The state of the world these past couple of years has really forced all of us to look inward and prioritize our health and safety above all. With so many threats around that can potentially harm us, it’s safe to say that we are under quite a bit of stress. Focusing on our body’s health and more specifically on that of our immune system, has become an integral part of our everyday life.
In today’s article we’re discussing CBD and how it affects the immune system through the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and other mechanisms. We will also give some tips on how to optimize immune function and overall wellbeing. By the end of this, you’ll be educated on the many functions of the ECS and how CBD is a key pillar for immune health.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, CBD for short, is a plant compound known as a cannabinoid which is derived from the cannabis sativa hemp plant. Within the hemp plant, there are hundreds of different compounds and various cannabinoids that have different functions. CBD products are made by extracting the cannabinoid from the hemp plant and mixing it into a carrier oil to make CBD oil.
Carrier oils vary as some brands use coconut oil, while others prefer to use hemp seed, or olive oil. If you have a preference, be sure to read the labels before purchasing any CBD oils. Here at ReThink, we do a mix of hemp seed and MCT oil for omega-6 and omega-3 fats as well as other acids that support health (i.e., linoleic acid).
Cannabidiol has grown in popularity over the last several years due to the positive impact it has had on so many individuals. Testimonials demonstrate that cannabidiol has helped many people find relief from chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, anxiety, and more. As popularity grows, so does scientific research. Many studies suggest that CBD has health promoting properties including that of anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties.
CBD is a big help to people with chronic conditions that are mostly treatment resistant. Most people delving into the world of CBD are looking for alternative ways to help manage their arthritis, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, Lennox Gastaut syndrome, cancer, and more.
One of the best things about CBD is that it does not induce a high. Many people have turned to medical marijuana for pain relief in the past, but there are many individuals who dislike the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC, as we all know it, is the compound that makes people high.
CBD is great for many reasons, but one of the best perks is that you may get a wide array of benefits without the THC. For the sale of CBD to be legal, THC content must be under .3%. There’s even broad-spectrum CBD which is completely THC free; that’s what we make our CBD products with.
Most people agree and know that CBD is not psychoactive in the same way as marijuana. Technically though, CBD may have an effect on the mind and brain since it may relieve stress and anxiety while also enhancing mood.
Another benefit of CBD is that there are little to no side effects which can be a relief for many people using prescription medication for long periods of time. Some of the most common side effects are temporary and reversible. These effects include dry mouth, changes in digestion and appetite, sleepiness, and more. To manage side effects, change the dose, drink more water, or if they persist, stop taking it.
CBD is not FDA approved which comes with some negative consequences. Not being FDA approved permits brands to launch products without undergoing rigorous testing to meet quality and safety standards. For best results, always look for brands that are transparent about their manufacturing processes and provide clear test results that match their products. Most of all, steer clear of any brands that give definitive medical advice!
The Immune System
Our immune system is the most critical player in helping us maintain our health and protect us from environmental stressors. It is made up of a collection of cells and various proteins that protect our bodies from foreign antigens like viruses, microbes, cancer cells, bacteria, and more. The immune system has two lines of defense: innate and adaptive (aka acquired) immunity.
These two branches work synergistically to offer the best possible protection for our bodies. Innate immunity does not work based off antigen memory hence why it is not specific to antigens. On the other hand, adaptive immunity is antigen specific.
Let’s say you get a paper cut, the first thing that’ll happen is that your body’s innate immune response will be triggered, and inflammation will occur rushing more blood to the wounded area, so that healing cells can do their repair job. Now let’s say you get a cold. Your body will remember exactly what foreign antigens this to you did which is why you won’t get affected by the same antigen multiple times.
It is such a powerful and majestic system that does the most for us.
The Endocannabinoid System
The ECS plays a major role in the most critical processes of the body. Its main purpose is to induce homeostasis which is the proper term for internal balance. The ECS is very similar to the immune system as it is also made up of various components and is located throughout the body.
This system has different effects on the body. It plays a major role in sleep wake cycles, immune function, pain signaling, appetite, metabolism, and much more. It has often been overlooked because it wasn’t always known about.
This system is made up of endocannabinoids (the cannabinoids our bodies produce on their own), receptors, and enzymes to break down used up endogenous cannabinoids. Our two endocannabinoids are anandamide (aka the bliss molecule) and 2AG. They are produced in the brain and are then sent out to their destination known as the CB, or cannabinoid receptors.
There are two types: CB1 and CB2 receptors. These are in different areas of the body including the central and peripheral nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, as well as the skin, internal organs, and more.
Once the endocannabinoids reach their destination and finish up their duties, enzymes come in to break them down. There are 2 main enzymes: fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL).
Just like some people struggle to make specific hormones or make too much of something else, people can also have issues with their ECS. This may lead to issues with the critical functions we discussed. If the body is not producing an adequate number of endocannabinoids, there may be a risk for developing issues.
The ECS works with the immune system by managing the way it responds. It plays a major role in regulating its function and mechanisms. The immune system is made up of different cells that control different things.
For example, there are cells that are called pro-inflammatory cytokines. They oversee the inflammation response and sometimes in autoimmune conditions, this is hyperactive leading to chronic inflammation. CBD interacts with the ECS to help regulate the way this response is triggered.
A study suggests that the ECS regulates the immune system by managing the movement of cells, cell death, macrophage function, and more. This means there could be an impact on the way immune cells signal inflammation and eat up and destroy microbes among other things.
This is vital information for those of you with autoimmune conditions. In these cases, our bodies usually have an overactive immune system leading to excess inflammation and negative side effects. CBD and supporting the ECS may help modulate the way our immune system responds with inflammation.
Immune Support
Other than taking CBD to support the ECS and therefore the immune system, there are other ways that you can support your immune function. Take care of your gut by eating the rainbow and lots of fiber. Studies have proven that good gut health helps decrease inflammation in the body by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Breathing exercises such as that of the Wim Hof method have been shown to increase our lines of defense as well. Exercise improves blood flow and decreases inflammation helping support our immune system as well. Combining these changes with some CBD will make a big difference in the way our immune system functions!