Cold and flu season has arrived. We hear from CBD expert, Ruby Deevoy, who explains how CBD oil could regulate your immune system and strengthen your immune response, to keep the germs at bay…
There are many supplements out there that are great for boosting the immune system. In fact, when talking to people about CBD, people often say, “I’m taking vitamins already”. But CBD oil doesn’t work like that.
Take a flick through the abundance of studies out there and you’ll soon see that CBD is actually immunosuppressive, which is partly what allows it to reduce inflammation – an immune response that incidentally triggers autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
But it’s also been found to enhance immune system function, supporting white blood cell production, specifically in immunodeficient patients. Basically, it’s both, because it’s neither.
CBD does not ‘boost’ the immune system. It regulates it in whatever way you need it regulating. With CBD oil, it’s all about balance, and cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant work together with your body via multiple mechanisms to achieve this.
CBD does not ‘boost’ the immune system, it regulates it.
Although researchers are starting to unpick the whole story, there is still much we need to discover about how CBD interacts with the body, and how the immune system works as well, to completely understand how it all works. But there are enough studies to make educated theories and speculations.
What’s the science behind CBD and the immune system?
Here’s a quick endocannabinoid system (ECS) explainer. The ECS is one of the major physiological systems in the body. It’s made up of receptors that can be found just about everywhere in the body and neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids.
These endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-AG) are released on demand to activate the endocannabinoid receptors and trigger a balancing response (whatever that may be) from the body. As the ECS is everywhere, that includes all throughout your immune system.
CBD prevents the immune system from being overactive or underactive.
When you take CBD – regularly and consistently for best results – you are supporting every bodily process by helping your ECS restore balance.
When this rebalancing occurs in your immune system, it’s prevented from being overactive or underactive. It is instead encouraged to remain in that perfect ‘goldilocks zone’ where everything works just as it should, for optimum health.
Is CBD an adaptogen?
Adaptogens are a very special group of herbs and mushrooms. They adapt their function depending on what the body needs, be that physical, chemical or biological.
Cannabis is not currently listed as one, officially. However, it certainly works like one, as it acts through multiple pathways in the body (and in different ways depending on the user’s own unique needs) to restore equilibrium.
Adaptogens are often marketed as providing stress relief, just like CBD oil. However, what they actually do is moderate the stress response, lower inflammation and even enhance mental performance.
What’s more, they can possess opposing qualities. For example, they might be stimulating and relaxing at the same time. It provides whatever your body needs when the adaptogen gets involved.
Adaptogens adapt their function depending on what the body needs – be that physical, chemical or biological.
CBD oil works in the same way. Both stress and inflammation can weaken your immune system. So, tackling these issues will offer you immune protection straightaway.
Furthermore, the diverse array of carotenoids, flavonoids and phytosterols in adaptogens play a major role in how they benefit your body. Again, the same goes for CBD oil – whole plant CBD oil that is – which contains a range of these therapeutic compounds.
Does CBD contain antioxidants?
CBD has also been shown to possess impressive antioxidant qualities. Antioxidants are known to destroy free radicals and protect the structural integrity of cells and tissues.
Clinical trials have found that antioxidant supplementation can significantly improve certain immune responses. This is true even when using a relatively weak antioxidant, such as vitamin A.
The CBD molecule is such a powerful antioxidant that it is even being considered as a future treatment of oxidative neurological disorders and neural inflammatory responses.
5 best CBD oils for a stronger immune system
Healist CBD Immune Support Capsules (£30) combine 20mg cure CBD, with nature’s traditional immune boosters of elderberry, echinacea and vitamin C and D3, which are known to help support and promote a healthy immune system.
Sweet Pink Whole Plant CBD (from £28) includes a true whole plant cannabis extract with all the immune-system supporting compounds you need and comes in two strengths, 5 and 10 per cent.
Canna 360 Rebound Plus CBD (£69.96) features 6 per cent CBD in organic sesame seed oil for better absorption. Boost your immunity with a blend of 40+ terpenes, flavonoids and a dose of vitamins.
Honey Heaven Immunity & CBD Sport Spray (£30) is a mix of CBD and ayurvedic herbs including holy basil and turmeric.
Cannabotech IMMUNITY DROPS (£59) blend high-quality functional mushrooms, zinc and premium, pharmaceutical-grade CBD to support your immune system.
