Using CBD to Boost Immune System Health
Most people are curious about the role that CBD could play on the immune system. Can CBD oil help a cold? Keep reading to find out more.
There is no denying that CBD has great value to the human body. Research is ongoing to discover what CBD, also called cannabidiol, can do for the body. CBD is a cannabinoid that is found within the hemp plant and its legality has been greatly impacted by The 2018 Farm Bill.
If you want to try CBD products, make sure you are trying the best CBD products. These are the products that are premium and backed by third-party laboratory certification for purity and potency.
A Brief Overview of the Immune System
To understand CBD’s impact on your immune system, you need to understand how your immune system works. Your immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that come together to protect your body from outside invaders like bacteria, viruses, fungi, toxins, etc. Is it possible that we could be using CBD oil for infection?
The main parts of the immune system are made up of:
- White blood cells
- Antibodies
- Complement system
- Lymphatic system
- Spleen
- Bone marrow
- Thymus
The endocannabinoid system of the body features CB1 and CB2 receptors, both of which CBD can bind to. The majority of the CB2 receptors found within the body are directly linked to the immune system. This leaves one to wonder, does CBD help immune system health?
How CBD Affects Your Immune System
So, how does CBD help the immune system? Think of your endocannabinoid system as a bridge from the cannabinoid to your immune system’s cells. While the CBD does not directly affect the cells themselves, it is possible that it stimulates your body’s response and releases Anandamide and 2-ArachidonoylGlycerol (2-AG), which are endocannabinoids created within your own body.
Studies do reveal that the use of CBD may be a natural immunosuppressant. CBD is thought to possess anti-inflammatory properties and inflammation can play a role in immune system disorders. When the immune system is hyperactive or weakened, it can overreact or not react at all to and inflict self-harm on the body.
At this time, there is no scientific proof to link a CBD immune system relationship. The way that CBD works in the body is dependent on each human being. There have not been enough human trials to conclude that the use of CBD can significantly alter the immune system. Unfortunately this is the limitation of studies on natural medicine and their effectiveness.
CBD and Autoimmune Diseases – Can it help?
The body can have chronic autoimmune activation for a number of reasons. For a weak or overwrough immune system, immunosuppressant therapy is often prescribed. Unfortunately these medications often make the root cause worse, causing further downstream dysfunction. Although more research is needed, it is possible that an answer could be CBD oil for autoimmune diseases.
What is an Autoimmune Disease?
When the immune system cannot tell the difference between good and bad, autoimmune disorders are likely to occur. We depend on our immune system to help fight things like bacteria and viruses, but when the immune system mistakes a part of the body as foreign, it releases antibodies to attack the healthy cells.
There are numerous root cause reasons as to why the body begins to attack itself. Instead of focusing on the body part that is being attacked, focusing on the immune system dysregulation is key. This is where CBD can be helpful.
Common autoimmune diseases are:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Addison’s Disease
- Graves’ Disease
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Celiac disease
Although research is limited, as an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant, CBD and autoimmune diseases could be linked. However, it is possible that CBD may only alleviate symptoms that are associated with these autoimmune diseases, and more concrete research will be needed to determine the true effects.
How CBD Can Help with Autoimmune Diseases
With a lack of definitive research in the area, most of the information that encompasses the use of CBD and autoimmune diseases is through customer testimonials. It is apparent, though, that some physicians and scientists believe CBD may hold extraordinary benefits for helping with these diseases.
CBD is not a cure-all for these types of diseases. It is, however, highly beneficial for treating symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases. The possible side effects of autoimmune diseases that CBD may help with include:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Anxiety
- Lack of appetite
- Poor sleep
- Poor nutrition absorption
More research is required to determine the possible effects that CBD may have in connection with autoimmune diseases. There are currently no FDA approved CBD products for autoimmune diseases.
CBD Oil for Immune System Health
While CBD products offer a wide range of benefits, more research is needed in this area. Scientists have been working with animals to test CBD in a variety of circumstances. All mammals have an endocannabinoid system and thus the way the way CBD interacts in the body should be similar.
For some people who suffer from autoimmune diseases, finding comfort can be difficult. Those who have tried CBD oil for their diseases may report relief, but the effects vary from person-to-person. Due to the natural immunosuppressant qualities in CBD, it is possible that it could help the body maintain homeostasis or keep the body’s systems working in harmony.