Every day, we face an incredible number of bacteria, viruses, and other invisible threats. We rely on our immune systems, which protect our organisms against harm; but only if they work well. The malfunction of the immune system may cause autoimmune diseases and a whole range of other health problems. It is therefore extremely important to maintain its correct function. We all know that for that, we need good quality sleep, a nutrient and vitamin rich diet etc. The more and more discussed means of stabilizing the immune system is CBD (cannabidiol). How does it protect us against potential threats that are all around us?
How Does the Immune System Work?
The Immune System (IS) is a complex network of cells, tissues and organs, together protecting the organism against viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. Besides that, the IS separates dead or damaged tissue and excretes it from the body. A key role is played by two types of white blood cells: phagocytes and lymphocytes. Whereas phagocytes recognize and eliminate pathogens, the other type remembers the threats, so that next time, the immune system is perfectly ready. To sum up, the primary function of the IS is to recognize the enemy or damaged cells and tissues, mark it, eliminate it and prevent it from spreading. If damage has already been made, the immune system starts the process of healing.
The Connection between the ECS and the IS
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) was discovered only a short time ago: at the beginning of the 90’s. After the discovery, it immediately became the center of attention of many renowned scientists. All mammals, including humans, have this complicated network of cannabinoid receptors, enzymes and natural endocannabinoid substances. The ECS affects a lot of physical and psychological processes. Furthermore, it stabilizes the nervous and immune system, soothes pain, reduces inflammation, supports healthy sleep, regulates appetite etc. We can imagine our bodies as complicated machines with the ECS and the IS as their key components, influencing each other. The presence of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 in the IS (especially the CB2 receptors) is the proof. Because CBD (cannabidiol) is more attached to CB2 receptors, it naturally influences immune functions in a significant way.
How does CBD Affect the Immune System?
The vast majority of studies have revealed results proving the ability of CBD to reduce inflammation; CBD has an anti-inflammatory effect. What does it mean? Inflammation is the natural reaction of the body to harm. In other words, your body creates anti-inflammatory substances to deal with damage. Very often, it is accompanied by an increase in the body’s temperature, swelling, redness or pain. Quite common and safe type of inflammation is so-called acute inflammation, which fades away after the tissue is healed. However, chronic inflammation is much worse. It preserves, even though the affected person doesn’t seem to have any health problems. There are several causes of chronic inflammation; one of them is the immune system malfunction, especially hyperactivity–the state when the immune system attacks even healthy tissues.
Research on CBD
CBD reduces the inadequate reaction of the immune system. This function of CBD can be very well used in autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease or rheumatoid arthritis. The March of 2020 brought an interesting study, published in the Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research journal. Its authors focus on the results of the existing research dealing with immune responses regulated by cannabidiol, which show that CBD is an immunosuppressive substance (it is able to reduce inflammation). Moreover, it has immunomodulating effects, thanks to which it helps the immune response in some cases. Theoretically, both groups of people could benefit from CBD: those with hyperactive immune systems and those with insufficient ones.
CBD for Immunity: Yes or No?
It is not absolutely clear how exactly CBD works during the modulation of the organism’s immune reaction. Studies conducted on patients with autoimmune diseases prove positive effects of cannabidiol. However, both the IS and the ECS are so complicated that it is better to be careful; at least until the whole principle is clarified by clinical research. If you suffer from excessive occurrence of inflammation in your body, CBD could be the solution. But despite that, you should always consult your health with your doctor. The conclusion of the study sums it up:
“There are still limitations on our knowledge about CBD dosing and plasma levels and how those relate to immune modulation. Some of these limitations might be clarified with many of the planned clinical trials with CBD in the coming years.”