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What does CBD do to your immune system?
Throughout the day we are regularly exposed to germs, microbes, diseases, infections, and bacteria which would have the potential to cause severe damage if it weren’t for our immune system. Our immune system works to fight off these harmful infections through a network of cells, organs, and tissues.
Without a healthily functioning immune system, we would be left quite vulnerable to many illnesses. On top of all this, the immune system works to detect and eliminate defective cells in the body, to prevent them from mutating and forming tumors.
How might CBD work with the immune system?
Well, let’s start by taking a look at how cannabidiol interacts with the human body. In each and every one of us, we have a network of receptors, which consist of CB1 and CB2 receptors, which interact with cannabinoids and communicate messages through hormones and enzymes: this is known as the endocannabinoid system.
Studies have found that CBD can have an influence on your immune system, specifically as an immunosuppressant (1) and an immunomodulator (2). Immunosuppressants actually work to reduce the strength of the immune system. For a healthy person, this isn’t really an advantage, but immunosuppressants are used either post-transplant to help the body accept the new organ.
Research is also being carried out into CBD as an immunosuppressant and MS (multiple sclerosis), (3) a disease where the immune system actually attacks the central nervous system, ultimately causing lasting motor neuron damage. MS is just one of over 80 autoimmune diseases, a disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue cells and organs instead of just foreign bodies.
But many people will be looking to strengthen their immune system, which is often a case of maintaining a good level of mental and physical health. If you’re constantly feeling run down, stressed, and exhausted, this means your autoimmune system will also be feeling that way, not really leaving a fighting chance for when infection enters the body.
Taking care of yourself means getting all the right nutrients into your body to keep yourself energized. Getting enough sleep at night is crucial, as well as not letting stress and anxiety take over you - the saying ‘nervous wreck’ can apply to your internal well being it turns out. If you wish to boost your inner therapeutic wellness, CBD is a great way to let your body take a pause, rest, and revitalize.
For more information on specific health conditions and how CBD may offer support, you can also explore articles like Alzheimer's Awareness Month.
If you’re looking to incorporate CBD into your life for your general wellness check out our other post on more focussed uses and benefits so we can help you find the right CBD product for you. For those looking to help manage an autoimmune disease, we hope that CBD products can be the natural alternative you’ve been searching for. We strongly recommend speaking to your doctor or healthcare professional before taking CBD for medical reasons.
