Our Endocannabinoid and Immune System
We talk a lot about our endocannabinoid system (ECS). It’s the system that regulates things like sleep, mood, digestion and memory. We know that CBD interacts with one system but how about with our body’s first line of defense, the immune system? Does taking CBD give us an immune boost to help prevent us from getting sick?
Bringing Back The Balance
When we ingest CBD, our ECS is indirectly interacting with the CBD to bring back balance to our bodies. The primary function of our ECS is to maintain homeostasis. There are two main receptors in the ECS. CB1, which is found mostly in the central nervous system and CB2, which is mostly found in the peripheral nervous system. CB2 is especially found in your immune cells.
The ECS is communicating through endocannabinoids. These are naturally produced by our body and are attached to receptors. CBD is chemically similar to the endocannabinoids which also play a role in creating internal balance. Even if you’ve never ingested cannabis, your body still makes endocannabinoids. It’s a natural process and we can even boost our own endocannabinoid production with certain foods.
1st Line of Defense
Our immune system is our biggest protector, and we can’t take it for granted. It’s a mesh of organs, cells and proteins that defends our body against infections while also protecting the body’s cells.
It can also keep track of every germ that has ever entered your body. This helps the immune system detect that germ and destroy it. The immune system already has an important job but taking CBD may possibly give it that extra boost.
There is still ongoing research in terms of CBD helping the immune system. One way it can help is by potentially supporting healthy sleep and reducing the effects of stress. These are two things that generally play a big role in the state of our health.
Research shows time and time again that sleep deprivation and high stress levels can negatively impact our immune function.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
In a study done in 2009, findings suggested that CBD could help boost the immune system through regulating inflammation. CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties hence its potential ability to reduce pain and support immune function. These anti-inflammatory properties can work as immunomodulators and immunosuppressants. It was also found that CBD may help balance the secretion of cytokines, some of which can be pro-inflammatory. Cytokines are groups of proteins and they are secreted in our immune system. They help regulate inflammation, immunity and production of white blood cells.
CBD may also benefit those who have chronic autoimmune conditions. In autoimmune conditions, the immune system mistakes certain parts of the body as foreign making it attack itself. This causes inflammation and other symptoms like allergies, pain, and more. CBD acting as an anti-inflammatory may help people with autoimmune conditions.
Take Your CBD
Although studies are still being done, CBD may help improve immune function by decreasing inflammation and maintaining optimal immune function through the ECS. You can try out ReThink’s CBD Immune Booster.
It not only contains CBD but it also boosts your performance, energy, power and focus. The other main ingredients are Vitamin C, Echinacea and Zinc. There are, of course, other ways to take CBD, like CBD oil tinctures and capsules. Be sure to also try out any of our tincture oils for the strongest and fastest relief.
