Before you reach into that jar of CBD gummies, or add some CBD oil to your bath, proceed carefully. Do you really know what’s in that “miracle cure” that you purchased online or at the health store for anxiety or your aching back? Learn more by reading the full Medium article here.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a component of the cannabis plant lacking the “high” associated with marijuana, and right now products claiming to contain CBD are everywhere — from gummies to cocktails, ice cream to hand cream, and more. An estimated 64 million consumers, according to a January 2019 Consumer Reports survey, have tried products containing CBD in the past two years alone. But do you know what you are buying - and taking?
(BPT) - Before you reach into that jar of CBD gummies, or add some CBD oil to your bath, proceed carefully. Do you really know what’s in that “miracle cure” that you purchased online or at the health store for anxiety or your aching back? Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a component of the cannabis plant lacking the “high” associated with marijuana, and right now products claiming to contain CBD are everywhere — from gummies to cocktails, ice cream to hand cream, and more. An estimated 64 million consumers, according to a January 2019 Consumer Reports survey, have tried products containing CBD in the past two years alone. With widespread marketing that is largely unregulated, CBD purchased online or at stores is often promoted as a one-stop product for a range of potential health benefits, such as relieving stress, soothing aches and pains, reducing inflammation or improving sleep. Interest in — and access to — CBD increased with the passage of the Farm Bill which removed CBD derived from hemp (a variety of cannabis that contains very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC) from the list of controlled substances. Although CBD products are now available online or in many stores, health or medical claims made by the product manufacturers are still subject to regulation by the FDA to ensure consumer safety. Through all the current interest surrounding CBD one critical question remains: Are widely available CBD products safe and effective? Separating fact from fiction The contents and dosage of CBD products sold in retail stores or online are often unknown and not consistently, if at all, regulated. To navigate the current environment, consumers first need to understand that not all CBD products are equal:
So, what’s the bottom line for the millions of people currently using CBD products? As the saying goes, the smart consumer is the wise consumer. The FDA approval process is considered by many to be the gold standard in the medical field and was put in place to protect patients. Taking unregulated CBD products that lack scientific evidence can pose health risks, particularly for very sick patients who may be looking for hope in these products, in part, because of unproven health claims. You deserve to know what you’re taking It can be difficult to know if CBD products actually contain what they claim. A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that almost 70% of all CBD products sold online did not contain the amount of CBD stated on the label — 42% contained a higher concentration of CBD than the label claimed, and 26% of the products contained less. Twenty percent included enough unlabeled THC to cause intoxication, especially in children. The FDA also evaluated some of these products and found that they did not contain the levels of CBD that they claimed. More studies and regulations are needed to ensure these products are safe for consumer use. An important moment in the evolution of CBD occurred in June 2018 when the FDA approved Epidiolex® (cannabidiol) oral solution CV, the first prescription CBD medicine. Because it is a prescription, available in pharmacies just like any other FDA-approved medicine, it is legal throughout the entire U.S. when prescribed by a licensed health care professional. It is the only FDA-approved CBD product currently available. “The approval of Epidiolex is historic not only for the long-awaited relief it provides patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, two very difficult-to-treat epilepsies, but also for the parameters it has put in place for how a CBD medicine should be studied to understand its safety profile and efficacy,” said Justin Gover, CEO of GW Pharmaceuticals, plc, the company responsible for Epidiolex. “We hope that this opens the door for further well-controlled clinical studies of CBD in other medical conditions to achieve FDA approval and ensure patients are getting the medicines they deserve.” To learn more, visit www.StraightFactsCBD.com. Epidiolex safety information can be found at www.Epidiolex.com. This sponsored article is presented by Brandpoint. KEYWORDS
