<tc>CBD for immune system boost</tc>

CBD for immune system boost. A strong immune system is one of the most important factors for enjoying excellent health and a longer and more comfortable life. The immune system protects against disease- and infection-causing bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms. Unfortunately, when the immune system is weak, the body is no longer protected, and the risk of various diseases increases. Read on and find out how CBD can help to strengthen your immune system.

Doctors note that only a low percentage of people take proper care of their immune system, even though maintaining good health is not that difficult. Numerous studies and practical experience have shown that the component found in hemp plants – cannabidiol (or CBD) – has a positive effect on the immune system and helps to strengthen it.

What effect does CBD have on our body, and how can it be used to strengthen the immune system? We will answer all your questions!

Note: This and other articles on Hempo's blog are for informational purposes only. According to the directive of the European Commission, cannabidiol is classified as a 'new food', therefore CBD products should not be used as a food supplement in Lithuania.

Key facts about the immune system

The immune system is a vital part of your body. It consists of many cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect you from various infections and diseases. The main task of the immune system is to recognise and destroy foreign bodies trying to enter the body, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. It can also identify and remove damaged or altered cells from the body.

The immune system works together with your nervous system. It helps to collect and process information more efficiently and to respond to stimuli.

Natural ways to strengthen your immune system

To have a better understanding of the benefits of CBD for the immune system, remember the basic, everyday actions that support the immune system:

Healthy sleep rhythm - Sleep is essential for your well-being and your body’s resistance. During sleep, cell renewal processes take place, your body charges with positive energy necessary to fight potential disease-causing microbes. Statistics show that insufficient sleep increases the risk of catching infectious diseases several times, so you should maintain a regular sleep rhythm and try to sleep 7 to 9 hours a day; 

Regular exercise – What is good for your heart is also good for your immune system, so a simple workout is recommended at least several times a week. Your workout can include do easy running, hiking, cycling or an hour in the gym;

A balanced diet - A poor diet lacking one or more nutrients can disrupt the production and activity of immune cells and antibodies, leading to disease and illness. Make sure your diet does not lack fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and grain products both in winter and in summer. Avoid heavily processed, fat-fried, roasted, fried and semi-finished products;

Drinking Water - Water helps carry oxygen to various cells in your body. It also removes toxins from your body, thus providing a comprehensive benefit to your health. It’s crucial during illness, when your body is fighting the pathogen. So, make sure you drink enough fluids every day. In addition to water, you should regularly drink teas, such as matcha tea, rich in antioxidants and other valuable substances that strengthen the immune system;

Hygiene – Germs can spread quickly when touching dirty surfaces and not following essential hygiene rules, so don’t forget to wash your hands before eating, after going to the toilet or after petting your pet.

How can CBD provide a boost for your immune system?

CBD extracted from hemp is different from many other cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. It has the following benefits:

• Non-psychotropic. Unlike THC, another well-known cannabinoid, CBD does not have hallucinogenic effects, so it does not affect your mental health in any way and does not cause a feeling of intoxication;

• Does not cause addiction. CBD is not a narcotic substance that can cause addiction, so you can use CBD oil, capsules or other products without fear. 

• Practically no side effects. CBD is very well tolerated and safe for the vast majority of users. Side effects are extremely rare and not severe. These may include symptoms such as dry mouth, light-headedness or short-term indigestion.

The endocannabinoid system

To understand the effects of CBD on the immune system, it is important to start with the basics - how the endocannabinoid system (ECS) works. Each of us has an EKS, which is generally described as a complex cellular signaling system located throughout our body. This system works through endocannabinoids present in our body, which interact with other receptors in our body, thereby transmitting signals to various parts of the body. Interestingly, the endocannabinoids found in our bodies are similar to plant cannabinoids such as THC and CBD found in the hemp plant. However, unlike plant cannabinoids, endocannabinoids are a product of our own body production.

The most important parts of the ECS are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 is found in the central nervous system and CB2 is found in the peripheral system i.e. in immune cells. Scientists are still studying the ECS, but it is already clear that it plays a critical role in regulating our mood, digestion, thinking, memory, sleep quality and reproduction.

How CBD can provide a boost for your immune system

What are the specific benefits of CBD to your immune system? Learn about five of them!

1. Better Sleep. CBD oil has been shown to drastically improve sleep quality. By improving your sleep cycle, CBD boosts your immune system, ensuring you go through all three stages of sleep – REM (rapid eye movement), light and deep sleep. A study conducted in 2019 by US scientists showed that even 66.7 percent respondents who used CBD oil and other CBD products slept significantly better.
2. Anti-inflammatory properties. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s very important for the optimal functioning of the immune system: with chronic inflammation or infection, the activity of the immune system weakens, increasing the permeability to pathogens. CBD successfully combats various inflammations and prevents the outbreak of new foci of disease in the body.
3. Antioxidant Effect. CBD has antioxidant properties and can help with oxidative stress. It’s a condition caused by an excess of free radicals. Oxidative stress weakens the immune system and reduces cell resistance to micro-organisms, viruses and bacteria. CBD has antioxidant properties and protects against the negative effects of free radicals.
4. Better digestion. CBD oil improves the bowel function, helps with indigestion and regulates appetite. A properly functioning digestive system contributes to a strong immune system.
5. Reduced stress and anxiety. As a result, CBD is an excellent way to boost immunity. Your immune system is very closely related to the nervous system. If you experience anxiety and stress, cannabidiol products can significantly reduce tension and anxiety, while improving your emotional and physical well-being. It just proves that CBD is a great way to boost your immune system.

Can CBD help fight specific viruses or bacteria?

When researching whether CBD can help fight specific viruses or bacteria, it's important to delve into its multifaceted properties. Recently, the debate about CBD for strengthening immunity is gaining momentum, and the potential of CBD in the fight against viral and bacterial infections is becoming the subject of scientific research.

Studies have shown that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is important in modulating immune system responses, so CBD may actually be effective in boosting immunity. This modulation is very important because an overactive immune system can cause a lot of inflammation in the body, which is a common cause of many viral infections.

CBD's potential to disrupt the life cycle of certain viruses and its ability to enhance the effectiveness of traditional antiviral treatments are significant in understanding the multifaceted benefits of CBD. Recent research suggests that CBD may be important in the fight against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, which are a growing concern among medical experts. Below is a list of viruses that CBD may be useful in combating:

• Herpes viruses: some studies suggest that CBD may have an inhibitory effect on certain types of herpes viruses, including HSV-1 and HSV-2, which cause oral and genital herpes. herpes. The potential antiviral properties of CBD can disrupt the ability of this virus to reproduce.
• HIV/AIDS: Research is examining the role of CBD in managing symptoms and reducing inflammation in HIV/AIDS patients. However, there is still no convincing evidence to confirm that CBD directly affects the HIV virus itself.
• Hepatitis C: initial studies have shown that CBD can reduce the rate of replication of the hepatitis C virus in some cases, but these results need further confirmation in more clinical trials.
• Respiratory Viruses: While there is already interest in CBD's potential effects on respiratory viruses such as influenza or COVID-19, research in this area is still gaining momentum, so definitive conclusions are yet to be drawn. will have to wait.

CBD as an immunosuppressant

It has already been observed that CBD can benefit people with autoimmune diseases. These diseases occur when people's immune systems mistakenly recognize parts of the body as foreign and attack them, causing inflammation and other unpleasant symptoms.

Autoimmune diseases are diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, or Hashimoto's thyroiditis that require constant use of immunosuppressive drugs to control an overactive immune system.

Scientific studies conducted in 2020 and 2021 have revealed that CBD has immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties, which are important in the treatment of the aforementioned diseases due to the inflammation they cause. However, in order to fully confirm the effectiveness of CBD as an immunosuppressant, additional detailed human clinical studies are needed, as this has so far only been done in animals.

The optimistic news is that research into the use of CBD in the treatment of autoimmune diseases is actively ongoing and promising results are already being reported, especially for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

CBD as an immunomodulator

Immunomodulator is a drug that modulates the immune system, both by stimulating and suppressing its activity. Although there is some evidence that CBD has immunosuppressive properties typical of immunomodulators, there is still a lack of comprehensive research in this area to make strong claims about this substance's ability to activate the immune system.

Scientists believe that CBD may have a positive effect on the immune system by contributing to better sleep and lower stress levels. Poor quality sleep and high stress levels are known to be directly related to a weaker immune system. However, these connections between CBD and immune system enhancement need to be studied in more detail - and this will be done in the near future.

If you are dealing with immune system problems, it is always advisable to stick to those methods that have been proven effective by scientific research. Also, remember that it's always important to consult with your health care professional before starting any new treatment or health-enhancing regimen.

CBD for boosting immune system: a summary

The immune system plays an extremely important role in maintaining good health and preventing various diseases and viral infections. Unfortunately, weakened immunity increases the risk of various diseases, and most people do not take proper care of their immune system, although it is really easy to do. This article explored the importance of CBD in boosting immunity in the human body, and also defined the most important nuances of the immune system, such as the role of the immune system in protecting the human body from infections and diseases and its coordination with the nervous system. Remember that in order to feel healthier, you need to not only appreciate the immune boosting benefits of CBD, but also use natural ways to boost your immunity.