Cannabis oil has been touted as a cure-all for almost every disease in existence by many players selling CBD supplements online. The truth is that CBD oil can support the body in healing, but doesn’t actually “cure” anything. That is the job of the immune system, and this article is going to give you insight on how the immune system works, how to keep it healthy, and how CBD oil can help kickstart the healing process.
What is the Immune System?
The immune system protects humans against disease through a complex biological structure and network of processes, similar to a “defence system”. All organisms have an immune system, even simple single-celled organisms.
The defence system works by detecting a wide array of pathogens: invaders such as viruses or parasitic worms that cause diseases. At the same time, the immune system also distinguishes these harmful agents from healthy tissue.
Pathogens are tricky creatures, evolving and adapting to avoid detection, destruction or neutralization by the immune system. The system responds by evolving and even taking advanced measures to recognize the new pathogens, similar to advanced warfare.
The more an immune system works to fight invaders, the stronger and smarter it becomes. This is referred to as adaptive (or acquired) immunity and describes the immunological “memory” created after an initial response to a specific pathogen. This initial response strengthens the immune system and leads to an enhanced reaction to future encounters with that same pathogen. This is the basis of the theory for vaccination, however not all modern “vaccines” work this way and can often be risky or ineffective for people with compromised immune systems.
How does the immune system works?
There are two major subsystems to the immune system: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. They work together to repel and neutralize invaders through a combined layered system.
The first line of defence in the immune system consists primarily of physical barriers that prevent pathogens such as bacteria and viruses from entering the organism. If a pathogen successfully passes these barriers and invades, the innate immune system provides the first response in an immediate and non-specific fashion.
Picture a castle, and soldiers standing outside with bows and arrows. The innate subsystem gives a non-specific response similar to soldiers simply shooting arrows randomly without knowing much about the invaders. In the case that some of these invaders make it through, the adaptive immune system then kicks into gear.
The adaptive immune system is more specific. For our castle example, it could be the next defence squadrons behind the soldiers with the bows and arrows. These groups of soldiers are more specialized, have recognized the enemy and can formulate a more strategic, precise response. This is possible due to the immunological memory mentioned earlier that is created from previous engagements with the invaders.
When the adaptive system is strong, it “adapts” (hence the name), augmenting its response in the form of stronger and more effective attacks each time the pathogen is encountered. The expression “what does not kill you makes you stronger” is illustrated by the multi-layered response of the immune system, and when it is strong it can defeat all diseases.
Immune System Disorders
When the immune system is weak, pathogens win the battle and diseases result such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and cancer. This is referred to as immunodeficiency.
Immunodeficiency happens when the immune system is less active than normal or weakened, resulting in the occurrence and recurrence of infections. This is sometimes attributed to genetic diseases, acquired conditions or through lifestyle factors such as drugs, alcohol, “medications” and stress.
Autoimmunity is the opposite of immunodeficiency. Common diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes type 1 and lupus are the result of a hyperactive immune system attacking normal tissues as if they were foreign pathogens.
How to Strengthen the Immune System?
CBD oil can form part of a regime to strengthen the immune system, however some fundamentals need to be covered first for best results.
The Power of the Mind
Have you ever heard the expression “Mind over Matter”? People with weak immune systems may be subject to a whole host of physical and psychological ailments that contribute to a general feeling of not being well.
The immune system fights to keep us healthy, however we need a driving purpose guiding us forward that gives us a reason to want to live. This theory is not mystical or magical but grounded in research-based on observation of thousands of people that cured themselves with the help of a positive mindset.
Every cell in your body is listening to your thoughts and taking orders, and that includes the cells in the immune system. Do you want your inner soldiers ramped for battle? Or are you telling them that you are a loser, have no purpose and won’t amount to anything? The immune system will respond to those orders as well, and that’s the idea behind the autoimmune diseases mentioned earlier that attack the healthy tissue of the host system.
Taking CBD can make a person feel better, and possibly kick-off a more positive dialogue. It does not cure diseases, but what it can do is provide the support needed to make a person feel better.
Support the Immune System With Cannabis Oil
The path to healing involves a holistic approach that involves getting the right mindset, eating real unprocessed food, restful sleep and supportive family and friends.
But sometimes we need a boost to get going.
Has your car battery ever run out due to leaving a light on? The remedy for that is to get a boost from another battery that provides a jolt of energy to propel the engine forward.
Supplements like CBD can work in a similar way. Through their effects on the cannabinoid system, CBD can help a person feel better by helping the body produce feel-good neurotransmitters that can help heal inflammation, reduce anxiety and manage pain.
The Bottom Line
The immune system is the body’s army that fights diseases and it needs to stay strong through a holistic approach. CBD oil on its own is not a cure-all for every condition but it can be immensely helpful in reducing the symptoms of diseases so a person can start the process of getting on the right path for superior health.
