It’s estimated that over 24 million people in the United States suffer from autoimmune diseases, which can be very painful and significantly reduce quality of life. With conventional treatments for autoimmune conditions often failing to have the desired effect, individuals with autoimmune disorders have increasingly turned to natural alternatives — like CBD — for relief.
Find out why people are using CBD for autoimmune diseases, and learn more about how this non-intoxicating cannabinoid works in your body. Curious how to find the best CBD oil to use for autoimmune conditions? Find out in this guide.
What Are Autoimmune Diseases?
Autoimmune diseases are conditions caused by malfunctioning in the immune system. When healthy, your immune system protects you from dangerous substances. People with autoimmune diseases, however, have immune systems that attack healthy tissues. Examples of common autoimmune conditions include:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Lupus
- Graves’ disease
What Is CBD?
CBD is a non-intoxicating extract of the hemp plant. This cannabinoid won’t get you high, and it’s generally not considered to be marijuana under the 2018 Farm Bill.
You can buy CBD products online and have them shipped to all 50 states. People commonly use CBD for anxiety, insomnia, pain, inflammation, and depression.
Is CBD Useful for Autoimmune Diseases?
Researchers have carefully examined CBD’s potential usefulness against inflammation, and inflammation plays a major role in autoimmune conditions. A recent research review from 2020 examined evidence that CBD might regulate immune responses, which was followed up by a further review in 2021 concerning cannabinoids and autoimmune conditions.
It’s safe to say that CBD is under serious investigation for its potential usefulness for autoimmune conditions. CBD has all the hallmarks of a substance with autoimmune benefits, and now we just need to wait for the research to come in.
How Does CBD Work?
Scientists are still learning about how CBD works in the body. One thing we’ve learned so far is that this cannabinoid appears to interact with various neuroreceptors in the TRP family, which are involved in immune-related inflammation.
The 2021 scientific review referenced above contains dozens of examples of studies that noted CBD affecting the production of a wide variety of hormones, neurotransmitters, and other body-produced substances that can impact autoimmune conditions. There’s still a lot to learn regarding CBD and immunity, but we’re closing in on the answers.
What Is the Endocannabinoid System?
One way in which CBD might affect autoimmune conditions indirectly is by impacting the activity of the endocannabinoid system. This network of receptors and signaling substances is modulated by cannabinoids, and it’s involved in practically every aspect of human health.
The endocannabinoid system appears to be primarily designed to help maintain homeostasis — or balance — throughout the body. As conditions defined by a state of imbalance, CBD helping with autoimmune conditions would only be natural if this cannabinoid affects the endocannabinoid system the way scientists think it might.
Benefits of CBD for Autoimmune Diseases
Why should you try CBD if you have an autoimmune condition? We can think of a few compelling reasons:
- CBD appears to have very few side effects. It might interact with certain drugs, though, so check with your doctor.
- CBD won’t get you high. It also doesn’t appear to have any addictive properties.
- CBD is being seriously investigated for its usefulness for autoimmune conditions. It’s starting to become a mainstream substance.
- CBD is widely available online. You can order it in minutes and have it shipped to all 50 states.
Best CBD Products for Autoimmune Diseases
If you’re using CBD specifically for autoimmune conditions, you’re probably best off with tinctures or capsules. Offering the most effectiveness with the least messing around, these high-potency product options kick in quickly and deliver CBD’s effects for 2-3 hours.
CBD tinctures (also called CBD oil) are even more ideal due to easy dosing and sublingual administration, which might improve the absorption of cannabinoids. Look for a tincture with broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD to make sure you’re taking advantage of the increased benefits offered by the entourage effect.
CBD for Autoimmune Diseases: The Bottom Line
We’re still in the learning stages when it comes to what causes autoimmune diseases and how to treat them. It has recently become apparent, however, that natural substances might be far more effective at regulating our bodily processes than we once believed.
Most people report that CBD has an overall relaxing, soothing effect that might lull them to sleep, relieve pain, or even make autoimmune diseases more bearable. Ask your doctor if CBD is right for your autoimmune condition, and then start exploring the potential benefits of this natural hemp extract today.
