Our immune system is a complex network of tissues, cells, and organs which work alongside one another to keep our body protected from germs. While certain immune disorders are non-preventable, you can strengthen your immune system from various environmental assaults by adopting healthy-living strategies. Different studies have hinted at the role of CBD in boosting immunity with its anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties.
Cannabinoid therapies have proven efficient in modulating the immune system and bringing it back to balance. Though there are multiple health claims about CBD, all of these alleged benefits aren’t legitimate. Today we will take a closer look at what experts have to say about the relationship between CBD and the immune system including how cannabidiol can benefit people having autoimmune conditions.
Endocannabinoid system
It’s important to understand the working of our endocannabinoid system (ECS) before delving into CBD’s impact on our immune system. ECS is our body’s cell-signaling system wherein the endocannabinoids bind with endocannabinoid receptors to send signals to different parts of our body. The main endocannabinoid receptors are:
- CB1 receptors, found mostly in the central nervous system
- CB2 receptors, found mostly in the peripheral nervous system, especially in your immune cells
Though experts are in the process of learning about ECS and its working, it has a big role to play in monitoring different body functions like digestion, mood, sleep, thinking and memory, and reproduction.
How CBD functions?
Phytocannabinoids such as CBD interact with our ECS system and prevent the endocannabinoids from breaking down to induce a more potent effect on the body. There is also a possibility that CBD binds to receptors that haven’t been discovered yet. CBD has the following role to play in enhancing our immunity system:
- As an immunity booster – In the era of Covid-19, a large number of people are swearing by CBD to boost their immune system. However, no substantial evidence has been found for this. Usually, our immune system doesn’t need to be boosted if we don’t have any underlying condition. But making certain lifestyle changes like getting adequate sleep can help avoid weakening our immune system.
- As an immunosuppressant – CBD can benefit those having autoimmune conditions. This happens when your immune system mistakes your body part as a foreign threat and launches an attack against it causing inflammation and other undesirable symptoms. Some examples of autoimmune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Often immunosuppressant treatments are prescribed to those having autoimmune diseases. They can either slow or stop an overactive immune system. CBD carries both anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant properties which can help those with autoimmune conditions. However, mostly animal and lab studies have been conducted for the research around CBD and immunosuppression. It requires human trials to understand whether CBD is a viable immunosuppressant.
- As an immunomodulator – Ample evidence has been found suggesting that CBD can either stimulate or suppress the immune system. It helps by reducing the effects of stress and improving sleep, both of which are infamous for poor immune system function.
A balance is required between normal reactions against non-self-proteins with limited or no reactions against self-proteins for a proper immune response. In case of the insufficient innate response, the specific innate cells can activate our adaptive immune response which is composed mostly of T (thymus) and B (bone-marrow-derived) cells. Both these cells are the primary cellular components of the adaptive immune response. While T cells determine cell immunity, our antibody-mediated immunity depends on the B cells.
A high white blood cell count signifies chances of an immune system disorder or infection. T cells can provide signals to recruit and activate other immune cells or induce apoptosis of infected cells. In this way, T-cells play a pivotal role in both detecting and eliminating cancer cells in patients suffering from cancer. CBD helps in controlling immune responses by generating regulatory T cells which maintain homeostasis, suppress the immune response, and increase self-tolerance.
Comparison between CBD and other alternative ways of boosting the immune system
Genetic defects cause primary immune disorders like T cell deficiencies, B cell deficiencies, and a combination of both. There are no means of counteracting the same. However, infections in individuals with a weakened immune system including inadequate sleep and stress management can be prevented by taking timely action. American Psychological Association has supported claims that stress weakens our immune response while relaxation strengthens our health. CBD oil is known to possess various anxiolytic properties that can help with stress relief.
Essential oils are another viable means of boosting immunity. Available scientific data supporting the efficacy of various herbal products were analyzed in a 2019 study. These essential oils included bergamot, eucalyptus, marjoram, lavender, lemon, orange, ginger, rose, and patchouli. Of all these essential oils, ginger and eucalyptus were found to possess immune function-enhancing properties. The essential oils are natural extracts of flowers, leaves, and stems of plants having a highly-concentrated character.
CBD is extracted from the hemp strain of the Cannabis sativa plant, just like essential oils. Full-spectrum CBD oil carries all phytonutrients from hemp including terpenes, trace amounts of THC, essential oils, and flavonoids. Terpenes impart distinct aromas and flavors whereas flavonoids result in vivid colors in most plants. Certain strains of cannabis contain a terpene called beta-caryophyllene which helps decrease inflammation by stimulating the CB2 receptor. Another terpene known as Myrcene has shown anti-inflammatory properties. The combination of all these creates a synergy that is popularly known as the “entourage effect.” Here all the constituents come together to deliver greater efficiency compared to isolated elements.
Choosing the right CBD for immunity boosting
While choosing a CBD product, get one having full spectrum phytonutrients from hemp for best results. If you are allergic to THC, then you can get a broad-spectrum CBD oil that functions like full-spectrum CBD without making you high with its THC content. Though no specific dose has been recommended for a particular disorder linked to the immune system, Epidolex for epileptic children is used as high as 20 mg/kg.
How to take CBD to boost immunity
CBD is known for its versatility and can be consumed both in tincture or oil form whether you add it to your food or drink or drop it under your tongue. CBD oil drops or tinctures are a practical solution for those seeking maximum dosage control and fast results. You can experience the results of sublingual application within half an hour to one hour of its use and these effects last for approximately 4 to 6 hours.
A CBD patch or topical CBD cream, on the other hand, is perfect for people dealing with pain or inflammation in a specific part of their body. On being applied to the skin, they interact with local cannabinoid receptor clusters rather than ECS as a whole. Often CBD creams and patches come infused with other beneficial elements such as essential oil which boost its anti-inflammatory attributes. Beginners can opt for CBD oil capsules and edibles like gummies, brownies, and lozenges as a straightforward and convenient means of taking CBD oil.
Conclusion
There is promising research suggesting that CBD carries ample health benefits that can help with a variety of conditions. The potential therapeutic benefits of CBD can help treat autoimmune disorders or pacify their symptoms. CBD has gained acceptance among different health agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) as it has a food safety profile and is well-tolerated. This is why it is considered safer than more prescription and over-the-counter drugs that are infamous for carrying detrimental side effects. The non-addictive nature of CBD makes it well-suited for daily intake. You can buy them without a prescription in places where it’s legally available. Irrespective of why you are using CBD, it’s best to be responsible with the same and primarily consult a healthcare professional.
