CBD for Gout [Science + Therapeutic Benefits]

Those that suffer through bouts of gout know firsthand how uncomfortable, painful, and debilitating the condition is. Common over-the-counter medications can be effective, but many people cannot take them due to their adverse side effects.

This has left many gout victims in quite the predicament. Either suffer through painful bouts of gouty arthritis with no medication or take pain-blocking drugs that present risks of side effects and contraindications.

Nowadays, there is another option available. You may have heard recently of the results that CBD oil for arthritis can produce. To be clear, there are no specific clinical trials on CBD for gout. However, research on other forms of arthritis and inflammatory joint pain has been positive. As such, some infer that CBD may combat gout via its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

In this article, we talk about what gouty arthritis is and how it arises. We’ll also discuss what possibilities exist in using CBD for gout as a natural source of relief.

First Things First: What Is Gout (aka Gouty Arthritis)?

Gout is a sub-form of arthritis (in fact, it’s one of the dozens of different specific types of arthritis) that involves the accumulation of excess fluids in joint cavities.

Specifically, it is the accumulation of uric acid in the blood. Over time, uric acid may concentrate throughout the body into synovial cavities and solidify into hard crystals (similar to kidney stones). They can turn into intensely painful needle-like projections that cause internal damage and discomfort.

Like many other forms of arthritis, gout may be categorized as the result of some immune system deficiency.

Without frequent screening, it is difficult to predict a gout flare-up. People suffering from it can live for years with what’s known as asymptomatic hyperuricemia. This is when there is an abnormally large content of uric acid in the body. As we discuss, specific bouts of gouty arthritis occur when uric acid crystallizes in joint fluids. This crystallization causes acute pain, severe inflammation, and intense tenderness and sensitivity to touch.

Upon first recognition of symptoms, gout usually worsens over 24 hours. Typically, symptoms will subside over a few days. In the absence of adequate treatment, pain and general discomfort can be debilitating.

Gout and Lifestyle Conditions: Things You Should Know

Gout is relatively common in older (55+) individuals who live sedentary lifestyles with minimal exercise. This is especially true when combined with an unhealthy diet. Unhealthy diets include large amounts of sugar, alcohol, and saturated fats.

Obesity, high blood pressure, high sugar intake, and frequent alcohol consumption are known as “gout contributors.” They can vastly increase the likelihood of developing the condition in later stages of life.

Men are at a higher risk for gout development than women. While the reasons for this are not clear, the female hormone estrogen could play a role. Estrogen functions in uric acid regulation and may decrease the likelihood of it solidifying in joint tissue.

Traditionally, gout associates with heavy males who engage in excessive eating and drinking. In other words, obese men are the most at risk. While there are exceptions to this generalization, it largely rings true.

Is CBD the Same Thing as Marijuana?

We’ll stop short of going into a long report on the differences between CBD and marijuana. However, it’s still important to understand a few things about CBD before you consider taking it for gout. Or, for that matter, before you consider it for pain, inflammation, or any other condition.

First, CBD is a natural component of the cannabis plant. It is one of the hundreds of different compounds known as “phytocannabinoids.” The two main phytocannabinoids in cannabis are THC and CBD.

As you may already know, THC is the substance that accounts for the infamous marijuana high. This is due to its influence on chemical receptors in the brain. Since CBD has a different chemical pathway, it does not produce an intoxicating response.

CBD is non-intoxicating. This is the main reason it’s become so wildly popular over the last couple of years. It’s also the reason CBD oil use is increasing among the older adult population.

CBD is a natural and non-intoxicating compound found in Cannabis sativa plants.

CBD works by interacting with natural receptors and other chemicals in the body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS plays a major role in whole-body homeostasis. It influences things like appetite control and temperature, as well as pain and immune system responses.

As such, CBD can be useful to help ease pain in some forms of arthritis. It possesses pain-relieving, inflammation-reducing, and immune system-altering properties. These properties combine to help reduce the onset of painful flare-ups and debilitating symptoms.

How CBD for Gout May Potentially Offer Symptomatic Relief

At present, there are no specific clinical trials or research studies relating to CBD oil for gout. Yet, there is no shortage of research publications on CBD for other types of arthritis. Studies to date relate to osteoarthritis, a mostly inflammatory condition, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition.  The research supports the anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive properties of CBD for people with arthritis.

When the endocannabinoid system is deficient or not functioning at full capacity (as any bodily system is prone to do, especially as we age), it could lead to hyperactivity of the immune system, which promotes the onset of arthritic symptoms.

Gout is characterized by two major conditions, both of which CBD oil could help with: pain and inflammation.

Using CBD for Gout-Related Pain and Inflammation

Care by Design and Project CBD collaborated to look into cannabidiol’s impact on pain relief. The companies combined to create a patient survey.

The survey’s results showed that CBD seemed to act as “an effective pain management tool with few negative side effects.” The survey also found that CBD could offer a “significant decrease in opiate usage among elderly patients.”

Likewise, CBD’s role as an anti-inflammatory is equally impressive and well-documented. This is entirely relevant for gout victims as swelling, tenderness, and joint inflammation are hallmark symptoms of the disorder. In recent years, clinical trials and scientific publications have verified the long-held belief that cannabis is a viable option for localized inflammation.

To date, studies have shown CBD oil as being most effective and potent when taken as a “full-spectrum” tincture. This means that rather than acting alone as an isolate, the compound functions within the body more efficiently when other natural cannabis compounds (such as terpenes and flavonoids) are present.

This doesn’t mean that you have to “get high,” as many full-spectrum CBD oils are still 100% non-intoxicating. For some ideas on a few of the most reliable and effective full-spectrum oils on the market, check out this recent rundown that we did on the subject.

Final Thoughts on CBD for Gout

To conclude, it is worth mentioning again that there are no known clinical trials that showcase CBD as an effective gout treatment. Indications that the natural cannabis compound can help ease the onset of flare-ups and symptoms draw from research into CBD for arthritis.

The capacity for CBD oil to act as an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, and immune system enhancer makes it a prime candidate to act as a potential alternative form of therapy for gout sufferers all across the world.