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![]() Ear pain can be a source of significant discomfort. Due to the many nerves that are clustered in the area, ear pain can sometimes persist for days and be beyond the aid of common over-the-counter painkillers. Some causes of ear pain may require the assistance of medical professionals; others can be solved by yourself. Here are three of the most common causes of ear pain. Dental IssuesSome of the most common causes of ear pain are dental issues. According to Alpine Dental, cavities, impacted molars, abscesses, infections and jaw problems can lead to earaches that seemingly don't go away. Persistent jaw pain may be a sign that you should pay a visit to the dentist. Even if you don't believe you have any cavities, the pain may be coming from a source that is not visible to you, such as a wisdom tooth that is pushing against its neighboring teeth at an abnormal angle. Only a dentist capable of taking an X-ray of your mouth can show you what is happening under the gums. EarwaxEarwax is a natural substance produced by your ear to keep out bacteria, dirt, and water. Earwax is normally created in the ear canal and gradually pushed into the outer ear by the hair inside your ear. However, sometimes too much earwax is produced. One of the most common ways people deal with earwax is to clean it with a cotton swab. Unfortunately, this method will only push your earwax deeper into the canal, and can even be dangerous, according to ENT Orlando. Cotton swabs should only be used lightly around your outer ear to brush off dead skin and loosen ear wax. You can use hydrogen peroxide, diluted vinegar or mineral oil to loosen the buildup of wax in the ear and let it drift out normally. Air PressureNormally, the air pressure inside your inner ear is roughly the same as the pressure in the outer ear. However, according to Virtua Health, rapid acceleration can quickly destabilize that equilibrium. For example, if you're on a roller coaster, you may feel increasing pressure inside your ear until your ear pops and the pressure recedes. However, there are some instances where you might need to take a more active approach to relieve air pressure. Frequent air travelers often experience ear pain while travelling by plane. The rapid acceleration at takeoff can create a painful buildup of air pressure inside your ear that your body cannot adjust to quickly. In this case, a common remedy is to force your ear to pop by swallowing or chewing gum in order to stimulate frequent swallowing to keep your ear tubes open and air available to your inner ear. Other causes of ear pain may be a lot more serious than the ones described above. If your ear pain comes with signs of infection, such as a fever, rash or sore throat, and it doesn't go away within a few days of home treatment, you should seek medical attention. Read about more health IDEAS: 3 Home “Remedies” That Just Don't Work KEYWORDS
A typical course of action for people who are feeling a little under the weather is to visit a doctor who will prescribe one or more medications for them. However, more people are turning to home remedies when they need relief from minor illnesses. Some physicians are even willing to prescribe natural products, herbs, and certain types of food for patients who suffer from chronic maladies. When fending off minor illnesses, there are a number of home remedies you might wish to try before resorting to pharmaceuticals.
Kiwi Fruit Eating kiwi for dinner may be the remedy you need if you find it difficult to sleep at night. Studies have shown that eating a kiwi or two an hour before turning in for bed at night can result in sleep that is both deeper and longer in duration. One reason kiwi is likely to aid with sleep is its high serotonin content. A lack of serotonin has been correlated with insomnia. In addition, kiwi is rich in folate, which is also needed for healthy sleep patterns. Cloves Cloves possess a compound known as eugenol that has both antibacterial and anesthetic properties. These qualities make clove an excellent selection to numb the pain of a toothache and reduce the swelling and puffiness from infection. Cloves are rich in antioxidants, and their antimicrobial properties help to clean the affected area around the tooth. Cloves are not the only food that can be used to treat a toothache. There is an array of other natural antibiotics for tooth infections that you can try before resorting to seeing a dentist, especially if you are trying to save money. Apples The best way to avoid acid reflux is to avoid items like fried food, high-fat beef, and sodas. One food you should add to your diet if you are prone to acid reflux is apples. Eating an apple or two a day will provide you with enough pectin to benefit from the acid-absorbing properties of the compound. Apples also contain tartaric and malic acids, which will fight against juices from the stomach that flow in an upward direction. Sweeter apples like organic red ones are the best choice to lessen the symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). They're considered an alkaline food option. Both patients and traditional medical practitioners have become more aware of the positive benefits of using organic food for medicine. The three foods mentioned above have proven their usefulness at combating specific illnesses. You might find them a great substitute for pharmaceutical medications. Looking for ways to live a healthier lifestyle? We recommend this article next!
