How can you comprehensively strengthen your resistance to infections and colds with CBD?

As a result of the pandemic, health and immunity have become a priority for many people. We have also become more interested in alternative ways to strengthen our immune system. One of the increasingly popular trends is the use of CBD, a natural ingredient with a huge spectrum of effects on the human body. In this article, we will look at how CBD can help in comprehensively strengthening the body's immunity. The flu season is about to begin, it is worth taking care of a healthy and strong body today.

Immunity – why is it important?

The body's immunity plays a key role in fighting infections, viruses and bacteria that we are exposed to every day. Our immune system is the body's natural defender and guardian of well-being. It maintains balance, and when uninvited guests appear, it takes corrective action (remember the guards from the brilliant animated series "Once Upon a Time Life").  

A strong and efficiently functioning immune system prevents pathogens from entering the body and the development of infections. But this does not always happen - then we talk about reduced body immunity. That is why we are all looking for ways to strengthen the immune system and fight diseases more effectively.

What does CBD have to do with immunity?

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is an organic chemical compound from the phytocannabinoid group, one of over 100 phytocannabinoids found in hemp – plants of the Cannabis sativa species. This group includes, in addition to CBD, also:

• THC (9-delta-tetrahydrocannabinol)
• CBC (cannabichromene)
• CBG (cannabigerol)
• CBN (cannabinol)
• THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin)
• THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
• CBDA (cannabidiolic acid)

Kopnopias are extraordinary plants that have been used and appreciated for thousands of years due to the content of many health-promoting ingredients - in addition to the above-mentioned phytocannabinoids, they also contain flavonoids, terpenes and a number of others.

The best known and researched so far phytocannabinoid is CBD, which has a wide spectrum of effects on the human body and the endocannabinoid system. The research conducted and documented so far has confirmed the therapeutic and health effects of CBD on the human body. One of them is support for our immune system through interactions with the endocannabinoid system, and specifically with two receptors: CB1 and CB2. In this way, CBD regulates the so-called homeostasis and balance of all organs and systems – including the immune system. If you want to read more about the endocannabinoid system, we recommend one of our posts on this topic – you will find it HERE

The impact of CBD on the immune system

CBD can affect the immune system by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body. CB2 receptors are particularly involved in the process of regulating the immune system – because they are located, among other things, on the surface of the immune system.

How is this done?

CBD inhibits, among others, the production of cytokines[1], responsible for the occurrence of inflammation in the body and affects the production of immune cells – mainly B and T lymphocytes. 

What are cytokines?

These are proteins produced by leukocytes, playing a key role in cellular processes: proliferation (multiplication) and apoptosis (removing inappropriate cells) from the body. They are very important regulators of immune and inflammatory reactions, development processes, regeneration and maintaining the homeostasis of our tissues[2]

Cytokines are responsible for inflammation, and these in turn are the cause of most diseases, ranging from simple infections to cancer.

Scientists in in vitro studies also confirm the suppressive effect of CBD.[3] (strengthening) the work of all systems and cells. This affects our ability to fight infections and diseases and the proper functioning of the immune system.

The effects of using CBD to strengthen immunity – anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

As we have already mentioned, the main cause of abnormalities in the immune system is inflammation caused by cytokines. Numerous in vitro studies have confirmed that cannabidiol may inhibit cytokine production[4] – mainly TNF and IL cytokines, which are the most common pro-inflammatory cytokines.

In the studies cited above, the administration of CBD reduced the level of cytokines and inhibited inflammation. This prevents the development of infection or disease.

Cannabidiol also has antioxidant properties. This means that it limits the production of free radicals that damage cell membranes and cell DNA. As a result of oxidation, the oxidation process occurs, i.e. cell destruction and inflammation.

In this context, they become particularly important. flavonoids found in hemp.

Flavonoids are chemical compounds that provide plants with growth, nutrients, and protection against damage, disease, and environmental factors. In the body, flavonoids have a strong effect through our endocannabinoid system. They work anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial, inhibiting the development of inflammation[5], which can lead to very serious diseases.

CBD and stress reduction - support for the immune system

Stress can significantly weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to infection. By strengthening the body's ability to cope with stress, we can also support immunity.

Here, CBD comes to the rescue again, as it interacts with the CB1 receptors in our nervous system. 5-HT1A receptor, being a subtype of serotonin, also called the feel-good hormone. Serotonin is one of the most important neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for, among other things, good mood and a sense of satisfaction.

CBD affects the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and anandamide, which are associated with regulating mood and emotions. Interacting with them, they cause a reduction in tension, an improvement in well-being, relaxation and a good mood.[6]

Better sleep means better immunity

Sleep plays a key role in maintaining healthy immunity. CBD can help improve the quality of your sleep, thereby strengthening your body's immunity.

Cannabidiol has documented properties that reduce cortisol levels in the blood. Cortisol is a hormone responsible for causing stress and anxiety. People who have difficulty falling asleep often have the highest levels of this compound in the evening, making it difficult not only to fall asleep, but also to have a healthy, deep, and restorative sleep.

CBD lowers cortisol levels and stimulates the nervous system, has a calming and tension-relieving effect, which helps in falling asleep and achieving the so-called deep sleep.[7]

CBD and hemp as part of a comprehensive approach to health

Hemp, thanks to its amazing properties, can be a valuable element of a comprehensive approach to strengthening the body's resistance to infections, colds and inflammations that cause most diseases. In the above article, we tried to indicate how many benefits for the proper functioning and balance of the body are brought by the use of one of the phytocannabinoids found in hemp, i.e. CBD.  But there are many more phytonutrients in this plant that are beneficial to our health.

The best known and most valued phytocannabinoid to date is CBD, due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, calming and homeostasis stimulating properties of all systems. If you want to experience the versatile effects of beneficial ingredients contained in hemp, such as the previously mentioned flavonoids or terpenes – choose preparations CBD in full spectrum of action (so-called full spectrum).

H2 Summary

If you want to strengthen your immunity not only because of the upcoming cold season, but you also want to take comprehensive and holistic care of your health, drawing from the wealth of nature – try natural full spectrum CBD oil.

This is a preparation that contains the full spectrum of beneficial phytonutrients found in hemp:

• regulates the functioning of the endocannabinoid system, restoring balance and the correct communication path between cells, organs and internal systems
• has a strong anti-inflammatory effect – and inflammation is responsible for infections and diseases
• it is also a strong antioxidant, eliminates free radicals that damage cell DNA
• reduces stress and improves sleep quality, strengthening our well-being and supporting resistance to adverse factors  
• takes care of maintaining the state of homeostasis, or balance, in the body - which is necessary for proper functioning and immunity

If you are looking for a proven CBD oil with the highest full spectrum CBD content, try our products: full spectrum CBD oils which support immunity, healthy sleep and the fight against everyday stress.

They contain the full range of phytocannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids naturally occurring in hemp. They can be safely used by people of all ages.

Source materials cited in the article:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9964491/

[2] Magdalena Chechlinska, The role of cytokines in carcinogenesis, NOWOTWORY Journal of Oncology • 2003 • volume 53 Number 6 • 648–659

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7173676/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8266561/

[5] https://www.acslab.com/blog/wellness/cannabis-flavonoids-everything-you-need-to-know

[6] https://www.labmate-online.com/news/laboratory-products/3/breaking-news/how-does-cbd-reduce-anxiety/55473

[7] https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/30/well/live/does-cbd-help-with-insomnia.html