CBD Products & Autoimmune Disease

The Effects of CBD on Various Autoimmune Diseases

Ongoing research has suggested that CBD (also known as Cannabidiol) products have both anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant properties which can make it a great natural supplement for those living with autoimmune diseases, chronic pain and other chronic illnesses. 

What is CBD?

CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis and hemp plants. While it's related to marijuana, it does not contain the psychoactive compound known as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD can come from either the hemp plant or the marijuana plant and though some CBD contain trace levels of THC, CBD tincutres alone are non-psychoactive making them a great choice for people looking for pain relief, without any of the “high” associated with other cannabinoids.

What is an Autoimmune Disease?

An autoimmune disease, also known as an autoimmune disorder, is a condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues (and sometimes organs), mistaking them for foreign invaders such as bacteria or viruses. Normally, the immune system works to defend the body against harmful substances, such as pathogens or toxins. However, in autoimmune diseases, the immune system becomes dysfunctional and begins to target healthy cells and tissues, leading to inflammation, tissue damage and dysfunction of affected organs or systems. Some autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus, can cause organ disease and even organ failure. 

There are more than 80 known autoimmune diseases, and they can affect almost any part of the body though many are rheumatic disorders that affect the joints. Some common autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Lupus (SLE), Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), Sjögren's Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) (such as Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis), Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

While the exact cause of autoimmune diseases is not fully understood, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Factors such as infections, certain medications, hormonal imbalances and chronic stress may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases in susceptible individuals. Since women make up 80-90% of all people living with autoimmune diseases, there seems to be a link between hormones and the development of autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune disorders may also run in families as well so having an immediate family member with an autoimmune disease increases your own risk of developing an autoimmune disease. 

Symptoms of autoimmune diseases can vary widely depending on the specific condition and the organs or systems affected but common symptoms may include fatigue, fever, joint pain, muscle weakness, skin rashes and gastrointestinal disturbances.

Treatment for autoimmune diseases typically focuses on managing symptoms and controlling the underlying immune response. This may involve medications to suppress the immune system, reduce inflammation, or replace deficient hormones or enzymes. Lifestyle changes, such as stress management, regular exercise, and a healthy diet, may also help to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being for individuals with autoimmune diseases.

Unfortunately there is no known cure for any autoimmune disease at this time.

Autoimmune Disease and the Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of receptors, enzymes and endocannabinoids (chemical messengers) that are found throughout the body, including in the immune system. The ECS plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, such as mood, appetite, pain sensation and immune response.

Research suggests that the ECS may be involved in the modulation (aka regulation) of most autoimmune diseases. Cannabinoid receptors, known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, are found on immune cells and endocannabinoids produced by the body can bind to these receptors to regulate immune function.

Studies have shown that cannabinoids, both from external sources like the cannabis plant and from within the body, can influence the immune response and may have therapeutic potential in treating autoimmune diseases. Cannabinoids have been found to reduce inflammation and modulate immune cell activity, potentially helping to alleviate symptoms associated with autoimmune conditions.

It's important to note that research is still ongoing and that while many studies have shown promising results, more research is needed overall. 

CBD, Autoimmune Disease & Inflammation

Research suggests that CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially benefit individuals with autoimmune diseases. Here's a few ways in which CBD tinctures might decrease inflammation in people living with autoimmune disorders:

• Modulation of the Immune Response: As previously mentioned, CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating immune function. By interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the immune system, CBD may regulate the immune system response, reducing inflammation and the activity of immune cells that contribute to autoimmune responses.
• Inhibition of Inflammatory Molecules: CBD has been shown to inhibit the production of inflammatory molecules such as cytokines and chemokines. These molecules play a key role in promoting inflammation in autoimmune diseases. By reducing their production, CBD may help to dampen the inflammatory response.
• Protection of Tissues: CBD's antioxidant properties may help protect tissues from damage caused by inflammation. Chronic inflammation in autoimmune diseases can lead to tissue damage, dysfunction and even failure of affected organs. By reducing inflammation, CBD may help to preserve tissue integrity and function.
• Pain Relief: In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, CBD has been shown to have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Pain is often the most common symptom of autoimmune disease and by alleviating pain, CBD can improve quality of life for individuals living with these conditions.
• Regulation of Neuroinflammation: Some autoimmune diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Autoimmune Encephalitis, involve inflammation of the central nervous system. CBD has been shown to modulate neuroinflammation and protect against damage to nerve cells, which may be beneficial for individuals with autoimmune diseases affecting the nervous system.

CBD & Specific Autoimmune Diseases 

We know that CBD products can be beneficial for certain autoimmune diseases, but which ones? 

