By Cynthia Saarie
When you are sprinting around trying to get everything done during this holiday season, don’t overlook your health. A little extra protein keeps you feeling alert, feeds the blood, and stressed-out muscles. (I eat a hardboiled egg.) But even when you are caring for your health takes precedence, you must remember you are also jostling around your joints with added steps, stairs, bending, lifting, and stretching. With weather changes comes aches you might not have had before or are dealing with again. Even pets feel it in their joints and muscles.
Doctors and the medical community, (WebMD, AARP Men’s Health, Healthline, Arthritis Foundation, CNET, and Medical News Today) have articles which highlight CBD plant-based help for their patients.
When it comes to muscle and joint care, CBD (cannabidiol) is gaining attention as a natural alternative for managing pain and inflammation. While more research is needed to confirm its full effects, CBD offers promising potential for those seeking relief. There are more than 550 chemical compounds in cannabis, with more than 100 phytocannabinoids being identified, including Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These phytocannabinoids work by binding to the cannabinoid receptors, as well as other receptor systems.
What is CBD?
CBD is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, another compound also in the same plant, CBD won’t get you high. CBD products are derived from hemp, a type of cannabis plant. (Apples have dozens of varieties, it works that way with cannabis plants, too.)
CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce pain, stiffness, and soreness. It’s available in various forms—topicals like creams and gels for localized relief, or oral options such as capsules and oils for systemic support.
How CBD May Help Muscle and Joint Care
Here are the key ways CBD could assist with muscle and joint relief:
• Reduces Inflammation: CBD’s primary mechanism is its ability to calm inflammation, a major source of muscle and joint discomfort.
• Localized Topical Relief: Creams and gels can be applied directly to affected areas for targeted support.
• Systemic Oral Support: Capsules and oils may address widespread pain and inflammation. Potential Benefits of CBD for Joint Health
• May ease chronic pain from conditions like arthritis.
• Could reduce muscle soreness after physical activity.
• May improve joint flexibility and mobility over time.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
• Dosage Matters: Start with a small dose and adjust based on your response. Everyone reacts differently, so take it slow.
• Consult Your Doctor: If you’re on other medications or have health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider before starting CBD.
CBD Topicals for Joint Pain
For those seeking immediate, localized relief, CBD topicals like creams, lotions, and balms are a great choice. These are applied directly to the painful area, offering quick comfort. Avoid using topicals on open wounds or irritated skin.
Daily CBD Capsules for Long-Term Support
If you’re looking for ongoing support for joint health, daily CBD capsules may help reduce inflammation and improve joint function. Incorporating them into your routine can provide steady relief and promote healthier joints over time.
A Holistic Approach to Bone and Joint Health
CBD works best when paired with healthy habits. Here are a few tips to maximize your joint care:
• Eat Well: Include nutrient-rich foods that support bone health in your diet.
• Stay Active: Exercise to strengthen muscles around your joints. • Rest and Recover: Prioritize downtime to reduce joint strain.
• Hydrate: Staying hydrated is essential for overall wellness.
Bone & Joint Health Awareness Month was in October, but now is still the perfect time to reflect on your musculoskeletal health. By incorporating practices like warm baths, stretching, and CBD into your care routine, you can improve joint function and reduce discomfort naturally.
I help instruct seniors twice a week at my town hall. RSVP (Retired and Senior Voluntary Program) in Oswego County, is a senior focused program, developed by Tufts Medical University, helping seniors stay mobile and able to care for themselves. If you’re in our area of Phoenix, NY, we meet on Tuesday and Thursday at 9:45 AM for an hour. Bring water, wear comfortable clothes, and sneakers. Come check us out. It’s fifty cents a class and we provide hand and ankle weights after given written permission signed by your doctor if you decide to stay and work out with us each week. Slow, repetitive muscle resistance builds strong bones.
Let’s make 2025 Proactive Care for Bones and Joints a priority. Holistic approaches, combined with the benefits of CBD, can enhance your quality of life. We now have medical proof it works.
Taken from It All “Ads” Up! December 2024 newsletter. #CBD, #CBDMuscleHealth, #BoneandJointHealth, #CBDHelpsPain, #CannabisandCBD, #BestCopyNow, #CynthiaSaarie
