CBD for Osteoporosis

CBD is a pretty hot herbal product these days—well-known for its properties of improving sleep, relieving pain, and easing anxiety. I find that in these cases its effectiveness can vary widely between people. Some need a tincture over a capsule, some need a very low dose, while others a much higher dose (and in some cases where the hemp for the CBD was grown makes a huge difference!) For this reason, finding the product that works best for you can sometimes be a bit frustrating (not to mention expensive!) when those early tries fail. And for a few people, it just doesn’t seem to work well for them in any form. However, there is one area where I feel CBD deserves recognition as a go-to supplement to be included in the treatment plan-bone fractures and osteoporosis/osteopenia!

It turns out that CBD dramatically increased activity in healing bone and resulted in healed fracture sites that were harder than the original bone and shorter healing times. In other studies, it was shown to increase activity in the bone and resulted in increased bone volume. The CB1 & 2 receptors seem to be most involved in the process and most encouraging is the bone remodeling effect is not linked in any way to THC so hemp is a safe and effective way to help boost bone activity.

It’s also important to make sure the body has the building blocks to keep those bones healthy. Our bones are not static like a dried-out skeleton—they are living tissue that replaces itself about every 10 years. In addition to providing the nutrients for healthy bones, exercise is crucial to maintaining healthy bones. As outlined by the Surgeon’s General Office, these are some key components of bone health: 

• Calcium has been singled out as a major public health concern today because it is critically important to bone health. The average American consumes levels of calcium that are far below the recommended amount for optimal bone health. The right form of calcium makes a difference along with providing related trace minerals for bone health. In addition to foods high in calcium like dairy products, leafy greens, broccoli, and sardines, other cruciferous veggies like cauliflower help the calcium get better absorbed by the bones. For those who won’t or don’t eat their veggies, supplements like Standard Process Cruciferous Complete are an essential part of any bone support program.
• Vitamin D is important for good bone health because it aids in the absorption and utilization of calcium. Besides natural sunlight and foods high in D like sardines, salmon, cod liver oil, and egg yolks, good supplemental D3 may be needed.
• Physical activity is essential for bone health throughout life. It helps to increase or preserve bone mass and to reduce the risk of falling. All types of physical activity can contribute to bone health, albeit in different ways. Weight-bearing exercises seem to be measurably beneficial, along with yoga and tai chi.
• Maintaining healthy body weight is important for bone health throughout life. Being underweight raises the risk of fracture and bone loss. Weight loss is associated with bone loss as well, although adequate diet and physical activity may reduce this loss.
• Smoking and heavy alcohol use can reduce bone mass and increase fracture risk and should be avoided for a variety of health reasons. 

So how much CBD is needed to help improve bone health? This is where the research gets a little unclear, but 25mg per day orally is a safe dosage range to start with and then increase from there. As long as there are no digestive problems it’s safe to go as high as 50mg per day for long-term use. 

**Disclaimer: While CBD products are less than .3% THC some people do not metabolize THC well and it can accumulate in the body with regular use of CBD products—and can result in a positive drug test! If you are subject to drug testing, I do not recommend using CBD products without written approval from whoever is requiring the testing. 

We carry a variety of CBD products for patients to try and I have a protocol for bone healing on Fullscript with some of my favorite non-CBD bone support products for ease of ordering!

***The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician before making any changes to any medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbs.