Cannabis sativa has been utilized for medicinal purposes for centuries. Our culture is only recently realizing the tremendous benefits associated with cannabis for the immune system and more, and as such, research projects are continuously being conducted to better understand the mechanisms behind it. When it comes to the immune system, a complex solution is needed since the immune system is very complicated and dynamic in its function and action. Let’s talk about the immune system and discover why Full Spectrum Hemp Extract and medical mushrooms for the immune system are outstanding ways to take a complex approach to a very complex problem – immune system dysfunction.
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The Immune System in Pets
Bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens surround us and our pets constantly. The immune system is responsible for protection against disease and overall well-being. White blood cells within the immune system are responsible for searching for invasions within the body and eliminating them as quickly as possible. White blood cells, or leukocytes, are divided into the following groups:
Lymphocytes (B cells and T cells): Destroy foreign bodies and develop memory cells to remember how to combat previous attacks
Phagocytes: They essentially ‘consume’ the foreign bodies
The immune system is also essential for attacking our own ‘bad’ cells. They are responsible for a process known as apoptosis, or cell suicide, to prevent tumors. When the apoptosis ‘switch’ is turned OFF, that’s when cancer begins to develop. It’s the responsibility of the immune system to keep that switch in the ‘ON position’ to maintain homeostasis. If there is an excessive amount of cell death, that’s when autoimmune diseases occur. If there’s not enough, the body becomes the perfect host for cancer.
The Endocannabinoid System and the Immune System
The immune system is a delicate system with the goal of maintaining balance, or homeostasis, in our bodies. Constant communication among our immune system, tissues, and organs is critical. The ECS, or endocannabinoid system, is also responsible for homeostasis and encourages communication among various parts of the body.
Homeostasis is a balance within the body. If your body strays away from its usual, healthy self, it will be rebalanced through a series of mechanisms by the immune system and the endocannabinoid system. Homeostasis keeps everything in the body stable and working as effectively and efficiently as possible.
The ECS is responsible for maintaining physiological homeostasis using various mechanisms including, but not limited to, managing inflammation and maintaining balance within the immune system. We have two primary CBD receptors (that we know of based on current research), CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system, and CB2 receptors are located throughout the body in the peripheral nervous system. Both CB1 and CB2 receptors signal immune response; however, CB2 has a higher concentration of these immune signaling cells. Our endocannabinoid system (ECS) uses these receptors and response pathways to maintain body homeostasis.
Cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, react with the ECS to aid in the immune system’s goal of balance. Cannabis does not only contain CBD and THC but also contains over 120 other cannabinoids (that are maintained as possible in a full-spectrum product), terpenes, and flavonoids, which all contribute to the body’s state of well-being.
Numerous studies in the autoimmune field have shown CBD to downregulate (reduce) activity of T cells, B cells, and both T helper T cytotoxic lymphocyte subsets. These cells all play critical functions in regulating the immune system response, including its response to cancer.
In addition, CBD has also been shown to upregulate (increase) the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, a type of white blood cell that kills viruses, cancer, and other mutagenic cells.
According to research, THC binds to the CB2 receptor, activating it (turning it on), resulting in an anti-inflammatory effect. Another study has shown that the way in which CBD fights inflammation has a secondary benefit; it also improves lung function. In addition, CBD activates other immune system regulators, like Transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2), which plays a critical role in healthy immune function.
Due to its studied effects on the inflammatory response and immune system, THC is known to be an immunosuppressant and is utilized in patients with autoimmune conditions, including Crohn’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. CBD reduces cytokine production and inhibits T-cells, which also results in CBD being a well-known immunosuppressant.
FSHE CBD Oil has also been shown to promote a healthy intestinal microbiome. Since we know the gut is the most significant portion of our immune system response, maintaining a healthy gut is imperative to maintaining healthy overall. FSHE has shown to promote a healthy intestinal inflammatory response in human trials.
Cannabis and Cancer
As stated previously, the immune system is ‘trained’ to detect foreign bodies, massive increases in cell production, and the reduction of apoptosis. Unfortunately, the immune system can’t always keep up on its own; that’s where cancer comes in. Cancer tricks the body into thinking it’s doing what it’s supposed to.
Cancer cells don’t die on their own and, therefore, grow exponentially (some faster than others). Anticancer therapies like radiation and chemotherapy are relatively recent, and the use of cannabis to aid in anticancer activity is even more recent. Scientists at Complutense University, Manuel Guzman and Cristina Sanchez, are responsible for discovering the anti-cancer effects of cannabis.
