Keeping your immune system safe and healthy is one of the most important things you can do for your body. Your immune system protects you against the thousands of germs in the outside world and makes sure that you don’t get sick from the things you touch and eat every day. The immune system acts as your body’s armor, making sure your health always stays in elite shape.
There are a variety of factors that can affect the immune system daily, including taking vitamins or not getting enough sleep. Dietary supplements can be used to complement your immune system’s needs and make sure it’s running smoothly, and as of lately, CBD has become one of these possibilities. But how much does it really help?
The Endocannabinoid & Immune Systems
To know how CBD affects the immune system, it’s essential first to understand the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is the bodily system that produces and regulates cannabinoids in the brain, both naturally-occurring and additive.
When you take a CBD supplement, it’s processed by this area of the brain. The principal receptors responsible for triggering these responses are called CB1 and CB2 receptors, and CBD acts indirectly on these receptors. These receptors can induce physiological change and produce therapeutic effects, which is how CBD has come to be known as a potential therapeutic compound.
Medical professionals are still discovering both the endocannabinoid and the immune system, and there’s a lot we don’t know. However, some studies have been done on CBD’s effects on various autoimmune diseases. According to a study done by the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, cannabinoid receptors play a significant role in the immune system’s regulation process.
Cannabinoids such as CBD have been shown to suppress T-cell-mediated immune responses and, in a variety of studies, to act as an anti-inflammatory compound. This could mean that many individuals could have an improved quality and comfortability of life.
There’s still a lot of research that needs to be done on both the endocannabinoid system and the immune system to make definitive claims regarding CBD’s effectiveness. However, a variety of anecdotal evidence exists from CBD consumers, as well as clinical studies pointing to the fact that CBD could be incredibly useful in reducing negative immune system activity.
If you do choose to use CBD, be sure to consult with a physician to discuss whether it is right for you and your autoimmune condition. In addition, be sure to purchase your hemp products from high-quality online retailers or dispensaries to ensure purity.
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