren’s syndrome, Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis), Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD), Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis, and Autoimmune thyroid diseases – such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, and finally Autoimmune hepatitis –Autoimmune vasculitis – a group of diseases characterized by inflammation and damage to blood vessels. Something even worse is Syndrome Endometriosis.
The Endocannabinoid System
Anyone who reads my articles that the effects of cannabis are mediated primarily by the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which scientists believe interacts with all biological activity, including our immune system. Cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are immunosuppressants, which can explain the relief experienced by medical cannabis users with AuD and chronic inflammation. Other studies have shown that regular cannabis use can increase white blood cell counts in immunodeficiency disorders such as HIV, suggesting an immune-boosting effect.
The ECS is a possible target for the treatment of conditions characterized by immune cell activation, such as inflammation in AuD. Seven central mechanisms affect AuD: the gut, cortisol, hidden infections, food sensitivities, vitamin deficiencies, hormone imbalance/deficiencies, and lastly environmental toxicity.
Treatments for Autoimmune Diseases
Studies suggest CBD has a potential role in maintaining balanced glucose levels. Studies also suggest CBD could be a possible protective factor for the breakdown of the blood-retina barrier, which is commonly seen in diabetes patients. A wide range of cannabidiol action on sphingolipid metabolism might be an essential factor that leads to the reduction of brain IR (IR: obesity-related insulin resistance).
Preliminary research suggests that CBD may influence sex hormones, and further research aims to explore using CBD to address hormone imbalances. Early studies point to CBD’s ability to influence cortisol levels, which has further implications for stress-related conditions such as adrenal fatigue. Studies have also suggested that CBD expectancy appears to blunt cortisol in anticipation of a stressor, particularly in males.
Future & Potential Benefits
Recent advances in the use of silver nanoparticles as antimalarial agents are discussed in this article Int J Pharm. 2017 Jun 30;526(1-2):254-270. The research suggests running the following tests: Blood work. Saliva cortisol, Digestive stool analysis, Provocative heavy metal, and finally Food sensitivity tests. A book by Brian M. Frank M.D. titled The Silver Solution Ancient & Modern Secrets for Health & Wellness is very informative.
Dr. David Bilstrom gives a seven-day crash course on “How to Solve the Root Cause of Autoimmune Disease & Stop Spending Thousands of Dollars on Unnecessary Treatments.” It includes seven scientific data-backed techniques to restore your health that you can do from home. Investigate these resources if you have more than one of these estrogen-dominant symptoms: bad menstrual lows, Endometriosis, bad cramps, infertility, PMS, anxiety, ovarian cyst, excessive worry, breast cysts/fibrocystic breast disease, insomnia, fibroids, or panic attacks.
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