How to Strengthen Your Immune System with CBD
While cannabidiol (CBD) is derived from the cannabis plant, and has been used medically for thousands of years, it has gained popularity as an alternative wellness treatment in the past few decades. It seems that more incredible benefits of CBD are being discovered on a routine basis. From preventing and fighting cancer to strengthening the immune system, the properties of this healing compound seem to benefit every area and system of the body. It even has been used to treat ailments in pets. One of the interesting aspects of CBD is that is has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the immune system. This has led the scientific community to consider the ways that CBD may be used to treat diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other autoimmune disorders. As scientists discover more about how CBD interacts with and supports the immune system, it proves to be a promising option for the treatment of many conditions. While there is still more research that needs to be done in order to fully understand how CBD alters the immune system, studies do show that it can suppress the immune system by reducing inflammation.
How CBD is Produced
Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid compound produced naturally as part of the endocannabinoid system of the human body. CBD interacts with and influences the cannabinoid receptors of the brain and the entire body. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating many processes and functions, including appetite, mood, sleep, memory, reproduction, stress, metabolism, and immunity. A healthy endocannabinoid system helps to keep the overall body, and its functions, healthy as well. Amazingly, the cannabis plant also produces cannabinoids, including cannabidiol. CBD is derived from the hemp plant, extracted, and then used in various forms for the treatment of health conditions and ailments. CBD forms include oils, tinctures, capsules, lotions and balms, teas, vapes, edibles, and more.
The Immune System
The immune system of the human body is a vital system that protects our bodies from potential harmful outside sources such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and toxins. It also works hard to create antibodies (leukocytes), which are cells produced to fight off those same outside sources and help to regulate the body in a healthy way. Composed of tissue, organs, and cells, the immune system can sense when it’s under attack and sends those leukocytes to the areas in need. For example, the immune system fights off infections, colds, and diseases and helps to stabilize and balance the body’s important functions. It works as a first line of defense against potential diseases and ailments. There are a number of different supplements, medicines, and foods that help to boost the immune system and strengthen it. For example, vitamin C, garlic, and certain vegetables are renowned for their natural healing powers. But regular exercise and reducing stress are also important factors in maintaining a healthy immune system. However, there are also ways in which the immune system becomes comprised based on lifestyle choices or sickness. For example, habits such as smoking can weaken the immune system. Additionally, prolonged illnesses impact the ability of the immune system to function at its full capacity. A person generally will know if their immune system is compromised because they will experience symptoms such as frequent sickness, fatigue, and inability to concentrate.
CBD and the Immune System
However, CBD just so happens to possess immunity-boosting properties, which goes hand in hand with its anti-inflammatory properties. Because of their ability to regulate the functions of the immune system, cannabinoids are known as immunomodulators. Reducing inflammation helps to suppress the immune system and so CBD works to strengthen the immune system when it’s become weakened or vulnerable. Because the human body produces cannabinoids naturally, it also perceives the cannabinoids from CBD as identical to the ones already occurring in our body. When a certain function part of the body is in need of healing or treatment, the endocannabinoid system sends cannabinoids to that area.
Conditions Involving the Immune System
Incidences of immune system disorders are caused by either abnormally low activity or overactivity of the immune system. For example, in autoimmune diseases, the body damages its own tissues and cells by attacking them. On the other hand, abnormally low activity of the immune system causes a deficiency, where a sickness limits the body’s ability to fight off viruses or other microbes. The result is that the immune system becomes weakened and the body more vulnerable. Among many others, examples of autoimmune diseases include Type 1 diabetes, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Psoriasis.
Taking CBD to Benefit the Immune System
With all of the understanding and research about how CBD can make a positive impact on your immune system, it’s important to consider the different ways you can take CBD to bolster it. As always, check the label on your CBD product to ensure that the ingredients are of high-quality. It’s also helpful to review the company’s website to see if they offer third party lab results in relation to each of their products to learn more about the purity and potency. As with the treatment of almost any ailment, you can choose which method of applying or ingesting CBD works best for you and your condition. For immunity boosting, taking CBD oil, tinctures, capsule, or edibles daily will help to deliver the healing properties of CBD to your immune system. Because these are ingested orally, and absorbed more quickly into the body, it’s usually a preferred method over topical application of CBD. However, for questions about how to get the most out of your CBD supplement, as well as questions about dosage, be sure to consult with a physician or health care provider.
CBD and Immunity Go Hand in Hand
Because your immune system is such a critical aspect of overall health wellness, the fact that CBD seems to be able to support it in a positive way is exciting news for the CBD and natural-healing community. This alternative provides those suffering from autoimmune disorders and diseases, as well as those recovering from illness, another option in therapeutic treatment that has no harmful side effects.