We all need our immune systems in order to stay alive, which is why it’s so crucial that we take extra care to ensure that it’s functioning properly.
Your immune system is solely responsible for ensuring that you don’t catch diseases that can be deadly or something less severe like the common cold.
It accomplishes this by producing special cells that attack suspicious microorganisms.
This crucial process can easily be compromised if you aren’t taking care of your health, or if you have an underlying illness that interferes with the immune system’s ability to function.
Sometimes, eating well and living a healthy lifestyle isn’t enough to ensure that your immune system functions as efficiently as possible.
That’s why some of us need to take an extra step in order to keep it healthy.
Now, it’s believed that CBD might hold the key to a healthy and functioning immune system.
So, how can CBD help keep the immune system in tip-top shape?
And, what’s the best way to take it for the best results?
We’ll be answering those questions, but first, let’s discuss the fascinating way in which the immune system operates.
I'd also like to point out that all of the information discussed below is all based off of preliminary research and we are in no way guaranteeing these results or any results for that matter.
What is the Immune System?
First off, the immune system is composed of cells, tissues and organs that join forces to fight foreign invaders that enter the body and have the potential to cause disease.
It’s the immune system that helps you fight colds, bacterial infections and other illnesses that can ultimately lead to death.
The immune system produces white blood cells that are known as leukocytes that are found throughout your body.
When an infection or injury takes place in your body, these leukocytes rush to the infected area to protect it.
This is known as the immune response. They can cause temporary inflammation in which the affected area becomes red, swollen and painful. This is why.
For instance, a person who has a cold will have a sore throat and a runny nose.
These leukocytes have entered a person’s airways and have caused these areas to become inflamed so that no more invaders can enter the body.
Signs of a Compromised Immune System
When a your immune system isn’t functioning to its fullest potential, we call it compromised.
This means that the immune system cannot do a great job at preventing invaders from entering.
There are many things that can cause a compromised immune system. Signs of a compromised immune system include:
- Fatigue
- Chronic pain
- Frequent illness
- Low cognitive function
What Causes the Immune System to Become Compromised?
Knowing what could be behind your compromised immune system is the key to beginning treatment.
Certain Illnesses
Certain illnesses affect your immune system’s functionality, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome.
These are all inflammatory conditions, which means that your body maintains a high state of inflammation.
When your body is highly inflamed, the immune system’s leukocytes are spread very thin. Which in turn means that they cannot successfully fight illnesses.
Poor Lifestyle Habits
Certain lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking and taking certain drugs can compromise your immune system.
That’s because all of these habits damage your overall health.
Which means that the immune system is working too hard to undo the effects of these substances to do its job properly.
Poor Diet
The immune system requires a variety of nutrients in order to function properly.
A poor diet, therefore, can contribute to a compromised immune system.
Overexertion
Overexertion can exhaust the immune system.
Overexertion can be caused by working too hard, exercising too frequently or simply refusing to rest when necessary.
Traveling Too Frequently
Traveling can throw off your immune system due to the nature of jet lag as well as the unhealthy conditions of airplanes.
And let's be honest, when traveling you are exposed to so many germs and bacteria while going through the parking garage, airport, flying through the air, and baggage claim.
Airports and airplanes aren't the most sanitary places on the planet.
Just think of how many things you touch? It's no wonder why you are often left feeling sick shortly after getting back from your travels.
Certain Mood Disorders
Mood disorders like severe anxiety and major depressive disorder can slow down the immune system’s functionality.
How is a Poorly Functioning Immune System Usually Treated?
Typically, when you are suffering from a compromised immune system you will be instructed by your doctor to make certain changes in order to live a healthier lifestyle.
Of course, the treatment avenue pursued will of course be dependent on the cause and effects you are experiencing. Which of course your doctor will know best how to diagnose and treat.
Along with medication treatment, you may be asked to make certain lifestyle adjustments such as giving up smoking, eating a more nutritious diet or taking more time to rest.
Can CBD Help Boost Your Immune System?
It’s now believed that CBD may be able to potentially enhance the functionality of your immune system.
It seems that regular CBD consumption is linked to a healthier immune system and lower inflammation levels throughout the body.
But of course, this is all based off of preliminary research results and further research is required before any definitive answers can be provided.
Fast Facts About CBD
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that’s found in the hemp plant.
It has recently been legalized, which is why so many researchers are studying it and why it’s so available to the general public since a couple of years ago.
It’s widely considered safe to take, even in high doses and over a long period of time.
CBD is just one of the many plant-based compounds believed to be beneficial in the hemp plant.
CBD and Your Body’s Endocannabinoid System
So, how is it that CBD has the potential to heal the body’s immune system?
