The human body isn’t immune to diseases and illnesses. Regardless if you spend most of your time indoors, you can still be at risk of illnesses and diseases. Germs and bacteria are everywhere, and no human being is immune from contracting these. One morning you wake up brimming with energy, but the next day you can’t get out of bed because of a fever.
However, one organic compound that comes to mind when thinking about disease prevention is cannabidiol or CBD oil. This product has been used by different people in the world because of its health benefits.
In fact, there are countless science-based researches and studies that were published to prove the safety and efficacy of CBD oil.
If you’re eyeing to use the same to manage the symptoms of the different types of Crohns or keep your immune system strong, it’s best if you spend some time to know the product better. This information is essential for you to set your expectations and assess if CBD oil is apt for your health needs. So, can CBD oil help strengthen the immune system? Continue reading to find out more information about this much-talked-about product.
The Immune System
The body’s immune functions play vital roles in protecting you from various harmful substances. Your body has components to help combat illnesses that are caused by germs, bacteria, and cell changes. Your susceptibility to illnesses and diseases heavily depends on the condition of your immune system. Having a strong and healthy immune system will make it easy for you to stay healthy as you age. On the other hand, a poor immune system can become the reason why you’ll get sick often.
The immune system is composed of cells, organs, and proteins that help ensure that your body stays healthy and strong. However, your immune system can be susceptible to weakening. This is especially true if you live an unhealthy lifestyle and neglect the importance of engaging in physical activities. If your immune functions don’t work correctly, either from weakness or the lack of combat ability to fight aggressive germs, you’ll feel ill and weak.
With a normal-functioning immune system, your body can:
- Fight disease-causing elements, like parasites, germs, and harmful bacteria
- Recognize and eliminate harmful substances before they attack the body
- Fight harmful cell changes, such as cancer, that may cause adverse changes in the body
At this point, you might be thinking about how to strengthen your immune system. Several methods are available for use to help boost your body’s immune functions. While you’re thinking of these solutions, perhaps, your mind may also start considering CBD oil.
CBD Oil: An Overview
CBD oil is a substance extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that promotes therapeutic effects on users. Although CBD oil comes from the same plant as marijuana, the two have different effects on the human body. CBD oil doesn’t alter a person’s behavior and cognitive functions because it only contains 0.3% THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, while marijuana has at least 80%. THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive properties of marijuana that can put the body out of balance and cause addiction.
Some of its potential benefits include:
- Relieves pain
- Improves anxiety and depression symptoms
- Improves skin condition
- Induces sleep
- Reduces the intensity and frequency of seizures
- Possible treatment for cancer
- Provides support to addiction cessation procedures
This naturally-occurring substance works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system or ECS. This network of neurotransmitters is responsible for several physiological functions, which include appetite, pain management, and sleep.
CBD oil is a natural product that is safe when used by seniors, children, and even pets. In fact, some parents would introduce CBD oil to their kid’s diet as this product is known to treat epilepsy and minimize the frequency of seizures. Seniors can benefit from CBD oil because it helps boost their cardiovascular and cognitive functions.
If an imbalance occurs in the ECS, the body responds by emanating adverse effects. For example, you may encounter chronic pain, insomnia, or loss of appetite. CBD oil consumption may help recover the balance in the ECS.
CBD “tells” the receptors in the ECS to recover the lost balance. So, this organic compound may help normalize eating habits, sleeping patterns, and aid in pain management. You can also choose different methods of consumption if you decide to use CBD oil for the relief and treatment of various health concerns.
Different CBD Products
Perhaps, one widely-used form of CBD oil is the tincture. This type of product usually comes in a small bottle with a dropper. You can use the dropper to put the substance under your tongue for sublingual consumption. Otherwise, you may use the tincture to add CBD to your favorite dishes and drinks. You can easily get more info about the most effective CBD tinctures online.
Other forms of CBD oil-infused products you may find on the market include:
- Creams
- Lotions
- Edibles
- Vapes
- Cigarettes
- Capsules and pills
There are also CBD oil products for pets if you want your cat or dog to reap the benefits of this organic compound. But, make sure to consult the right doctor to see if CBD is the right solution to relieve or treat specific health concerns.
Although CBD might be an excellent solution for treating a number of illnesses, can it work to strengthen the immune system?
CBD Oil and The Immune System
CBD oil may help boost the immune system, and understanding this process requires a deeper dive into the inner workings of the ECS.
Remember that the ECS is responsible for a normal-functioning body. It also regulates the different cannabinoids that are already present in the body. For example, anandamide, an intestinal cannabinoid, controls appetite and stress response.
Now, the body has CB1 and CB2 receptors scattered throughout specific areas. Each receptor plays a vital role in the ECS. CB1 receptors tend to be in the brain and central nervous system (CVS), and they play roles in memory processing, motor regulation, and mood, to name a few. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, tend to be in cells in the different parts of the immune system.
If CBD enters the body, it interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors to help normalize any imbalances in the body. This organic substance can interact with CB2 receptors to help combat inflammation and other harmful actions that may cause adverse effects in the body’s immune functions.
This anti-inflammatory response can be useful in preventing inflammation-related conditions, such as:
- Crohn’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
CBD may also be a better solution than synthetic drugs in boosting the immune system. This organic substance acts as a “mediator” to indirectly combat adverse cannabinoid responses. Conversely, using medicines made from synthetic ingredients to force the activation of immune functions may cause unwanted side effects.
Risks
CBD oil can help strengthen the immune system, but it’s not a “cure all” drug. Ergo, it can’t heal all ailments. But, it may help in the relief and treatment of several health conditions.
However, CBD consumption isn’t without its risks. It may still cause adverse effects, such as dry eyes and mouth. Furthermore, this organic substance may interact and complicate other existing medications in your body.
For example, CBD can help lower blood pressure, which means it can be an excellent solution to combat high blood pressure. But, if you’re already taking high blood pressure medicines, then, consuming CBD may bring your blood pressure down to dangerous levels.
Always consult your doctor before deciding to consume CBD oil. Never self-medicate, especially if you don’t have enough knowledge about consuming this organic substance. Otherwise, you may open your body and its immune functions to several risks.
Conclusion
In summary, CBD oil can help combat harmful elements that may cause damage to the body. Hence, this naturally-occurring compound can help support the immune system. CBD may also deliver other health advantages, like normalizing appetite and sleep patterns. But, make sure to consult your doctor first to avoid any adverse effects from consuming CBD oil.