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): CBD's anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate joint pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, CBD's interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may modulate immune responses involved n the progression of the disease.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): CBD's anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects may be beneficial for individuals with lupus, a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and tissues. CBD may help reduce inflammation, pain, and other symptoms associated with lupus flare-ups.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): CBD has been studied for its potential neuroprotective properties, which may be beneficial for individuals with MS, an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. CBD may help reduce inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, as well as alleviate symptoms such as muscle spasms and neuropathic pain.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): CBD's anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Some studies suggest that CBD may help improve symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and reduced appetite.
• Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption in genetically predisposed individuals, leading to damage to the small intestine. While research specifically on CBD and celiac disease is limited, CBD's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in the gut and alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and malabsorption.
• Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): CBD's anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects may be beneficial for individuals with psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by inflamed, scaly patches. CBD may help reduce inflammation in the skin and alleviate symptoms such as itching and irritation.
• Sjögren's Syndrome: Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the salivary and tear glands, leading to dry mouth and eyes. CBD's anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce inflammation in the glands and improve symptoms such as dryness, discomfort, and difficulty swallowing.
• Scleroderma: Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. CBD's potential to modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation may help alleviate symptoms such as skin thickening, joint pain and difficulty swallowing associated with scleroderma.
• Type 1 Diabetes (T1D): While research is limited, some studies suggest that CBD may help modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation associated with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. CBD's potential to protect pancreatic cells and improve insulin sensitivity warrants further investigation.
• Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). CBD's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in the thyroid gland and alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes.
• Graves' Disease: Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition characterized by an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) caused by the production of autoantibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland. CBD's potential to modulate immune responses may help reduce the production of these autoantibodies and alleviate symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss and heat intolerance.
• Addison's Disease: Addison's disease is a rare autoimmune condition that affects the adrenal glands, leading to insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone hormones. CBD's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in the adrenal glands and alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss and low blood pressure.

• Vitiligo: Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disorder characterized by the loss of pigment in patches of skin, resulting in white or depigmented areas. CBD's potential to modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation may help slow the progression of vitiligo and promote repigmentation of affected areas.
• Myasthenia Gravis: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue, particularly in the muscles involved in voluntary movements. CBD's potential to modulate immune responses and protect nerve cells may help improve muscle function and alleviate symptoms such as weakness and drooping eyelids.
• Dermatomyositis: Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the skin and muscles, causing muscle weakness and skin rash. CBD's potential to modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation may help improve muscle function and alleviate skin symptoms such as rash and inflammation.
• Pernicious Anemia: Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune condition characterized by a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12. CBD's anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce inflammation in the stomach lining, where intrinsic factor is produced, and improve symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and cognitive impairment associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inflammatory liver disease caused by the immune system attacking liver cells. CBD's potential to modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation may help protect liver cells from damage and improve liver function in individuals with autoimmune hepatitis.
• Polymyositis: Polymyositis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the muscles, causing muscle weakness and inflammation. CBD's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in the muscles and improve muscle function in individuals with polymyositis.

CBD and Autoimmune Commordities

There are several disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Fibromyalgia that are not autoimmune diseases themselves but are commonly seen in people living with autoimmune disorders, especially diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. This is referred to as a comorbidity. 

What is a comorbidity?

A comorbidity is an overlapping chronic condition that coincides with one or more other long-term chronic conditions.

Here are some common comorbidities of autoimmune disease and how they may be helped by CBD: 

• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. CBD may potentially help alleviate symptoms of fibromyalgia by reducing pain, inflammation, and improving sleep quality through its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Irritable bowel syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation, often triggered by certain foods, stress, or hormonal changes. CBD may potentially help alleviate symptoms of IBS through its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects on the gastrointestinal tract, reducing pain, inflammation, and abnormal muscle contractions associated with the condition.
• Interstitial Cystitis: Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder condition characterized by pelvic pain, urinary urgency and frequency. CBD may potentially help alleviate symptoms of interstitial cystitis by reducing inflammation and bladder spasms, thus providing relief from pain and urinary symptoms.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest, often accompanied by other symptoms such as muscle pain, impaired memory or concentration and headaches. CBD may potentially help manage symptoms of CFS by addressing pain, inflammation, and sleep disturbances, promoting relaxation and potentially improving overall well-being in affected individuals.
• Eczema: Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin. CBD may potentially help alleviate symptoms of eczema by reducing inflammation, soothing irritated skin, and regulating immune responses through its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
• Chronic Migraines: Chronic migraines are recurring headaches characterized by intense pain, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. CBD may potentially help alleviate symptoms of chronic migraines by reducing pain, inflammation, and the frequency of migraine attacks through its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to modulate neurotransmitter activity involved in migraine pathways.
• Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach muscles are impaired, leading to delayed emptying of food into the small intestine, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and bloating. While research is limited, some people with gastroparesis report that CBD may help alleviate symptoms such as nausea and abdominal discomfort, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties.