The Low Down On CBD and The Immune System
CBD has a dual effect on the immune system - it can either boost or suppress it, depending on the person's health status. While this may sound contradictory, understanding how CBD interacts with the immune system is key to unlocking its potential benefits. So, whether you're looking to strengthen your immunity or calm an overactive immune response, CBD may be worth exploring.
The Immune System Seeks Balance
Everyone needs a properly working immune system. That part’s simple.
A balanced immune system:
keeps us healthy
helps us fight disease and infection
uses inflammation as an effective response to threats to our health
destroys defective cells so they can’t become tumors
An unbalanced or poorly working immune system:
can be too quick to use inflammation
responds to things that are not threats to our health
may lead to chronic inflammation, which researchers believe is a common factor in numerous diseases
How Can CBD Oil Help The Immune System?
CBD has a unique interaction with the body's endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors and neurotransmitters responsible for maintaining homeostasis across various physiological systems, including the immune system. The endocannabinoid system works to regulate and balance the immune response, and CBD can enhance this process by harnessing its anti-inflammatory properties. In instances where the immune system is overactive, CBD can help reduce inflammation and bring the immune response back into balance. On the other hand, in cases where the immune system is weakened, CBD can act to boost immunity by stimulating the endocannabinoid system. Essentially, CBD works in tandem with the endocannabinoid system to keep the immune response functioning optimally, making it a promising natural remedy for a variety of health conditions.
Who Needs the Immune System Toned Down?
People with autoimmune diseases — where the immune system is hyperactive, responding to healthy cells in the body as if they were threats. Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, MS, lupus, IBS, Parkinson’s, HIV/AIDS and about 80 others fall into this category.
Hyperactivity causes inflammation, which can:
lead to stiffness
cause pain
even damage cells, tissues and organs
cause chronic inflammation, which is linked to allergies, asthma, diabetes and more
In cases like these, the immune system needs to be toned down. CBD can suppress specific parts of the immune system — like the one dealing with inflammation — without shutting all of it down, which could cause other problems. That makes it a promising option, which you should discuss with your doctor before trying.
Who Needs the Immune System Boosted?
Healthy people want to stay that way. Stress, overwork, anxiety, lack of sleep and other factors can throw our immune system off balance. CBD can help restore the balance we need by helping to:
maintain a healthy response to infection and disease
repair damage in the body
create new, healthy cells
keep inflammation under control, activating it only when needed
In conclusion, incorporating CBD into your wellness routine can offer a range of benefits, particularly when it comes to regulating the immune system. As with any supplement, it's essential to have an open and informed conversation with your healthcare provider before starting to use CBD. At Easy Day, we are passionate about the potential of this natural compound and are dedicated to providing only the best quality products to our customers. We hope that our insights have been informative and helpful in guiding you on your journey towards optimal health and wellness.
To further your understanding of the benefits and potential of CBD, we recommend exploring the following references:
Izzo, A. A., Borelli, F., Capasso, R., Aviello, G., Romano, B., Borrelli, F., & Maione, S. (2009). Non-psychotropic plant cannabinoids: new therapeutic opportunities from an ancient herb. Trends in pharmacological sciences, 30(10), 515-527.
Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364.
Massi, P., Solinas, M., Cinquina, V., & Parolaro, D. (2008). Cannabidiol as potential anticancer drug. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 75(2), 303-312.
McAllister, S. D., Murase, R., Christian, R. T., Lau, D., Zielinski, A. J., Allison, J., ... & Desprez, P. Y. (2011). Pathways mediating the effects of cannabidiol on the reduction of breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 129(1), 37-47.