Seize The Day Blog

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Epilepsy Insight #13: THC & Your Seizures

 

When I first began considering the CBD route as a treatment method for my seizures, I automatically assumed that THC was a necessary ingredient if the product was going to work properly. Because of these incorrect assumptions, I used a CBD oil with 4% THC for almost 2 years. My overall experience was pretty bleak…no noticeable improvement. There were times when it felt as though my seizure activity was actually increasing. If any improvement was present during that two-year span only God knows about it because I certainly didn’t feel any better and my seizure activity did not decrease. My body did the same thing it always seems to do…defy the treatment and have a seizure.

So, what’s the problem? CBD has supposedly been helping hundreds of epileptics around the globe, it should be helping me too…right??? The answer to my question is simple…THC. Although both CBD and THC have psychoactive effects, the result of each could not be more different. As opposed to cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) actually interrupts the natural release of neurotransmitters in the brain in order to produce that “high” feeling associated with marijuana products. The components of CBD have a calming effect on the body without interfering with any of the naturally occurring processes already taking place. Basically, the psychoactive effects of THC actually derail your brain’s ability to function correctly, which is why THC contains a few not so great side effects such as schizophrenia, migraines, and seizures.

Speaking for myself as an epileptic, I can safely say that more interruptions to my proper brain function are the last thing that I want. I’m already having seizures for heaven’s sake! Clearly, I have enough brain issues as it is, I do not need any more! Especially from a source that I am expecting to decrease my seizure activity. Luckily, there are many THC-free products available so that you can still experience the calming effects of CBD without any interference in your brain function.

I recently discovered that CBD oil takes around 2-3 days to reach its full effect within your brain because of the digestion process. The method for immediate effect is vaping because the CBD vapor bypasses the digestive system and goes immediately to the brain. If you experience an aura and your goal is to prevent a seizure from happening right then and there, vaping is most ideal for you. I switched from oil to vape about two months ago and I couldn’t be happier with the result! A very noticeable decrease in seizure activity! Check out Epilepsy Insight #14 to learn more about my progress using THC-free CBD Vape.

I’ve been using a 500mg THC-free vape product from Green Grove. This company is fantastic! They offer rechargeable vape pens and cartridge refills on their website. I did quite a bit of research beforehand and this product was by far the best in quality. Their product contains only real ingredients so you don’t have to worry about synthetic flavors or chemicals. Their Lite Citrus Breeze is my favorite. You can check out their products firsthand by visiting the link I provided above. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at katie@seizethedayblog.com. I’m always happy to help! 🙂

 

 

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

Epilepsy Insight #14: Personal Seizure Update w/ THC

 

 

I have been using the THC-free CBD product from Green Grove I first discussed in Epilepsy Insight #13 and I am so pleased with the result that I am providing a little progress report so that all of you may see firsthand the progress that I have been experiencing these past four weeks! That is, I have gone exactly one month without a grand mal/tonic-clonic seizure! It has been years since I experienced that kind of length between seizures so I just cannot be happier. I also know how difficult it can be to decide which treatment route is best so for those of you who may be considering the CBD treatment route, this progress report is an excellent example of just how beneficial it can be when done correctly (that is, THC-free).

I am no doctor so the choice is yours, I am simply sharing my personal experience with vaping. Once again, I am using the Green Grove Vape Pen in the Lite Citrus Breeze flavor. All flavor ingredients are sourced from real lemons, by the way, no synthetic ingredients. I actually called the Green Grove company and spoke to a representative about the exact ingredients used in the product. The pen is rechargeable so that you can save money and the refill cartridges are readily available through Green Grove, as well. You can learn more about my experience with the Green Grove product in the video below.

If you have any questions about the information here on Seize the Day Blog, please feel free to email me at katie@seizethedayblog.com. I’m always happy to help!

 

 

 

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information posted on Seize the Day Blog, including but not limited to, articles, images, recipes, text, and other material are shared for informational purposes only. None of the writings should be looked upon as advice meant to replace that of an actual medical professional. If you suspect you have a serious medical condition you should seek help from a healthcare professional immediately. Please be aware that the author of this website is posting information simply to inform NOT to recommend others about health-related topics. Before following any information (i.e. undertaking a new healthcare or diet routine) found here on Seize the Day Blog, you should always consult a medical professional first. Please be sure to never disregard any medicinal advice because of something you have read on this website.

Epilepsy Insight #8: Blood Brain Barrier

 

What is the Blood Brain Barrier? More importantly, how does this “barrier” relate to directly to your seizure activity?

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Why is it that some people have seizures, but others do not?? ✨✨✨ Why are some people allergic to certain foods, but others can eat those same foods without experiencing a reaction? ✨✨✨ I have three words for you: Blood Brain Barrier… ✨✨✨ In this week’s Epilepsy Insight video I am going to discuss this semi-permeable layer found in the human brain and the consequences that follow suit if it becomes easily permeated. ✨✨✨ Watch Epilepsy Insight #9 this Thursday to learn more about the Blood Brain Barrier and to hear my answers to the questions above. ✨✨✨ #seizethedayblog #epilesyinsights #9 #bloodbrainbarrier #seizures #epilepsy #catamenialepilepsy #brain

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For starters, the Blood Brain Barrier is a tight-knit wall of Endtholelial Cells separating your brain from your bloodstream. The purpose of this separation is to prevent unwanted molecules floating in your bloodstream from crossing over into your brain.

If unwanted molecules or toxins are able to cross this barrier, it could mean damage to your brain as well as increased seizure activity.

Our greatest concern is the fact that the Blood Brain Barrier can become weakened, this is also called Blood Brain Barrier Degradation or Leaky Blood Brain Barrier. When your barrier becomes weakened, it is unable to prevent all unwanted molecules from reaching your brain. The result of which is an increase in bodily sensitivity. You will find that you are much more sensitive to foods, products, etc. because your brain is no longer protected from the unwanted molecules found in these locations and many more. In addition, your brain will only become more sensitive when it is continually exposed to these toxins on a daily basis.

The good news is there are holistic methods to build your Blood Brain Barrier back up to its original strength. The holisitic path involves vitamins and minerals, Vitamin D and Vitamin B are each incredibly important for a strong Blood Brain Barrier. However, you must do your part in changing your routine to help protect your brain from toxin exposure. Reduce your intake of processed foods filled with chemical ingredients, go organic so that you can eliminate your exposure to pesticides, and pay more attention to the ingredient list on each of your cosmetic and toiletry products. This simply step will make a huge difference because you will be eliminating a primary source for unwanted molecules/toxins.

In Epilepsy Insight #9, I discuss how the Blood Brain Barrier has affected my own seizure activity and I explain in greater detail the influence this barrier has on long-term brain health.