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Holistic healing is a method of medicine that doesn't adhere to traditional western standards. If this is a method of healing that appeals to you, the odds are good that a holistic healing session will leave you feeling more relaxed and spiritually connected. You've likely heard of some common holistic healing techniques, like massage or meditation, but there's a lot more out there. Here are three great examples of healing techniques that you probably haven't heard of.
Sense Healing You may have already heard of aromatherapy, which uses natural smells and extracts to improve your health. But, there are many other sense-healing methods out there. As the name suggests, these are healing methods that engage a particular sense. For example, practitioners of sound and music therapy claim to be able to calm the mind and address a variety of illnesses through appropriate sounds or music, such as meditative chants or relaxing songs. Another type of sense healing is color therapy. You can correct energy imbalances by exposing yourself to various colors. Energy Healing You may have heard of Reiki, the most well-known type of energy healing. The word Reiki means "spiritually guided life force energy," and it's used to heal your ills and increase your overall sense of well-being. Magnetic healing also falls under the energy-healing umbrella. This is a type of healing that purports to improve your blood flow, thus promoting healing and removing your aches and pains. This is accomplished through the application of magnetic bracelets, or by applying magnetic strips and blankets to a patient. Reflexology Reflexology is based on the idea that zones in your feet correspond to areas of your body; as such, massaging or caring for these specific parts of your foot will result in decreased pain and improved functionality. A typical reflexology session will involve the patient taking off their shoes and socks, sitting or lying down, and having their feet worked on by a practitioner. Regardless of how a session ultimately turns out, a reflexology session will be relaxing and result in you getting a good foot massage. There is a wide array of holistic healing techniques that are available to you, and they can often leave you feeling calmer and more at peace with the world. If you're willing to approach these types of therapies with an open mind while understanding the differences between western medicine and holistic healing, make sure to give these methods a look. Related: 10 Expert Health Tips That Simplify Holistic Living KEYWORDS
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Anyone who suffers from migraines knows how debilitating they can be. Beyond the throbbing headache, they're often accompanied by nausea. Sometimes even light and sound become unbearable. If you are looking for ways to manage your migraines, then read on to learn three tips for living with them.
Keep a Journal Journals are a smart way of managing your migraines. Using a daily journal to track variables such as food, environmental factors and stress can help identify patterns and triggers. Create a migraine tracking system that works for you. It can be a diary, a spreadsheet, or an app. There are also phone apps that cater to migraine management, and some of them include digital trackers. You can effortlessly track your physiology patterns by using a smartwatch that integrates with your app. Be sure to bring your journal to your doctor so they can extrapolate data to help figure out which treatment is best for you. Keep in mind that you need to be consistent for this tool to be effective. Consider Applying for Disability Migraines can severely affect your quality of life. They can interfere with both job performance and maintaining healthy relationships. They can even inhibit your ability to take care of yourself and your children. If a migraine prevents you from being able to perform your basic duties at home or work, you might need to seek financial assistance. Surprisingly, migraines may qualify as a disability. Applying for disability can lead you toward broader medical options such as different doctors and more affordable insurance. Information is available on a federal government website, and resources may exist locally. Learn Self-Care Techniques Western doctors are becoming more accepting of alternative therapies. Research shows that there are healing benefits to alternative treatments such as essential oils, massage and acupuncture. Remain conscious of the fact that stress can trigger migraines. Consider creating a daily ritual to help you relax at home. Insurance plans do not always cover alternative therapies, so relaxing at home can be an affordable option worth exploring. Create a nighttime routine that includes deep breathing and baths with healing salts. Essential oils may also be effective for you if you use those that are appropriate for your health condition. Always speak to your doctor if you are unsure about any of your choices. Managing migraines is time-consuming, and asking for help can be difficult. However, there are many tools to assist you along your way. Remember to always consult with your doctor before experimenting with alternative therapies.
