If you care about your body’s health and wellness, you’re probably invested in and interested in your immune system. The immune system is in charge of fighting off pathogens, which are unwanted bacteria or viruses that can harm your health in a variety of ways. Even if you are not a fitness fanatic, the health of your immune system should be a top priority. When people talk about immune health, they’re usually referring to the products or habits that help your immune system stay strong. The stronger your immune system, the better it will be at defending itself against toxins.
There are numerous ways to strengthen your immune system today. As we discover more innovative, less traditional ways of strengthening our body’s natural processes, the list of products continues to grow, from foods to supplements. Using CBD to help with immune function is one method that is gaining traction and becoming increasingly popular. CBD has been used as a medicinal solution for centuries, but we are only now discovering its many applications and how it interacts with our internal systems. Much more research is needed to gain a complete understanding of CBD and the immune system. Nonetheless, there is evidence that it can boost immune activity.
What is the function of the immune system?
Being alive invariably means that your body will be exposed to a wide range of dangers. Simply leaving your front door can expose you to a slew of diseases, infections, viruses, and bacteria. Many of these invaders can be fatal if your immune system fails. The primary function of the immune system is to keep you safe from pathogens. The immune system’s work, as the name implies, is a collaborative effort performed by many constituent elements and processes working in unison. In a nutshell, the immune system is a collection of cells, organs, and tissues that work together to prevent foreign, harmful substances from invading and harming the body.
Types of White Blood Cells Explained
A sufficient white blood cell count is a necessary component of a healthy immune system. Lymphocytes and phagocytes are two types of white blood cells found in the body. Lymphocytes, also known as B-cells and T-cells, are responsible for the destruction of antigens, which are toxins and potentially harmful substances. B-cells and T-cells are responsible for keeping track of and remembering every harmful substance that enters your body, in addition to fighting antigens. As a result, your immune system will be able to respond more quickly if they infiltrate your system again. A phagocyte, on the other hand, absorbs and neutralises invaders. This keeps the toxin from spreading and causing additional harm.
Your immune system is responsible for locating and destroying cells that are no longer functioning properly, in addition to protecting your body from toxic invaders. Apoptosis is the process by which defective cells are identified and eliminated. Apoptosis is required because if defective cells are left alone, they will multiply and cause tumours to form.
The Immune System and the Endocannabinoid System
The Endocannabinoid System, which was discovered in the 1900s, is thought to interact with the immune system and other internal systems. Much remains unknown about the precise mechanisms by which the Endocannabinoid System affects the body and its specific functions. For the time being, we know that the Endocannabinoid System is made up of two G-protein receptors (CB1 and CB2), endogenous ligands known as endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-AG), proteins that transport these endocannabinoids, and enzymes that break them down.
The Role of Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids are naturally produced by the body. When they bind to receptors, they regulate a variety of bodily functions. Depending on the receptor to which they bind, some of these are related to mood, sleep, and immune function. Endocannabinoids are produced in response to the needs of the body. The greater the stress on your body, the more endocannabinoids it produces to combat that stress. As a result, the ECS is recognised as a homeostasis regulator. It aids the body in achieving and maintaining a healthy biological balance.
The ECS produces endocannabinoids when the body is under physical or mental stress. Endocannabinoids then bind to specific receptors to target the stress. Enzymes break down endocannabinoids after they have performed their biological function. As previously stated, the ECS is in charge of several physiological processes, the most important of which are immune function and inflammation. Immune cells contain both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Endocannabinoids affect immune cells via CB2 receptors.
Immune system and anti-inflammatory responses
An anti-inflammatory response is triggered when CB2 receptors are activated. As a result, CB2 activation is critical for people suffering from autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic inflammation. Inflammation is not an innately harmful bodily response; in fact, our body’s ability to initiate inflammation is frequently critical to our health. Inflammation is activated in the same way that the immune system is. When the body detects a pathogenic substance, the immune system initiates inflammation, which causes swelling and redness while essentially suffocating the toxin.
Inflammation is classified into two types: acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is the body’s appropriate response to actual harm or damage. To protect the affected area, the immune system releases immune cells. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, can be extremely harmful to the body. This can occur when the inflammatory response is prolonged or when the immune system is unable to differentiate between benign and malignant particles. Because immune cells are released to combat toxins that do not exist, this type of inflammation can be extremely taxing on the body. In this manner, inflammation can suffocate and destroy vital tissues and organs in the same way that toxins do.
Inflammation is not pathogenic unless it persists and becomes chronic. Keep in mind that chronic inflammation is typically caused by more simple acute inflammation that goes untreated for an extended period of time. For example, a common injury that goes untreated for an extended period of time can result in chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is caused by autoimmune
disorders such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, in addition to prolonged, untreated acute inflammation. Furthermore, long-term exposure to irritants such as polluted air and chemicals can contribute to chronic inflammation.
Now that we understand how the ECS interacts with the immune system, we can look at how CBD affects the immune system.
What role does CBD play in immune system support?
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD
CBD has an effect on the ECS, which in turn has an effect on the immune system. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, according to research. As such, it has immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory properties. This is especially beneficial for those who suffer from chronic inflammation. CBD suppresses the immune system’s inflammatory response by promoting apoptosis and preventing rapid cellular growth.
CBD calms an overactive immune system. Furthermore, CBD can inhibit the function of cytokines, chemokines, and Tcells, all of which are essential for immune defence. This is required for those with an overactive immune system. Cytokines are proteins secreted by immune cells. These proteins interact with molecules that control immunity, white blood cell production, and inflammation. CBD inhibits cytokine function and secretion. Chemokines, on the other hand, are a type of cytokine that acts as a chemoattractant (a chemical agent that attracts an organism or cell). Chemokines direct immune cells to the affected area, where white blood cells can detect and eliminate microbes.
CBD has the ability to inhibit chemokine production. CBD can suppress T-cell function and production, impairing the immune system’s ability to remember its various invaders.
CBD may be useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases
CBD has the potential to be a treatment option or supplement to other treatment methods for people suffering from autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs for toxic foreign bodies. This can happen anywhere in the body and can weaken specific bodily functions, which can sometimes lead to life-threatening conditions. CBD has the ability to halt or slow the immune system, delaying or preventing potentially unnecessary and harmful immune responses like inflammation.
CBD can be used to treat anxiety
It is well known that psychological stress weakens the immune system. Every day, we learn more about the mind-body connection. Treatment for anxiety can help restore your immune system to normal. We’ve written about using CBD oil to treat anxiety before.
CBD can be used in a variety of ways to treat inflammation and immune disorders. Ingesting CBD oil sublingually is the most common method. This method has a high bioactivity and usually has a quick effect. You can also use topical CBD to help with more localised pain caused by joint inflammation. Topical CBD, which is available in balms, ointments, and creams, can provide more targeted pain relief.
CBD may be a safer alternative to more traditional medicines, which may have numerous side effects. To determine which CBD product is best for you and your condition, speak with your doctor or healthcare practitioner to see if CBD can supplement your treatment plan. Certain Canadian CBD products may be more effective than others for your specific condition. In general, it’s best to start with a small amount of a product and gradually increase your dosage as needed. This allows you to tailor your CBD usage and ensure that you are consuming or applying a safe amount.