Immune health is a big deal these days. It’s more important than ever to be healthy and strong and many of us are more than happy to learn of anything that can give our immune systems a boost. With that in mind, can CBD Oil boost immunity?

The short answer is that yes, it appears to be possible in some cases. However, we still have a lot to learn about CBD and the cannabinoid system. It may even have beneficial effects we have yet to discover. Based on current research, what we do know is that CBD appears to help maintain a healthy immune response in the body in a number of important ways. Let’s take a look!

How CBD Oil Interacts With the Immune System

Hemp-based CBD oil may help to boost your immune system in ways both direct and indirect. What we do know, according to current research, is that CBD has several anti-inflammatory properties related to the central nervous system.

 

For instance, cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), can interfere with the production of cytokines. Cytokines are proteins released by immune cells when the body is going through stress or trauma. They are part of what causes inflammation, which in the case of such things as arthritis and sciatica can be a chronic problem and anything that reduces the cytokines in the body can reduce pain and inflammation.

 

What’s more, CBD has been shown in some research to bolster a weakened immune system. This can help the body to better defend itself against viruses and bacteria. It also helps to prevent infection. For example, one study found that CBD reduced tumor growth for some cancers. It also strengthened the body’s apoptosis response, a process that kills cancer cells.

 

Interestingly, CBD has also been shown to work the other way as well, combating autoimmune diseases like Parkinson’s disease, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Diseases such as these involve the immune system overreacting to non-threatening mechanisms in the body, leading it to attack healthy cells. Traditional medications to treat these sorts of things can leave patients susceptible to illness and infections. 

How CBD Oil Can Boost Immunity (4 Key Ways)

Like we’ve already mentioned, studies of CBD are ongoing and more is being discovered every day. So far, however, evidence has shown CBD to have a positive effect on the immune system. The following are four ways CBD has been shown, in scientific and anecdotal evidence, to help. As always, remember that CBD Oil is still in the process of being approved by the FDA is currently not approved to treat or cure anything. 

1. Supports a Healthy Inflammatory Response

One thing that CBD is commonly known for is how it affects the inflammatory response. Countless studies have been done in this particular field. Especially interesting in this day and age is how it improves lung function, decreasing inflammation against lung irritants.

 

On top of that, balancing the cannabinoid system with CBD has a positive effect on many other types of inflammation throughout the body. In this way, it can be an effective treatment for pain, especially chronic pain caused by arthritis and other related diseases. 

 

Plus, CBD can assist with respiratory function. This is a possibly exciting discovery, as one study found that it decreased total lung resistance, elastance, and leukocyte (white blood cell) migration into the lungs. 

2. Calms Everyday Stress and Frustration

Another common use for CBD oil is in the reduction of everyday stress and frustration. The stress response, although natural, can have a negative impact on immune function, especially when it is too frequent and you don’t have a chance to relax during the day.

 

Fortunately, CBD is involved in a healthy stress response. It has been found to help with stress and anxiety related to such things as public speaking. CBD helps to reduce general stress and promotes, leading to a calmer and more relaxed body state. This can have a significant impact on your immune system, especially if you live a stressful life. 

3. Maintains Healthy Gut Bacteria

Maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the GI tract is critical to the body’s immune response. Too much inflammation in the intestines and stomach can cause an impaired intestinal immune response and a lot of different problems, such as intestinal permeability and gut microbiota dysbiosis.

 

Keeping the gut healthy is good for overall immune health. The endocannabinoid system brings balance to the inflammatory response. CBD helps support this response, keeping the intestinal tract healthy and functioning properly. 

4. Increases White Blood Cells

White blood cells, or leukocytes, are a major part of the body’s immune system. They are produced to attack unhealthy cells and viruses in the body. CBD helps natural killer (NK) cells, that are a type of white blood cells, to function with more efficiency. 

 

NK cells are primarily responsible for combating viruses. CBD supports NK cells as well as T cells (also responsible for protection against viruses). These particular white blood cells are especially important for liver health. 

Boosting Immunity With CBD Oil

With current evidence, it shows a lot of potential for CBD’s ability to boost immunity. Many people now use it to treat their anxiety and depression, which in itself has a positive effect on the immune system, but can also strengthen the immune response in many other ways. For instance, studies have shown CBD to help increase white blood cell production and maintain healthy gut bacteria. It also promotes a healthy inflammatory response in the body. All in all, for those looking to improve their immune systems and health (and who isn’t these days), CBD is well worth considering.