(Newswire.net — February 7, 2021) — We have all heard about CBD either by reading about it or having friends who use it, and we have heard about its numerous health benefits.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound extract present in the cannabis plant, and unlike the other compound THC, it does not have any psychoactive effects, meaning that it does not make you high. It, however, delivers a calming effect.
It is no doubt that CBD can improve your immune system, prevent you from getting certain conditions or reduce the symptoms of other conditions. CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system, which enables it to boost and maintain a healthy immune system.
CBD interacts with and activates TRPV2 (Transient receptor potential vanilloid 2), which is a protein responsible for facilitating the communication of your cells with the extracellular environment hence maintaining healthy immune system functionality.
CBD also influences and activates other TRP (Transient receptor potential vanilloid 2) channels responsible for supporting immunity. There are different direct and indirect ways CBD boost and improves immunity;
Increasing natural killer (NK) cells
CBD supports natural killer cells’ activities. Natural killer cells are a variety of white blood cells and play a major role in your body’s response to viruses’ presence in the body.
It also supports and improves the activities of natural killer T cells that have the same properties as both the T and natural killer cells.
Supporting a healthy gut microbiota
A huge portion of your immune system is found in your GI tract, where there are also many adaptive and innate effector cells and organized lymphoid tissue.
The gut microbiota, or the collection of goods and organisms present in the intestines, have an important role in enabling your body to maintain a balanced immune system.
Excessive inflammation in your gut may cause gut microbiota dysbiosis and an imperfect intestinal immune response. CBD can help reduce inflammation because of its healthy inflammatory response.
Promoting healthy inflammatory response
In animals, CBD is known to have a healthy and positive inflammatory response inside the lungs, which helps improve lung function when exposed to any lung irritant.
Calming effect
The calming effect that CBD offers helps in the reduction of stress and anxiety, which are among the main reasons for a deteriorated immune system. It interacts and directly activates the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, which is responsible for mood regulation.
It also regulates cerebral blood flow to the regions of the brain like the hippocampus, amygdala, and cingulate cortex, which are involved in anxiety.
There also other health benefits of CBD, including;
- Relieving chronic pain.
- Reducing acne.
- Reduces the symptoms of asthma and Alzheimer’s diseases.
- Helps with joint disease and muscle pains especially after a workout.
To get these benefits of CBD, there are several ways to ingest or use it. Doses vary from person to person, and it depends on your immune system and the goals you want to achieve.
It is best to start with small dosages and increase gradually so that if you experience any negative side effects, you can reduce the dosage or stop using CBD completely. Some of the ways to use or ingest include;
- Smoking or vaping- This is the fastest way to get CBD into your bloodstream. The effects are stronger, and you feel them almost immediately.
- Edibles- These include gummies, mint mis, or truffles made from CBD, and they are a discreet way of ingestion. Since they have to pass through the digestive system, the effects are minimal and are not felt immediately.
- Sublingual products- These include CBD oils, tinctures, and sprays that you place under your tongue for absorption. Like vaping, the CBD goes directly to the bloodstream, which makes the effects faster and stronger.
- Topicals- These are CBD products you apply directly to the skin, including salves, lotions, creams, balms, and transdermal patches. They are best for relieving muscle pains and dealing with skin conditions like acne.
Before using any CBD product, ensure you consult your doctor.