OlCBD ejek has a whole host of positive medicinal and therapeutic properties. But supplementing it also by healthy people is precisely to strengthen the body and provide immunity. And this is done on two levels. Immunomodulatory, i.e. supporting immune levels by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, taking care of its proper functioning. And also immunosuppressive, i.e. inhibiting the activity of the the immune system thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Indeed, if the body reacts with inflammation, CBD has the ability to inhibit inflammation, allowing the body to get rid of chronic inflammation that weakens the body.
What is the immune system
Viruses and bacteria are ubiquitous and we are constantly at risk of them infecting us, or already infected infecting us. And if it were not for the immune system, which protects us like a shield, we would be poorly off. Fortunately, the immune system is and allows immune mechanisms to work through lymphatic organs, the lymph vessel, cells involved in immune relationships and antibodies, cytokines, etc.
First and foremost are the leukocytes (white blood cells), whose function is to seek out and destroy threats in the form of viruses, bacteria and other aggressors. They are divided into B and T lymphocytes (cells that eliminate antigens and encode aggressors) and phagocytes (cells that absorb and neutralise threats).
The role of the immune system as a whole is to detect and eliminate cells that threaten the body. The process of their destruction is called apoptosis. And apoptosis is the permanent destruction of damaged, redundant, worn-out cells, which protects the body against the formation of tumours, for example. In the place of those disposed of, new ones are formed. And here is the first link between CBD and the immune system. Well, cannabidiol supports the process of apoptosis. This process is extremely important, as the elimination of these and not other cells, and in the right amount, provides the body with a balance. When the body eliminates too many cells, it leads to autoimmune diseases, while if it eliminates too few cells or not the ones it should, it can lead to cancer.
The relationship between CBD, the endocannabinoid system and the immune system
The immune system only functions properly when all processes within it are in balance and run smoothly.
The cannabinoid system, on the other hand, is responsible for many of the body's processes, aiming to bring and maintain them in balance (homeostasis). By regulating physiological processes, this system is also responsible for regulating inflammation and appropriate immune responses. It includes, among others, CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are also found in cells of the immune system. It should be noted that CB2 receptors are predominant and mainly stimulate anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing effects.
Therefore, when the body is threatened by an infection that causes inflammation, the receptors of the endocannabinoid system are activated and the cannabinoids focus on strengthening the immune system.
This beneficial effect of CBD on the immune system was actually discovered by accident during a study conducted in 2008. At the time, a study was conducted on a group of 6 000 people on overweight and obesity. In doing so, it was clearly established that long-term administration of cannabidiol has a strong effect on the CB2 receptor, which in turn has a huge impact on the immune system.
Effects of CBD oil on improving immunity
Among the functions of the endocrine system is the management of the body's response to stress. The hormones called upon to do this are epinephrine (i.e. adrenaline) and cortisol, even referred to as the 'stress hormone'. And it is cortisol, produced in the adrenal glands, which is the hormone that mainly manages the stress response. It also has an impact on memory, metabolism and wound healing.
- Increase in the number of Natural Kiler (NK) cells
NK cells are part of the immune system and are cytotoxic cells. They therefore have the ability to destroy other cells. These are the so-called 'natural killers', which are classified as so-called non-specific lymphoid cells, i.e. similar to T-lymphocytes. They are an extremely important part of anti-infective and anti-cancer non-specific immunity. Their role is to participate in the body's immune surveillance (when tumour cells appear, they are controlled and destroyed by, among other things, NK), to participate in the first stages of non-specific immunity (examples of non-specific immunity include the skin and mucous membranes, which protect the body against microorganisms) and to participate in the destruction of abnormal cells (e.g. damaged cells, cells infected by bacteria or viruses, and tumour cells).
In studies of the effects of CBD oil on animals with immune problems, it has been shown to balance the immune system by reducing the activity of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and their subgroups. In addition, it supports the function of Natura Kiler cells. Also, in vitro studies have shown really promising results in people who needed support to regenerate the liver and strengthen its immunity.
- Support of the intestinal microflora
The bacterial flora found in the gastrointestinal tract is involved in the maturation of immune cells. When there is frequent and excessive inflammation in the gut, this can lead to a lack of intestinal tightness, dysbiosis of the intestinal microflora and an impaired intestinal immune response. In contrast, research confirms that CBD oils having anti-inflammatory properties have a positive effect on the intestines, reducing systemic inflammation.
- Supporting anti-inflammatory activities
The anti-inflammatory effect of CBD oil is one of the already better studied properties of cannabidiol. As we mentioned above, it is primarily the CB2 receptor that is responsible for most of the anti-inflammatory effects. When it is activated by CBD oil, this results in an anti-inflammatory effect. And this is why the scientific community has become interested in the use of cannabinoids to treat autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Calming effect of CBD oil
It is a well-known fact that constant stress weakens the body and negatively affects its immunity. And here CBD oil has an indirect effect on improving immunity, as studies have shown it reduces stress levels, relaxes and improves sleep quality. It acts, for example, by direct activation of the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor.
The positive effects on the body of people living under high tension and stress have already been quite well documented. For example, approximately 60 healthy men were studied by subjecting them to a public speaking test and applying CBD oil at the same time. The study participants were orally administered CBD in doses of 150 mg, 300 mg or 600 mg or a placebo before the public speaking test. The study showed that the most relaxed men were those who were treated with a dose of 300 mg of CBD oil.
However, it is important to remember that CBD is not a panacea for immunity; the oil only supports it. To be immune, it is necessary to have a balanced and varied diet, take exercise and find opportunities to relieve stress. All of this combined helps to achieve and maintain immunity.
Bibliography:
- Valeria Katchan, Paula David, Yehuda Shoenfeld "Cannabinoids and autoimmune diseases: A systematic review". https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26876387/
- J. M. Nichols, B. L.F. Kaplan, "Immune Responses regulated by Cannabidiol. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2018.0073
- Thomas W Klein, Cathy Newton, Kellie Larsen, Lily Lu, Izabella Perkins, Liang Nong, Herman Friedman; "The cannabinoid system and immune modulation" https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12960289/