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When faced with a medical condition, it’s important to sort the myths from facts to determine a course of action to restore your health. If you’ve been diagnosed with or think you might have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), understanding your options and the potential impact on your health and quality of life is the first step in treatment. Arm yourself with these facts before scheduling time to consult with your doctor.Understanding Common Myths About Prostate Health![]() (Family Features) When it comes to your health, misconceptions about treatment options and their potential side effects can have a negative impact on your overall wellbeing. One common condition that is shrouded by misinformation is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Also known as enlarged prostate, BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that typically occurs as men age causing bothersome urinary symptoms such as a frequent need to urinate day and night, weak flow, difficulty starting urination, an urgent need to go, and other symptoms. The condition affects more than 40 million men in the United States alone with more than 40 percent of men over 50 and 80 percent of men over 70 suffering from BPH.1,2,3 However, some men and women are not entirely familiar with available BPH treatment options beyond medication, according to surveys conducted by NeoTract, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Teleflex Incorporated and manufacturer of the UroLift® System. Survey results show that half of men diagnosed with BPH reported their doctors informed them of medication as a treatment for BPH, while only 8 percent said their doctors spoke with them about minimally invasive outpatient treatment options. ![]() “Medication is often the first-line therapy for enlarged prostate, but relief can be inadequate and temporary,” said Gregg R. Eure, M.D., F.A.C.S. of Urology of Virginia and Eastern Virginia Medical School, a paid consultant of NeoTract, Inc. “Patients can experience headaches or dizziness when taking BPH medication, as well as other negative side effects such as sexual dysfunction, often causing them to quit taking BPH medication altogether. Fortunately, there are alternative treatments, like the UroLift System, to medication for men with BPH that can break the cycle of side effects caused by medications, enhancing a man’s quality of life without the risk of more invasive surgery.” The symptoms of BPH can cause loss of productivity, depression and decreased quality of life. In addition, if left untreated, the condition can worsen over time and lead to permanent bladder damage.4 If you’ve been diagnosed with, or think you might have BPH, understanding your options and the potential impact on your health and quality of life is the first step in treatment. Arm yourself with these facts before scheduling time to consult with your doctor: Myth: BPH is linked to prostate cancer. Myth: Medication is the only first-line treatment for BPH. Myth: Delaying treatment of BPH doesn’t cause bladder damage. Myth: There are no minimally invasive procedures available to treat BPH. For more information about BPH treatment options, or to find a physician near you that treats this common condition, visit UroLift.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images 1 Berry, J Urol 1984 and 2017 U.S. Census population estimates. UroLift
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Pain can impact nearly every aspect of your daily life from cleaning the house to going to work or playing with your kids. In fact, 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, which is pain lasting 3-6 months or longer. Most often, chronic pain is treated using prescription opioids. To help treat your pain with a non-opioid solution, consider these tips.
5 Tips for Coping with Chronic Pain![]() (Family Features) Pain can impact nearly every aspect of your daily life from cleaning the house to going to work or playing with your kids. In fact, according to the Institute of Medicine, 100 million Americans, or more than 30 percent of the population of the United States, suffer from chronic pain, which is pain lasting 3-6 months or longer. Most often, chronic pain is treated using prescription opioids. However, the National Institutes of Health estimates 2 million people in the U.S. suffer from substance use disorders related to prescription pain relievers, while 60 people die every day as a result of opioid overdoses, according to the National Safety Council. "The country is facing intertwined crises of opioid misuse and chronic pain management. Non-opioid, non-pharmacological treatments such as acupuncture and other similar interventions can be essential in handling patients' pain management as a complement to lessen dependency on opioid prescriptions and serve as a more effective holistic therapy for chronic pain," said Dr. Kory Ward-Cook, chief executive officer of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). "The care provided by NCCAOM National Board-Certified Acupuncturists is essential in continuing the movement toward greater integrative and complementary pain care, especially as a non-pharmaceutical alternative to harmful opioid prescriptions." To help treat your pain with a non-opioid solution, consider these tips: Set Goals for Yourself Use Relaxation Techniques Consider Non-Pharmaceutical Treatment Options Focus on Nutrition Keep Track of Progress Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
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