Within the current global climate shaped by the coronavirus, there is an increasing effort to be health conscious and a newfound impulse to enhance our efforts striving towards a greater well-being both in mind and body. As well as applying social distancing, wearing appropriate masks (yes, over the nose too!) and hand sanitizing consistently, taking care of our own immune systems is essential, more than ever in this climate. Better safe then sorry, right? One of the many questions being asked surrounding this powerful plant medicine is what can CBD do for our immune system? Firstly, let's get into understanding how the immune system works.
What is the immune system?
Well to get moderately scientific, the immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that defends the body against infection. The immune system keeps a record of every germ it has ever defeated so it can recognise and destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again. Every minute of every day, we are exposed to an endless stream of infections, viruses, and bacteria, all of which would ultimately kill us if it weren’t for our built-in immune system that keeps all of these invaders at bay. Immune systems are also in charge of monitoring and eliminating cells that are not functioning properly. It is a very important system that keeps us healthy, especially in times of stress.
What are the signs of a weakened immune system?
- High stress levels
- Always have a cold
- Your wounds are slow to heal
- Frequent infections
- Fatigued all the time
If you find yourself checking all these boxes, then you may need to work on boosting your immune system support. This can also be done simply by maintaining a healthy diet, consistently exercising, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep.
What does cannabidiol do for our immune system?
The discovery of the endocannabinoid system is still fairly new and many studies are currently being undertaken to showcase CBD’s powerful interaction with it. We are still learning how it works with and inside the body. With the things we have learned, we know that the ECS helps establish and maintain homeostasis (internal balance), between the various systems in the body. Your body produces endocannabinoids as needed to help modulate or regulate cell function, including the cells in your immune system. Studies show that CBD and the rest of the cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, acting as an immunosuppressant and an immunomodulator. These are very scientific terms, simply put it means that CBD suppresses the functions of your body's immune system when overworking and keeps it active when underperforming.
CBD may reduce the immune system’s inflammatory responses, promote cellular death, and prevent rapid cellular growth. In addition, CBD exposure may also suppress the functions of cytokines, chemokines, and T cells – all of which play an important role in immune defense which has encouraged scientists to suggest that CBD may have potential as treatment for many autoimmune diseases. Inflammation plays an important role in autoimmune diseases. As an anti-inflammatory, CBD may help the body to tackle the disease. In addition, CBD’s immunosuppressive nature might be able to help it to deal with modulating hyperactive immune systems that attack themselves.
So, in short, cannabidiol helps to regulate inflammation, immunity and the production of white blood cells. All of this in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle will help your immune system work smarter and keep you healthy which is needed more than ever in today’s global climate. Now you just need to go get your hands on a bottle of CBD oil and start boosting your endocannabinoid system to the benefits for yourself!