Today, it’s more important than ever to maintain a strong immune system.

Routine exercise, eating healthy, good sleep, staying hydrated, moderate alcohol use, not smoking, and frequently hand washing can all benefit strengthening your immune system.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) also plays a large role in immune function. A strong and healthy endocannabinoid system could help to strengthen your immunity.

Lets take a closer look at how the ECS supports immunity and how supporting your ECS might lead to a stronger immune response. 

 

Basics of Immunity 

To stay healthy and strong, it’s vital to keep toxins and pathogens from making their way into the human body. This is the job of the immune system.

A major roles of the immune system is to evaluate what’s “bad” and what’s “good” coming into the body. If something “bad” does enter the body, the immune system works to destroy whatever it is to prevent damage. 

A healthy immune system can effectively fight and mitigate viruses and other negative toxins. However, an unhealthy immune system doesn’t have the defenses to keep these toxins out nor the strength to fight them off when they enter. This is why the flu can have devastating effects to individuals whose immune system has been compromised.

Studies suggest that regulating the immune function and achieving a balanced state of healthy immunity is through the endocannabinoid system.

Endocannabinoid System and Immune Function 

The endocannabinoid system has been referred to as the most important physiological system that exists, potentially impacting functions of mood, sleep, memory, digestion, metabolism, appetite, immune function and more. 

At a basic level, the ECS consists of two cannabinoid receptors, known as CB1 and CB2.  

While CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors are responsible for controlling the release of various chemical messengers, CB2 receptors are primarily found in immune cells.

Although the main role of the ECS is to promote homeostasis, it has also been suggested that outside of this core function the ECS also plays a key role in immune function. 

How is Immune Function Supported by ECS? 

Research suggests that the signaling of cannabinoid receptors can modulate the function of a variety of immune cells via the ECS .

In a 2009 study, the effects of cannabinoids on various immune functions allow subjects to mitigate the inhibiting effects of infection with immune system activation. 

 Although more needs to be studied in understanding the function of ECS and the immune system, it’s presumed that endocannabinoid could help control immune cell activation through signaling of lymphoid tissues.

The Effects of Endocannabinoids on Immune Function 

Endocannabinoids modulate the growth and death of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells and act as one of the body’s main types of immune cells and work to defend against bacteria and viruses. They also regulate inflammatory cytokine production. Cytokines are secreted from immune cells and play an important role in the natural immune response. 

 Dr. Mary Clifton is a cannabis researcher and internal medicine doctor suggests that flu and cold symptoms can be avoided through routine use of cannabinoids like CBD. Dr. Clifton recommends using CBD as a supplement during flu and cold season. She says this is because CBD can affect the interleukins the body creates. It makes sense, because endocannabinoids have shown to modulate cytokine production.

 

Can Supplementing ECS Support Immunity? 

It appears that the ECS plays a large role in human immune function. Does this mean that supplementing the ECS can help achieve stronger immunity? 

It might, but more research is needed. While the functionality of the ECS and the immune system isn’t completely understood, regulation of cytokine production can inhibit immune system over activity.

Taking steps to strengthen you immune system by supplementing healthy ECS certainly couldn't hurt during for those who desire a stronger immune system.