When the liver is damaged, it spills out enzymes. This is why doctors are concerned when they witness high liver enzyme levels on the lab test. Alcohol, pain medication, toxins, and other factors can increase liver enzymes.
However, people are beginning to worry that CBD may affect their liver as well. CBD uses are prevalent, especially for people with anxiety and insomnia. It makes sense to wonder about this issue; that is why we are here to provide more info on CBD liver damage.
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How Does CBD Affect Liver Functions?
10% of CBD users experienced elevated liver enzymes. However, some research indicates that CBD can help to enhance liver function. Because it’s processed by the liver, people with liver problems should avoid potential CBD-drug interactions.
Fortunately, CBD is typically safe for your liver. It will not increase liver enzymes if you do not exceed 20 mg CBD/kg daily.
Is CBD Oil Harmful to the Liver?
CBD has a very favorable safety profile. Researchers examined the effectiveness and safety of CBD in people at daily dosages ranging from 1,500 mg to 3000 mg. There weren’t any harmful side effects when 1,500 mg of this product was consumed for six weeks.
However, a recent 2019 research on mice has shown that excessive doses of CBD might cause liver damage. Keep in mind the quantity of CBD administered to the mice was far greater than the amount taken by most people.
The Right Dosage for CBD
People are aware that taking high doses of ibuprofen can harm the liver, and CBD is no exception. In general, therapeutic dosages vary between 0.5 mg/kg/day and 20 mg/kg/day. CBD in the therapeutic range is typically safe.
This dose was derived from a clinical study of Epidiolex, a CBD-based medicine used to manage treatment-resistant epilepsy. To put that into perspective, a person weighing 150 pounds would need to consume approximately 1,300 mg of CBD per day. This is far more than the average person’s consumption of 10–80 mg daily.
CBD Oil for Fatty Liver
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is present in all animals. It’s composed of CB1 and CB2 receptors. The ECS maintains the equilibrium of the body’s organs, including the liver. When the liver becomes injured, the body increases endocannabinoid levels.
An overactive endocannabinoid system contributes to the development of fatty liver disease. CBD is a CB1 and CB2 receptor modulator. It inhibits the substances that cause these receptors to increase in the liver.
CBD Oil for Liver Cancer
CBD inhibits tumor cells from proliferating and destroying cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. Apart from inhibiting cancer growth, CBD utilizes a variety of ways to aid in the fight against liver cancer. It has anti-metastatic properties, inhibiting the formation of distant tumor masses in the liver.
CBD also inhibits the development of blood vessels that promote tumor growth. It induces apoptosis or programmed cell death as well.
CBD Oil for Viral Hepatitis
Hepatitis virus is one of the most prevalent viral disorders that causes inflammation. Hepatitis may progress to liver cancer and cirrhosis.
CBD has been proven to have antiviral activity in animal models. It limits the hepatitis C virus replication by almost 90%. It was also discovered to trigger cell death in hepatitis B virus-infected cells; however, it does not suppress the virus itself.
CBD Oil for Hepatic Ischemia
Chronic liver inflammation can damage blood vessels. This can reduce blood flow to the liver, resulting in hepatic ischemia.
Fortunately, CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This can help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage, therefore preventing hepatic ischemia.
CBD Oil For Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy is nervous system abnormalities caused by liver damage. It can result in symptoms of personality change, confusion, movement issues, and coma. Studies have shown that CBD helps reduce blood ammonia levels to prevent it from traveling and accumulating in the brain.
CBD Oil for Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition caused by the immune system attacking the liver. Scientists found that activating the TRPV1 vanilloid receptor reduces the inflammatory process. CBD activates the TRPV1 receptors, suppressing inflammation to prevent autoimmune attacks on the liver.
CBD Oil for Liver Injuries Caused by Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver fibrosis. This can eventually lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. CBD has been found to have anti-fibrotic qualities by inhibiting collagen formation.
CBD’s Adverse Effects
People use CBD as a low-risk alternative to standard treatment that may cause liver problems. Having said that, it does have a few moderate side effects when ingested in large doses, such as:
- Dry Mouth
- Appetite changes
- Dizziness
- Sedation
- Diarrhea
Some of these adverse effects may occur due to taking a mislabeled product containing more than 0.3 percent THC. There may be adverse effects if the product is derived from low-quality hemp or extracted with harsh solvents. The above side effects should not happen if you use high-quality CBD oil in the proper dose.
Best Approach to Taking CBD
The best approach to taking CBD is to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it. You can start with 5–10 mg CBD and evaluate the results for one week. If you believe the amount is inadequate, increase it by 5 milligrams and repeat for another week.
It’s advisable to visit your doctor before embarking on the CBD journey. A physician should assist you in avoiding possible drug interactions and determining the proper dose.
Where to Buy CBD Products?
CBD ReThink contains cGMP-certified and affordable CBD products that include a wide range of cannabinoids. The hemp CBD went through stringent third-party laboratory testing for quality assurance. The CBD product does not contain any THC, so it’s safe for everyone, even pets.
Thousands of pharmacies, physicians’ offices, and veterinary clinics around the United States carry CBD products. The whole goal is to make CBD products accessible and affordable without sacrificing quality.
Learn More About CBD Liver Damage
If you are reading this and still wondering “what is CBD” and “will it kill your liver,” don’t worry; a lot of people are also on the same boat. The vital part is using CBD in the proper dosage to avoid side effects. However, the topic of CBD liver damage still requires more research.
CBD is safe if used responsibly. If you are interested in incorporating CBD in your life, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about CBD liver damage and buying CBD products.