Inflammation can be a friend who isn’t sure when to quit. When it gets too intense, THC may help provide balance… but how? Read on for studies of inflammation and THC.
Also below is a quick intro to your body’s endocannabinoid system.
THC is helpful because of its connection with your endocannabinoid system or ECS.
Your ECS is an electrochemical system for nerves. It helps your body regulate inflammatory response, temperature and other basic functions.
To regulate your ECS, your body makes chemicals… but plant-sourced chemicals such as THC can stimulate it too. This is why THC may help reduce inflammation and pain.
The medical journal FEBS presents 10 studies of cancer and inflammation. Their summary article states that about 25% of cancers may be triggered by inflammation and infection. Follow the journal link to see previews of the 10 reports.
Diabetes involves trouble regulating blood sugar. When blood sugar is too high, it triggers inflammation. This study involves rats who were fed fruit sugar (fructose). It finds that when sugar is combined with THC, inflammation is less severe. The authors explain how THC and insulin can interact.
Fibrosis is the thickening of connective tissue. It’s an “overkill” response when the body heals. This study suggests that THC can help prevent fibrosis.
The report mentions that THC fights inflammation differently compared with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Therefore THC may be a better treatment choice following injuries that could cause connective tissue scarring.