According to statistics by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Americans are a nation in pain. A 2012 National Health Interview Survey found that around 25.3 million American adults – that’s over 11 percent of the population – complain of constant, daily pain. Close to 40 million, while not experiencing pain every day, complain that the pain they do cope with is severe.
Reports estimate that Americans spend an average of $50 billion annually in efforts to deal with their pain. Many turn to chemical medications for relief, and there is a clearly defined link between this search for pain relief and the opioid crisis the country has been battling for several years.
However, while the majority of pain sufferers do not necessarily rely on opioids for relief, every day more than 30 million do turn to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen) and aspirin to cope. These drugs have serious side effects, though, including the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeds; kidney damage; and heart attack.
Endeavoring to avoid these side effects, more and more Americans are switching to CBD oil, a compound derived from the cannabis plant.
As reported by Waking Times, there are at least six good reasons why making this change is better for your health, your social conscience and the environment.
Why millions are making the switch from NSAIDs to CBD oil
Millions across the country have been switching out a variety of chemical medications for CBD oil. One of the most commonly substituted of these medications are NSAIDs, for the following sound reasons:
CBD oil is safer than NSAIDs
As previously reported by Natural News, at least 15 percent of NSAID users accidentally exceed the maximum recommended daily dose. Potentially dangerous side effects include an increased risk of severe cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and kidney problems; allergies and skin reactions; swelling in the face, wheezing, and hives. Blisters, redness in the face, and the appearance of a skin rash are also common.
CBD oil, on the other hand, does not carry these dangerous side effects, and human clinical trials in patients with epilepsy and psychotic disorders found that it has a favorable safety profile.
CBD oil is a safe but potent anti-inflammatory
The primary function of an NSAID is to reduce pain by lowering inflammation. Animal trials have found that CBD has similar anti-inflammatory properties to NSAIDs, without the dangerous side effects.
CBD oil also relieves stress and anxiety
In addition to packing a pain-relief punch, CBD oil also reduces feelings of stress and anxiety. Waking Times reported:
Early studies have shown that CBD has a calming effect on the central nervous system.
One meta-analysis of studies examined the effects of CBD on anxiety in humans. Of the total study subjects, 79.2 percent of patients taking daily CBD experienced symptomatic improvement in just one month, with similar efficacy one month later.
CBD oil contains additional powerful nutrients
In addition to its pain-relieving properties, CBD oil also contains other powerful health-boosting nutrients. Waking Times noted:
Both varieties of cannabis (psychoactive marijuana, and non-psychoactive hemp) contain hundreds of additional phytonutrients, including other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.
When you opt for a full-spectrum hemp oil product, you’ll be ingesting CBD oil that contains a wide-array of healthy compounds found within the hemp plant. Hence, your body will benefit even more thanks to these phytonutrients.
CBD is better for the environment
NSAIDs are released into the environment in dangerous quantities through human excretion and unused drug waste. This causes serious environmental damage, contaminating marine, ground and surface water.
CBD oil, on the other hand, is a natural compound extracted from the hemp plant, and is properly utilized by the human body. Even if some CBD does end up in the environment, it is biodegradable and therefore harmless.
CBD supports local, while NSAIDs feed Big Pharma
As noted by Waking Times, choosing CBD oil over an NSAID means you are supporting hemp farmers, local entrepreneurs and small businesses rather than bankrolling Big Pharma.
All things considered, then, CBD oil is a better, safer and healthier alternative than dangerous, side effect-inducing NSAIDs. Making the switch will boost your health, protect the environment and soothe your social conscience. Learn more about the risk of NSAIDs at Medicine.news.
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