Cannabidiol (CBD) is prescribed as a remedy for various medical conditions. Considered the most potent therapeutic compound derived from cannabis, CBD has demonstrated a potential for treating pain, Immune, anxiety, nausea, and seizures, among other medical problems.
Some research also suggests that cannabidiol may boost immunity. But how accurate are these studies, and can you use CBD to strengthen your immune system? This article shall delve deeper into that question.
What Constitutes Immunity?
According to the National Cancer Institute, the immune system is defined as a complex biological network of organs, tissues, cells, and the substances that these components synthesize, which help the body fight infections and other diseases.
The immune cells mainly include white blood cells, whereas the tissues and organs are primarily those of the lymph system, such as the lymph nodes, lymph vessels, thymus, tonsils, spleen, and bone marrow.
How Does CBD Boost The Immune System?
CBD May Improve the Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system is a complex cell-signaling system that exists throughout the body, from the brain and central nervous system (CNS) to peripheral organs. The system comprises various receptors known as endocannabinoid receptors and neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids function similarly to phytocannabinoids (marijuana-derived cannabinoids like CBD).
Now, the endocannabinoid system plays numerous essential functions, including promoting immunity. Studies indicate that CBD oil affects the body via the endocannabinoid system. The oil interacts explicitly with endocannabinoid receptors known as CB2 receptors.
Since the endocannabinoid system boosts immunity, CBD impacts this system, which explains why the compound may support the immune system.
CBD May Treat Pain
Research indicates that chronic pain may affect immune function. According to this laboratory study conducted on mice, persistent chronic pain may suppress immunity by reprogramming the functioning of genes involved in the immune system.
Fortunately, pain is the most prevalent medical ailment that cannabidiol oil has proven effective against. CBD oil treats pain by stimulating the pain-signaling capacity of the vanilloid receptor, an endocannabinoid receptor involved in pain mediation.
CBD May Lower Stress Levels
Like chronic pain, chronic stress and anxiety can depress immune system function. Stress reduces the ability of the immune system to fend off antigens, thereby resulting in frequent infections.
Now, cannabidiol is a powerful sedative whose anxiolytic abilities are well documented.
CBD lowers stress levels by combating cortisol, the primary stress hormone. The compound can also increase sensitivity to serotonin, a neurotransmitter noted for its role in mental health.
CBD May Ramp Up White Blood Cells Count
Studies have established a direct correlation between regular marijuana usage and high white blood cell count. Although most of these experiments were conducted on cannabis, it’s logical to infer that CBD may also have positive effects on white blood cell synthesis.
Remember that white blood cells are a core component of immune function. Therefore, any compound that stimulates the manufacture of these cells directly improves immune performance.
CBD May Fight Bacterial Infections
There’s reliable evidence that cannabidiol possesses antimicrobial properties. Therefore, CBD products may guard against infections caused by bacterial agents.
Some studies have established that CBD could destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making it one of the most potent natural antimicrobial remedies. Common bacterial diseases you can prevent using CBD-infused supplements include meningitis, gonorrhea, and Legionnaires’ disease.
CBD May Combat Fungal Infections
Cannabidiol products are commonly prescribed for treating various skin and hair conditions. That’s mainly due to the compound’s powerful antifungal properties.
In this study, CBD exhibited remarkable antifungal abilities. The best part about using cannabidiol for fungal infections is that the compound doesn’t trigger worrying side effects.
CBD May Prevent Viral Infections
During the earlier days of COVID-19 infection, there was widespread lobbying for regulators to legalize medical cannabis use to mitigate the effects of this contagious virus. It turns out that these campaigns had solid scientific backing behind them.
According to recent research, cannabidiol is an antiviral agent and can guard against the SARS-COV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. Going by this study, it’s logical to infer that CBD may improve immune function by keeping certain viral infections at bay.
CBD May Boost Sleep Quality
Sleep deprivation can lead to depressed immunity.
People who do not get enough sleep are more susceptible to common viral infections like the common cold. Besides, a lack of sleep may slow down your recovery from chronic illnesses.
Using cannabidiol regularly may promote sleep quality, consequently boosting your immune system. CBD aids sleep by shortening the duration of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the sleep phase characterized by frequent sleep interruptions.
CBD May Mitigate Oxidative Stress to Immune Cells
There’s mounting evidence that cannabidiol may affect redox balance by regulating the levels and activity of antioxidants and oxidants in the body cells.
In other words, CBD may inhibit the damage to immune cells caused by oxidative stress.
Summary
Cannabidiol is not only effective against existing medical conditions. Using CBD regularly may also help to keep numerous illnesses at bay. However, it’s important to note that, like all cannabis extracts, CBD is most effective if used in moderation. Overdosing on the compound may trigger adverse reactions, including nausea, dry mouth, and drowsiness.
Besides, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with your local cannabidiol laws before using any CBD products. Note that it’s illegal to use CBD in jurisdictions where cannabis remains criminalized.
