The human immune system helps protect the body from any foreign material that is perceived to be harmful. However, a debilitating type of inflammation can occur when our body triggers an inflammatory response when there are no foreign invaders to fight off. So instead of protecting us, our immune system can damage its own tissues.
Cannabinoids have also been shown to induce T cells, which help our immune system distinguish between the body’s own tissue and foreign invaders.
What causes your body to turn on itself? Medical experts have not come up with a definitive answer to that question. But there’s new hope on the horizon: CBD oil or topicals like a CBD balm may help modulate your body’s response to inflammation.
Symptoms of Inflammation
The early symptoms of inflammation include joint pain and stiffness, swollen joints, redness and loss of joint function. Facial inflammation can be seen under the eyes in the morning when the skin is needing hydration, which is why a CBD face cream is beneficial when used as a daily moisturizer.
Inflammation may also be associated with general flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, fatigue/loss of energy, headaches, loss of appetite and muscle stiffness.
With researchers not knowing the precise root cause of inflammation, you might not be surprised to learn that there is no miracle cure.
How to Protect Against Inflammation
Fortunately there are things you can do that will help your body resist it, including:
- Embrace anti-inflammatory foods – Eat more fruits, vegetables and foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed and soybeans). Other known anti-inflammatory foods include grapes, blueberries, cherries, oranges, celery, garlic, olive oil, spinach, kale and collard greens.
- Avoid foods that promote inflammation – Red meat. Food items that contain trans-fats such as margarine, corn oil, french fries and other fried foods and many processed foods.
- Control your blood sugar – Limit your consumption of simple carbohydrates (white flour, white rice, refined sugar, any food product with high fructose corn syrup in it). Say “no” to soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages.
- Exercise – The Department of Health and Human Services recommends you get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week (or a combination of the two).
- Manage your stress level – There are many ways to do this. Yoga and meditation (and CBD) are popular methods.
- Try cannabidiol– CBD is thought to have a positive effect on inflammation.
Can CBD Reduce Inflammation?
The human endocannabinoid system plays a big role in the body’s response to inflammation. Cytokine production and eicosanoid signaling contribute to inflammation. CBD has been shown to suppress cytokine production and eicosanoid signaling.
Cannabinoids have also been shown to induce T cells, which help our immune system distinguish between the body’s own tissue and foreign invaders.
More testing is needed, but the signs look encouraging. Inflammation can be a serious health concern as it seems to be a trigger for other debilitating maladies. If you suffer from inflammation, CBD may work for you. Plus, because it’s all-natural and studies indicate it has minor or no side effects, CBD is a safe solution.
