Those who have or have children with Martin-Bell syndrome know that it can be a bit of a struggle. Many who deal with this condition are always looking for something that may be able to provide some help. Recently, research has been pointing to an unexpected place.
Certain studies have been suggesting that cannabidiol (CBD) could provide those with Martin-Bell syndrome with some relief in specific parts of their lives.
What is Martin-Bell syndrome?
Martin-Bell syndrome is a recessive genetic condition also known as Fragile X syndrome. This condition occurs when there is a defect on the X chromosome creating a life-long condition. Martin-Bell syndrome is more common in boys than girls and is characterized by developmental delays, autism, hyperactivity and anxiety.
CBD may not be able to help with some of these symptoms, but research does suggest that it may be able to help with hyperactivity and anxiety.
What is up with CBD?
CBD is a chemical compound in Cannabis plants, like hemp and marijuana. It is one of over 113 of a specific class of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The full extent of how cannabinoid effects in the body are still not known and are being studies by researchers. Cannabis has other compounds, terpenes, that effect the smell and taste of the cannabis plant that have mild effects on users. Let’s go over what those potential effects are.
CBD is known for having a calming effect. As a result, many studies have been done on it looking at how CBD interacts with anxiety. For example, this study found that CBD was greatly able to help with some test subjects that have generalized social anxiety disorder. That is just one example of the many studies that have looked at this and found similar results.
Because of its calming effects, studies have also looked at how CBD might affect hyperactivity. One of these studies tested CBD on hyperactive rats. The researchers found that CBD was able to greatly calm the rats with little to no effect on their social interactions. This means that CBD may be able to help keep hyperactivity in check without you or your child losing personality.
What are the options with CBD?
There are many options out there for using CBD. It is found in several different products. It may take some time to find the right product for you or your child. To help you start, we will go over some of the options available.
Kinds of CBD
While most CBD extracts come from hemp, there are different kinds of the extract that you can find. There are three different kinds to be exact: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and CBD isolate. These are separated by what else is in the extract beside the CBD. Full-spectrum has the most other compounds and cannabinoids. This is a version of CBD that not everyone wants as it has a small amount of THC (it is only 0.3%), but not enough to get anyone high. However, it is still enough for many to want to avoid it. Broad-spectrum is similar to full-spectrum, the difference is that is does not have THC. CBD isolate is just CBD. There are no other compounds or cannabinoids in the extract with the CBD.
Topicals
This is a label that covers a few different CBD products. It includes things like lotions and cremes. They are products where the CBD is rubbed into the skin. They are better for more localized use, as the CBD does not move much beyond where it is placed. If you are looking for a more overall effect, you may want to try an oral product.
Oils and tinctures
These are the more traditional route for CBD products. They are CBD extract that have been mixed in a carrier oil like palm oil. You have a few options for taking these. You can mix them in with your or your child’s favorite food or drink. Or you can place a few drops under your tongue. Eating or drinking something with an oil or a tincture mixed in will take a little while to start working. Putting drops under your tongue will start working even faster.
Capsules and tablets
You have likely guessed what these are. They are pill-like products, often in the form of soft gels or tablets. Soft gel capsules are good products because they are easier to swallow than other capsules and tend to start working quickly. However, if you or your child have a hard time swallowing pills capsules may not be the route to take. Tablets on the other hand, do not necessarily require swallowing. Many of them are a melt-in-your-mouth type product.
Edibles
These are often a good option for kids. They are easy to take and taste good. Other CBD products may have a slight Cannabis flavor to them. If your child is a picky eater, CBD edibles may be the way to go. They come in many different forms. You can find CBD candies, CBD juices and, even, CBD pasta.
Of course, these are just a few general examples. You may want to look around and see what you can find. There may be the perfect product out there for you or your child that was not covered here.
What side effects are there?
This is something that should be asked about anything that you may add to your daily routine. However, it is not as much of worry with CBD.
There are side effects associated with it, however, they do not appear to be life-threatening. They tend to include things like nausea and mild dizziness. They are normally associated with taking too much. That is why it is so important to be sure to figure out the right amount of CBD for you.
Martin-Bell syndrome may make life difficult for not just those who struggle with it, but also for those who love them. Fortunately, there are many resources out there to help. One of these that may be a good option is CBD. As more research advances, Panacea Life Sciences hopes to understand more about how CBD could help. If you or a loved one are suffering from Fragile X Syndrome, please contact Panacea Life Sciences, Inc. for a week’s supply of CBD and to participate in our initial efficacy study.
