As Covid-19 continues to claim lives around the world, medical research has shown that boosting immune system could be a potential treatment strategy for the novel virus. It’s evident that people with underlying conditions and those with weakened immune systems have a higher risk for complications.
Research has demonstrated that immune system plays a role in recovery. Therefore, improving our immune system is our bodies best defense until a registered vaccine against Covid-19 is discovered.
Although a strong immune system may be helpful in preventing you from contracting the virus, it may also enhance your recovery in case you do contract the virus.
How does our immune system work?
The immune system is a collection of structures and processes within the body, which protects the body from harmful substances and cell changes that could cause illnesses. It is made up of a vast network of organs, tissues, cells, and proteins that coordinate the body’s defenses against bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, non-self proteins, and other pathogens. Basically, our immune system performs three major tasks:
- Protects the body from disease-causing substances and removes them from the body.
- Recognizes and neutralizes disease-causing substances from the environment.
- Fights diseases causing changes in the body.
There are two subsystems of the immune system—the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system.
The innate immune system provides general defense against harmful germs and substances while the adaptive immune system makes antibodies and uses them to prevent the growth of pathogens which the body has already come into contact with.
The adaptive immune system is activated when the innate immune response is insufficient to provide defense against invading pathogens. For example when a person recovers from measles they are protected for life against measles by the adaptive immune system.
The cells of the immune system
White blood cells play an important role in the immune system. Some types of white blood cells, called phagocytes protect the body by ingesting disease-causing substances. Others, known as lymphocytes recognize invaders that could cause infections and destroys them. There are many other subtypes of white blood cells that work together to fight off infections and diseases.
When the body detects invaders, the immune system is activated to get rid of the foreign substances. White blood cells are triggered to make antibodies which lock onto specific antigens. The antibodies usually stay in our bodies to help your body create memories of past defenses against certain infections and diseases. Once the body has come into contact with a particular pathogen for the first time, the immune system stores information about the pathogen and how to fight it. If the body comes into contact with the pathogen again, it calls up that memory and sets out to destroy the invader before the disease develops. This is how vaccines prevent diseases such as chickenpox, flu, measles, and hepatitis. Antibodies work together with T cells to destroy antigens.
What are the components of the immune system?
The immune system consists of many components that work together to defend the body against disease-causing germs. The main components of the immune system are white blood cells, cytokines, antibodies, lymph nodes, the thymus, the complement system, the bone marrow, the spleen, and skin.
White blood cells
Cytokines
Antibodies
Lymph nodes
Thymus
Bone marrow
Bone marrow forms a crucial part of the immune system. It’s responsible for the production of white blood cells, platelets, and other important blood cells.
Spleen
The skin
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found primarily in the resinous flowers and leaves of the cannabis Sativa plant. CBD is one of the many cannabinoids produced by the cannabis Sativa plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol—another major active compound in the cannabis Sativa plant), CBD is non-psychoactive. This means it doesn’t cause a euphoric effect or any form of intoxication.
CBD is known to provide relief for various health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, Parkinson's diseases, epilepsy, atherosclerosis, and many more. It's also known to have neuroprotective properties.
CBD is gaining more and more popularity due to its potential health benefits. There are many ways to consume CBD, including smoking, vaporizing, topical use, CBD tinctures, CBD oil, edibles, isolate, dabbing, and pills.
(More about the benefits of CBD)
What is the endocannabinoid system and how does it work?
The endocannabinoid system is a complex neuromodulatory system composed of three parts--endocannabinoids, their cannabinoid receptors, and the enzymes that catalyze the formation and degradation of endocannabinoids and cannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system is a natural part of our bodies and plays a very important role in central nervous system development, synaptic plasticity, and the response to internal and external insults.
Endocannabinoids complement the body by regulating the function of multiple organs and tissues of the body while cannabinoid receptors regulate physiological processes including mood, appetite, pain-sensation, and memory.
There are two types of cannabinoid receptors—CB1 and CB2. The most abundant cannabinoid receptors are CB1, which are primarily found in several brain regions and the central nervous system. These receptors are responsible for regulating pain, appetite, coordination, movement, mood, memory, and other functions.
CB2 receptors are predominantly distributed in the immune system, the peripheral nervous system, and the digestive system. These receptors are responsible for anti-inflammatory and other immune-related activity. Generally, the endocannabinoid system plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. It balances many processes in the body, including immune response, metabolism, communication between cells, and many more.
The two major endocannabinoids produced by the human body—anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) interact directly with these receptors. Anandamide tends to activate CB1 receptors, though it has a lower tendency towards CB2 receptors while 2-AG interacts with CB2 receptors. After enzymes break down cannabinoids, the endocannabinoids bind with receptors. However, studies have shown that CBD doesn’t directly attach itself to receptors but influences them in some way. The ability of CBD to influence cannabinoid receptors is what allows for the many health benefits associated with the compound.
How does the Endocannabinoid system help the immune system?
The endocannabinoid system, or "ECS", is the primary homeostatic regulatory system of the human body, constantly working to regulate several physiological processes, including immune response. Basically, the ECS tries to keep everything functioning optimally no matter what’s happening in the environment around you. When a physiological process is operating outside the right range, the endocannabinoid system helps to correct it.
The ECS does this will the help of cannabinoid receptors found in several brain regions and the central nervous system. Particularly, the ECS regulates the production of cytokine (a group of molecules secreted by specific cells of the immune system) and plays an important role in restraining overactivity in the immune system. When the immune system is not kept in check, it will get out of control leading to autoimmune diseases, damage to organs and tissues, and many other unfavorable health issues.
Immune system organs and cells express both CB1 and CB2 receptors and secrete endocannabinoids. CB1 and CB2 receptors are expressed in T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, thymus gland, tonsils, spleen, bone marrow, macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, and natural killer cells. Therefore, the endocannabinoid system is considered to be the major driver of immune system balance.
By keeping the immune response system in check, the endocannabinoid system helps to maintain a balanced inflammatory response throughout the body.
Some CBD-infused products that can help your immune system:
Koi Tropical Gummies
Made using the highest quality CBD, Koi tropical gummies deliver a delicious sensation and a burst of flavor with every piece you eat.
Buddha CBD Teas (Chamomile, Ashwagnda, Mushroom).
This superior CBD blend combines powerful ingredients, providing a nutrient-dense and balanced tea you can enjoy at any time of the day. This is a true powerhouse providing bursts of energy during the day and sleep assistance at night.
Pachamama Tinctures (Green Tea, Kava Valerian)
These flavored CBD tinctures are masterfully paired with the finest anti-oxidant extracts to bring you the benefits of the cleanest full-spectrum CBD and two long-revered herbal supplements.
As a whole, it’s important to improve your immune system during this pandemic. One of the best ways you can do that is to incorporate CBD into your wellness routine.
You can find a wide selection of CBD products here at Serenity Potions.
Serenity Potions only offers products whose manufacturers make Lab results available. CBD Lab results will include the potency and terpene profile analysis providing you with a high-quality product and a level of potency you can rely on.
