Despite the difficult work our kidneys do to cleanse our blood by eliminating waste products and toxins, we don’t give them much thought. But what occurs when something goes wrong? Kidney diseases are primarily caused by toxic-metabolic disorders, which can also be brought on by high blood pressure, genetic disorders, trauma, and certain medications.
If you’re considering adding cannabis to your medical regimen, consulting with a marijuana doctor is advisable. They can issue a medical marijuana card Oklahoma, a necessary requirement for consuming cannabis medicinally.
Infections, cysts, stones, cancer, and acute or chronic renal injury are among the common kidney problems. Dialysis or a kidney transplant are necessary when the kidneys completely fail. Kidney diseases are the ninth leading cause of death in the United States, which puts them in the public eye and encourages researchers to study the kidneys and how they function.
Studies have attempted to ascertain whether cannabis and its components show promise as substitutes for anti-inflammatory medications and opioids that are prescribed to treat chronic kidney disease pain. A deeper comprehension of the effects of cannabinoids on the kidney system may result in the creation of novel medications that, in comparison to currently prescribed treatments, could alleviate the associated symptoms of kidney diseases with fewer adverse effects. As per legal regulations, any newly approved medication must possess minimum side effect levels and be at least as effective as previously approved medications.
The Kidneys and Urinary System
The kidneys, which are made up primarily of tiny structures called nephrons, filter our blood completely 60 times a day, forming urine as a result. The filtered blood is then passed to the bladder for temporary storage, with only a small portion of the filtered blood becoming urine. The purified water is returned to the blood flow along with other useful substances. The kidneys are the main components of the urinary system, which also regulates blood pH, blood volume, blood pressure, and electrolytes and metabolites.
In addition to continuously purging toxins from our blood, kidneys also keep the levels of water and minerals like potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and calcium in a healthy range. Lastly, they create hormones that help the body absorb vitamin D, produce red blood cells, and regulate blood pressure.
A majority of kidney disorders target the nephrons. An abrupt loss of kidney function over several hours to days is known as acute kidney injury (AKI). In addition to uremia, acidosis, and potassium excess, this disease can have hazardous consequences on other organs. Following a severe kidney injury, mortality is still quite high.
When a patient has chronic kidney disease (CKD), the damage typically occurs gradually over a long period of time without causing symptoms until the illness gets worse. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most frequent causes, and anemia, heart, neurological, and bone disorders, as well as liquid retention, are the most frequent complications. Leg edema, vomiting, low energy and appetite, and even mental disorientation are common symptoms.
The Relationship Between the Endocannabinoid System and Kidneys
The kidneys are one of the tissues and organs that have cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 present. Important cell signaling targets for homeostasis are regulated by the endocannabinoid system. Based on various factors such as dosage and renal disease type, research indicates that cannabinoids may have both positive and negative effects on the kidneys.
The way in which the endocannabinoid system may contribute to the onset of renal diseases or the healing process is still not entirely understood by research. However, chronic kidney disease may be related to an imbalanced endocannabinoid system, most likely caused by inhibition of CB2 receptors and overexpression of CB1 receptors. The imbalances that accompany type II diabetes and obesity may also be connected to this one.
Consulting a medical marijuana doctor regarding your condition allows for guidance on potential health benefits of marijuana and its potential to address your ailment. They can also provide insights into safe marijuana usage and offer information on cannabis laws in Oklahoma.
Variable Research Results
In the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 14,000 adults provided data for a study that was published in The American Journal of Medicine. There is no correlation between marijuana use in the past or present and worsening kidney disease or function, according to research on albumin levels in urine, an indirect indicator of kidney function.
However, compared to non-users, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who used cannabis saw a quicker decline in kidney function, according to research from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. Nevertheless, smoke inhalation may have a greater influence on this outcome than the actual effects of THC or other cannabinoids.
Exploring Therapeutic Alternatives
Many symptoms, including nausea, anorexia, chronic pain, and insomnia, are experienced by patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. Patients with chronic kidney disease are not immune to the side effects of prescribed opioids, which in certain situations may exacerbate symptoms. Though many patients decide to experiment with medical cannabis for symptom management rather than waiting for the development of an approved cannabis therapy, the lack of effective treatment options actually increases demand for therapeutic alternatives.
Although medical cannabis has been used for many therapeutic purposes, there hasn’t been a thorough evaluation of the evidence supporting its effectiveness in treating chronic kidney disease, and there hasn’t been enough research done to provide accurate advice on dosage and assumption forms. Well, a marijuana doctor can assess your health condition and provide guidance on the safe use of marijuana to address your health concerns.
What Role Does CBD Play?
Is it possible that CBD will be used to treat kidney disease in the future? Researchers are investigating the possibility of CBD in managing the total symptom burden of the illness, which includes pain, inflammation, nausea, and a general lack of wellbeing. However, it is far too early to say.
However, researchers are looking into CBD for more than just kidney illness. Research is also examining the potential of cannabinoids to counteract the oxidative stress and inflammation that chemotherapy causes to the kidneys. Hopefully, more research will reveal the safest ways to consume cannabinoids and their potential benefits in cases of kidney disease.
Exploring with Care
Cannabis may affect our organs in an unfavorable way. Patients with kidney diseases should exercise extra caution when beginning alternative treatment regimens, even though there isn’t much evidence to suggest that consuming too much cannabis naturally harms our kidneys. In any case, it’s usually a good idea to talk about cannabis use with a knowledgeable healthcare professional before using cannabis or any of its derivatives.