Well, it has to do with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
As the name of this system suggests, it relates directly to cannabinoids such as CBD.
The body is supposed to make its own cannabinoids. Which are referred to as endocannabinoids.
The endocannabinoid system sends these cannabinoids throughout the body so that they may bond with cannabinoid receptors.
Throughout the body are many cannabinoid receptors, in areas such as the brain, digestive tract and, you guessed it, immune system.
When these cannabinoids bond with these receptors, the correlating systems become regulated.
This occurs through a chemical reaction.
When all of the body’s systems are functioning properly, you can achieve a state of homeostasis, which is what the endocannabinoid system is designed to promote.
However, if you do not produce cannabinoids in sufficient numbers, various bodily systems can become compromised.
Such as the immune system.
This is why it’s believed that CBD is so beneficial.
As a phytocannabinoid, the body treats it as through it were a cannabinoid produced by itself.
So the body may be able to heal itself by consuming this plant-based compound.
5 Key Areas For a Potential Immune Boost
Now, let’s discuss five ways in which CBD has the potential to boost your immune system.
Below, you’ll discover five different signs of a poorly functioning immune system that CBD may be able to address.
1. Less Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
See, allergies are caused by a faulty immune response in which harmless substances are perceived as threats to the body.
Taking CBD may be able to regulate the way in which the immune system responds to these substances so that symptoms subside.
It seems that cannabinoid receptors in the bloodstream can also create an antihistamine-like response.
2. Less Bodily Infections
The immune system is responsible for preventing bodily infections from affecting the body.
However, if the immune system is compromised, it won’t be able to stop a person from catching diseases nearly as efficiently.
This is why people with compromised immune systems catch viruses and bacterial infections more easily.
CBD may be able to help a person get sick less frequently by boosting the function of the immune system so that it can fight illnesses more efficiently.
3. Lower Inflammation Levels
The immune system is responsible for the inflammatory response, in which leukocytes are sent to areas that have been injured, causing swelling, soreness and tenderness.
When the immune system is compromised, it may overdo this inflammatory response, meaning that extremely high levels of inflammation take place throughout the body.
This can lead to a wide range of issues including severe pain and mood issues.
CBD seems to regulate the amount of leukocytes that are utilized by the immune system. Meaning that it can potentially lower inflammation levels throughout the body.
For this reason, CBD is considered to have the strong potential to fight even severe, chronic pain.
4. Improved Cognitive Function
The neuroimmune system connects the neurological system to the immune system. It explains why those who are sick may struggle with cognition.
Cognitive function relates to our memory, mood, mental stamina and ability to concentrate.
When our immune system is compromised, we may become forgetful, lethargic and unfocused.
This means that it may have the potential to possibly improve your cognition.
5. Improved Overall Well-Being
When the immune system is compromised, so is our overall mood and health.
We may feel tired, unmotivated, irritable, depressed and generally unhappy.
If CBD can help boost the immune system, it can improve one’s overall state of well-being.
This means that CBD may be able to improve both our mood and our physical state.
Taking CBD to Improve Your Immune System: What to Know
Now that you understand the many ways in which CBD may be able to improve your immune system.
Let’s get into the things that you should know before getting started.
Tip #1: Your Doctor Should Always Know
Always inform your doctor before starting a CBD regimen as they should know anything that you’re taking for health-related purposes.
This is especially important if you are currently prescribed medications, as we are not medical professionals, and your doctor will know of any potential of any negative side effects of mixing CBD with your prescription meds.
Tip #2: With CBD, Quality is Everything, So Prepare to Pay
There are a lot of CBD products out there. So It’s important you find the highest quality product possible.
Look for lab results that confirm purity, potency and quality.
And, know that the higher the quality, the more expensive it’s likely to be, but it’s completely worth it.
Tip #3: Consistency is Key, as is Proper Dosing
It’s crucial that you take the recommended dose each day so that the right amount of CBD can build up in your system.
But it's even more important that you find your personal dose that works best for you and your personal needs. As there is no one size fits all when it comes to dosing CBD products for potential relief effects.
Tip #4: There’s a Variety of Administration Methods Out There
It’s up to you whether you vape CBD or take it in the form of a tincture, capsule or edible.
So not only will you need to find the dosage that works best for you, it's also important you experiment with the varying consumption methods to see what's most effective.
A Healthy Immune System Equals a Better Lifestyle
As it turns out, CBD may play a huge role in managing the function of the immune system.
If you want to give this cannabinoid a try, look for a high-quality CBD product and start taking it daily.
Just remember, all of the information shared in this article is based on preliminary research.
We are not saying nor guarantee you will experience these, nor any results for that matter when taking CBD.
Further research is truly required before any definitive results can be shared.