Currently, there is no cure for liver cirrhosis, but the condition can be managed and complications prevented -using CBD, lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery. 

What is liver cirrhosis, and how can CBD help manage the condition? Below is everything you need to know.

Quick take: Is CBD good for liver cirrhosis?

• Medical experts recommend lifestyle changes, including a low-sodium diet and avoidance of alcohol or exposure to harmful chemicals. 
• If you discontinue alcohol use and make recommended lifestyle changes, it may take months or up to a year for the liver to regenerate.
• Severe damage to the liver may require surgery.
• Liver cirrhosis treatment depends on the severity. Options include liver transplant and medication.

What is liver cirrhosis, and how can CBD help?

 Liver damage caused by excessive consumption of alcohol, some medications, and illnesses, including hepatitis and diabetes, may lead to fibrosis or liver scarring. Scarring in the liver alters the organ’s function, meaning it will not be as effective as it once was at filtering toxins, synthesizing plasma proteins, enzyme activation, metabolism of fat, and bile production. 

As mentioned, there currently is no cure for liver cirrhosis, meaning treatment focuses on keeping the issue from escalating.

What are the signs of liver cirrhosis?

During the initial stages of liver cirrhosis, the patient may show no symptoms. But as the condition progresses and care or management effort is not taken, the individual may exhibit symptoms including:

• Reduced muscle mass.
• Nausea (vomiting/diarrhea).
• Fatigue/unexplained tiredness.
• Weight loss.
• Appetite changes.
• Spider angiomas (blood vessels resembling spider webs).

Without proper care, the symptoms may escalate to:

• Loss of sex drive 
• Fluid buildup in legs or abdomen.
• Easy bruising or bleeding. 
• Bloody poo or vomit.
• Itchy skin 
• jaundice.

How do I know if I have liver cirrhosis?

If you are experiencing the symptoms above, it is not always a sign that you have cirrhosis. Consequently, you must consult with a physician to be sure. To diagnose the condition, a physician may recommend a blood test, liver biopsy, or a scan.

CBD for liver cirrhosis: what does the research say?

According to medical research, CBD can help with cirrhosis of the liver by increasing plasma levels of ammonia, liver enzymes, and bilirubin. The linked study concluded that cannabidiol:

• Has a positive effect on the brain and liver at recommended doses.
• Through actions in the brain and liver, CBD may restore the functions of both organs if damaged. 

Why is CBD the best supplement for liver cirrhosis?

The recommended daily dose of CBD for the average adult is 1500mg. Keeping the dose below that level is beneficial in that it lessens the possibility of suffering the side effects and may prevents liver toxicity. 

What you need to remember is that excessive consumption of CBD, according to some studies, may harm the liver. 

The key benefits of using CBD if you have liver cirrhosis are:

• CBD is a natural pain killer that has zero risk of dependence or addiction.
• CBD has anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties and thus can relieve inflammation and anxiety.

However, to experience the benefits, it is also recommended that you do the following:

Keep alcohol within recommended limits

To lower the risk of liver cirrhosis, medical research suggests that you should not exceed 14 units of alcohol within a week. To allow the body to recover, you may spread out drinking over three to four days. 

If cirrhosis has progressed, it could be in your best interest to avoid consuming alcohol.

What to remember:

• Alcohol consumption exacerbates liver cirrhosis and may worsen symptoms. 

Get more exercise 

One of the causes of liver cirrhosis is fatty liver disease. You are at elevated risk of developing the condition if you are obese or overweight.

We recommend:

• Get enough exercise.
• Eat healthily. 

Tip: topical application of CBD helps muscles recover.

CBD can quickly lower blood pressure

Researchers believe CBD can lower blood pressure by widening blood vessels. Remember, high blood pressure may increase the risk of developing fatty liver disease. 

Get hepatitis vaccines and practice safe sex.

Viral hepatitis is spread through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids. The best way to protect yourself from hepatitis A and B is to get vaccinated. Hepatitis C does not have a vaccine, but you may protect yourself by consulting with a physician within 24 hours after exposure.

Why is this important?

Viral hepatitis is one of the causes of cirrhosis, and an infection may elevate the risk of developing liver cancer. 

Why use CBD for hepatitis?

According to medical studies, CBD shows antiviral action against hepatitis C. It is not a cure, but it may slow down virus replication, and it may help manage hepatitis symptoms. That is not to say that you should abandon treatment, we recommend using CBD to complement treatment. 

What about drug interactions?

What is different about CBD is that interactions between it and other medicines – is not prevalent. But it is still advisable to consult with a physician before use. 

Signs of drug interaction include:

• Diarrhea
• Confusion
• Breathing difficulties.
• Nausea
• Bleeding\swelling rash
• Constipation
• Abnormal heartbeat. 

When isolated, CBD may cause mild side effects, including dry mouth, diarrhea, and fatigue. These side effects dissipate if you discontinue use.

Post-surgery pain relief and wound healing

If liver cirrhosis progresses, the doctor may recommend surgery. Post-surgery, CBD application or ingestion may hasten wound healing, prevent scarring, and offer pain relief.

CBD for liver cirrhosis: is CBD good for the liver?

From the evidence that exists, CBD is good for the liver in that:

• It relieves inflammation -possibly preventing further scarring.
• CBD can help manage pain.
• CBD promotes wound healing. 

CBD for the liver: warnings and risks

The FDA discourages the use of CBD and cannabis products if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Also, CBD is effective at lowering blood pressure. Avoid consumption if you have low blood pressure.