CBD with curcumin provides one-two punch for pain, inflammation

CBD and curcumin helps create a synergistic response, where the two together are greater than the effect provided by each on its own

Research reveals that chronic inflammatory diseases are expected to “increase persistently” through the year 2050. This means continuously elevating rates of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and even allergies – an environment primed for the new CBD and curcumin anti-inflammatory combination.

Many factors can contribute to this increased chronic inflammation in the body. Regular exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins, poor diet, lack of exercise, chronic stress, and a dysfunctional immune system can all lead to elevated inflammation levels and susceptibility to viruses.

One way to help patients potentially reduce their body’s inflammation is by recommending anti-inflammatory supplements. Two all-natural ingredients that have been scientifically shown to provide this effect are CBD and curcumin.

CBD and inflammation

CBD stands for cannabidiol and is one of many cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not create a psychoactive effect. It works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system and influencing receptor activity, resulting in lower levels of inflammation and pain.

A 2010 study published in the journal Future Medicinal Chemistry calls cannabinoids “novel anti-inflammatory drugs” due to their impact on immune cells located in the body’s CB1 and CB2 receptors. Specifically, cannabinoids have been found to suppress cytokine and chemokine production while increasing the response of T-regulatory cells.

This study further indicates that cannabinoids offer a protective effect as well by stopping the normal death of nontransformed cells in the central nervous system. This is beneficial in cases where autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis exist.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse adds that, though clinical trials are still ongoing in this area, CBD appears to also offer analgesic, anti-tumor, anti-psychotic, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure effects.

Curcumin as an anti-inflammatory

Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties as well.

In a 2017 review of curcumin’s effects on health, researchers noted that turmeric can help in the management of inflammatory conditions. It also offers benefits with regard to inflammation caused by exercise, helping to reduce the resulting muscle soreness and improve recovery and performance.

A 2013 study in the British Journal of Pharmacology explains that curcumin works by blocking the action and production of the cytokine TNF -α. Furthermore, it offers patients an orally-bioavailable treatment option that is safe and less expensive than many prescription drugs designed to provide the same effect.

The synergy of combined CBD and curcumin supplements

Some manufacturers are now offering supplemental products that include both CBD and curcumin. This combination product helps create a synergistic response, which states that the effect of two substances together is often greater than the effect provided by each on its own.

In addition to being more powerful, a combination CBD and curcumin supplement provides patients a simpler anti-inflammatory supplemental regimen. Instead of having to buy two individual supplements — which can also mean increased cost — the patient is able to achieve the same (or better) effect with one.

Helping patients select a quality CBD and curcumin supplement

Sometimes patients purchase a low-quality supplement and, therefore, don’t get the results they expect. This experience causes them to lack belief in the value of supplements. That’s why it’s helpful to educate patients about the differences between a high-quality and low-quality supplement.

Higher quality supplements are those that, first and foremost, are made with high-quality ingredients. In the CBD world, this means using a good strain of hemp, but also the product containing full-spectrum CBD. This means that, in addition to CBD, it also contains other cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, providing even more health-related benefits.

Higher quality supplements are also those created by following Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). These supplements have undergone rigorous testing, further reinforcing their safety and efficacy.

Explaining this to patients help them better understand that not all supplements are created equal. It also helps them recognize that if they’re not getting the results they desire, it is possible that it is that specific supplement — and not the ingredient it contains — that is potentially the cause.

Educating patients about bioavailability

Part of the supplemental discussion includes talking about the amount of ingredients a product contains versus how much of those substances the body can actually use.

It’s not uncommon for people to think that their body is able to effectively absorb the total amount of the vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients contained in a particular supplement. However, this is not always the case.

Bioavailability can be impacted by a number of factors. Dosage amount, product form, method of intake, and the body’s ability to metabolize that ingredient can all impact the amount it is able to actually use.

For this reason, it’s helpful if the supplement contains ingredients that aid in bioavailability. This can increase the effect of the product simply by making more of the anti-inflammatories available for use.