For decades, research into cannabis and cannabinoids faced massive impediments, which gave birth to a plethora of inaccurate assumptions about these compounds. But with modern science delving deeper to understand the fundamentals of these chemical compounds, we are now beginning to see the benefits associated with them.
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis plants like marijuana and hemp. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a type of cannabinoid that has now become a popular natural remedy for treating a host of afflictions. To know more about CBD products and their benefits, you could take a look at this website.
What is particularly useful about CBD is that it enhances the functioning of the immune system and helps to fight bacterial infections and viruses. Keep reading to find out how CBD does this:
Contents
1Modulates The Immune System
Humans have a sophisticated immune system that safeguards us from numerous diseases. Certain cells in the immune system release proteins known as cytokines, which act as chemical messengers and thereby regulate immunity and inflammation.
When the body is under attack from a foreign virus, these cytokines help to fight it and protect the body. But sometimes, these infections end up over-triggering the cytokines to unleash what scientists refer to as a “cytokine storm”. In this situation, the immune system reacts so violently to the infection that it ends up proving fatal for the body.
CBD hinders the release of cytokines, thereby calming the body’s immune response and preventing a scenario where the immune system causes harm to the body. But if CBD calms the immune response, how could it possibly fight a virus effectively?
This is where a fascinating piece of the puzzle fits: CBD alters the state of the immune system depending on its existing condition. In other words, an overreacting or under-reacting immune system can be brought back to normalcy with the use of CBD. Unlike other medical drugs, CBD does not respond the same way in every situation it is administered, and it essentially customizes itself based on the system it is entering.
2Maintains Gut Health
There is a vast ecosystem of microorganisms in the body, and the majority of them exist in the gut. It is not surprising then that the immune system and overall health are determined by how robust the gut is. However, an inflamed gut weakens the intestinal immune response.
The body attempts to act against this using the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a vital system of molecules in the body that helps to maintain homeostasis, or the body’s ability to maintain a stable temperature. CBD stimulates the ECS, which in turn enhances homeostasis and decreases inflammation. All of this helps to maintain good gut health, which bolsters the body’s overall immunity.
3Provides Relief From Anxiety
Research has shown that over time, mental stress and anxiety can result in lowered immunity. Low immunity is a factor that is known for making humans more susceptible to contracting bacterial and viral infections. CBD can counteract this due to its stress-relieving properties. It does this by regulating blood flow in parts of the brain that are responsible for the body’s reaction to stress, like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex.
However, this function of CBD is very different from the “high” feeling that is associated with marijuana. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants that triggers this sensation. But CBD is not psychoactive like THC, and it does not have any of the mind-altering effects that can be induced by certain medical drugs, making it a safe choice for use.
In a double-blind study, 57 healthy male participants were given different doses of oral CBD before a simulated public speaking test. It was found that compared to a placebo, 300 mg of CBD resulted in the participants feeling calmer and relaxed during the speech.
4Facilitates Healthy Inflammatory Response
The body reacts to external stress like infections or injuries through inflammation. Inflammation is a natural and crucial bodily response that isolates infected parts and prevents the spread of toxins. But prolonged inflammation results in the body’s immunity being impaired.
CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties assist the body to ensure the inflammatory response remains healthy and does not go overboard. Studies on animals have shown that CBD helps to maintain a healthy inflammatory response in the lungs, thereby effectively fighting off bacteria and viruses.
Bottom Line
CBD appears to have a range of health benefits, but there still aren’t enough high-quality human studies to understand the effect of different doses or their reaction with other medical substances that one may be taking. Once you decide to try CBD, it is best to consult your doctor to be on the safe side while trying to improve your body’s ability to fight off viruses.