There is still a lot of uncertainty when it comes to cannabis since scientists have only touched the surface when it comes to research. Immunotherapy with cannabis remains a viable option for future use in medicine. Immunotherapy is used to detect and kill cancer in the body by retraining white blood cells. Immunotherapy lets the white blood cells know the cancer is not meant to be there. So far, there has only been one study published regarding cannabis with immunotherapy.
Outside of research, there are cancer patients in California who have been found to benefit from cannabis implementation in immunotherapy cases. They were provided low-dose, CBD-rich CBD oil under doctor supervision. Preclinical results have also shown promising results when combining cannabis with Western therapies like chemotherapy.
Medicinal Mushrooms and the Immune System
Perhaps even more ancient than cannabis, medicinal mushrooms go back centuries for their immune system benefits, way before we had fancy medical studies and analysis. Scientific data has shown mushrooms to be potent immunomodulators due to their beta-glucan content.
TURKEY TAIL MUSHROOMS FOR DOGS
One of the most well-known and extensively researched immune activators and cancer fighters, Turkey Tail mushrooms boast a robust resume of potential benefits, including boosting immune cell production, containing antiviral components to fight against infections, and preventing inflammation, especially of the upper respiratory, urinary, and digestive tracts. Turkey Tail has even been approved as a cancer therapy for patients in Japan.
Reishi mushrooms are known as the “mushroom of immortality,” and for good reason. Reishi mushrooms have anti-aging and rejuvenating properties; they inhibit histamine release, induce apoptosis, improve cognitive function, and help to calm stressors.
SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS FOR The Immune System
Shiitake mushrooms are a delicious, edible mushroom that has also been widely studied for its health-promoting properties. Shiitake is an immunomodulator, is a great liver protectant, provides cardiovascular support, and has been shown to possibly extend survival periods if conventional cancer treatments are pursued.
MAITAKE MUSHROOMS FOR The Immune System
One of the most widely-cultivated mushrooms, Maitake also shows potential benefits for lowering blood glucose levels, enhancing immune function, containing antioxidant components, and it’s a common remedy for arthritis in Japan.
CHAGA MUSHROOMS FOR The Immune System
It is not truly a “mushroom” at all, but a concentrated mass of mycelium and wood precursor; Chaga has been used for centuries to protect the heart, aid as an anticancer remedy, has an anti-histaminic effect, and has antibacterial properties. It’s also known for its free-radical scavenging antioxidant effects.
ARTIST CONK MUSHROOMS FOR The Immune System
Related in species to Reishi, Artist Conk is also an immunomodulator and can help prevent infections. It has properties that are anti-inflammatory, and can help support the liver while preventing further damage.
RED BELTED CONK MUSHROOMS FOR The Immune System
Red Belted Conk has potent anti-cancer properties. It’s been shown to regulate blood sugar, support absorption, and elimination, and has been used as a strong emetic and coagulant.
LION’S MANE MUSHROOMS FOR The Immune System
Referred to as “Nature’s Nutrient for the Neurons” or the “smart mushroom,” Lion’s Mane has been lauded for its ability to stimulate nerve regeneration, which means it helps grow new neurons and create new pathways. This mushroom helps to regulate mood, acts as an antibiotic, an appetite stimulant, and is incredible for memory and cognitive function. This funny-looking mushroom has also been shown to improve memory and prevent damage that occurs in the brain during Alzheimer’s Disease.
Growing off an insect host rather than a plant substrate, Cordyceps is rather unique; however, it still has the potential to protect the kidneys, increase oxygen uptake in the lungs to deliver it to the tissues effectively, boost energy levels, and activate energy and warmth.
Best Mushroom Blend for the Immune System
Our favorite blend of immune-modulating mushrooms comes in Vitality, our tincture specially formulated for autoimmune disease and cancer. We recommend a dose of 1 full dropper twice daily for support or 2 full droppers twice daily for more acute/severe/advanced cases.
Rotation of all of our mushroom blends will ensure you get the “Full Spectrum” effect of medicinal mushrooms, as each blend has significant benefits unique to each mushroom. All of our MycoDog products will support healthy immune system function.
Combining CBD & Mushrooms for the Immune System
Give your furry friend the ultimate health boost with our Recovery Duo—a dynamic combo of our Heal CBD oil and MycoDog’s Vitality mushroom blend. Combining the benefits of Heal’s CBD-rich Full Spectrum Hemp Extract with Vitality’s blend of Turkey Tail, Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Chaga, Artist Conk and Red Belted Conk, with Astragalus Root and Ashwagandha; it’s your canine’s wellness dream team!
From immune support to overall vitality, this powerhouse pair has your dog covered. Let’s make every tail wag a little stronger with the Recovery Duo!
