Using CBD To Help Autoimmune Disorders

After CBD was legalized for sale in all 50 states, there has been an explosion of claims about its efficacy as a treatment for everything from pain to seizures. Some claims are backed by scientific research and others are less well-supported. Some people are exploring using CBD oil for immune system disorders. Does research suggest that this could be possible?

What Are Autoimmune Diseases?

Autoimmune diseases are a collection of different disorders that cause the immune system to attack your own body. Some common types of autoimmune diseases include type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Grave’s disease and inflammatory bowel syndrome.

The symptoms of autoimmune diseases are as varied as the conditions included under this banner. However, some common issues include fatigue, swelling, joint pain, skin irritation and digestive issues.

How Can CBD Help?

Cannabidiol affects the human body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. Specifically, it can bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors. These are found primarily in the nervous system. However, they are also present throughout the body including the immune system.

Using CBD oil for inflammation is a relatively well-backed benefit. So, it may be able to treat the symptoms of autoimmune diseases that affect the joints or otherwise cause swelling.

Some people also find that using CBD oil for fatigue is helpful. It can mitigate feelings of exhaustion and strain caused by autoimmune disorders.

There is also some evidence to suggest that CBD can cause autoimmune diseases to slow down. The endocannabinoid system is part of how the body and the immune system communicate. Based on this principle, CBD may help prevent immune cells from attacking healthy tissue.

Is It Effective?

Currently, the research in this area is in its infancy. Some studies, such as this one from 2018, have shown promising results, especially for treating major symptoms such as pain and inflammation. The theory of how CBD may protect the body from autoimmune diseases is sound based on what we know of the substance. However, whether that translates into real-world results is another question.

Nonetheless, CBD has quickly caught the attention of researchers at major institutions such as Yale. Hopefully, the hard work of these experts will reveal more answers about the impacts on autoimmune diseases soon.