by Amy Lee | Boho Health Consulting
Many medical cannabis patients begin their cannabis journey because they are immunocompromised and they are seeking a better way to live a healthy life. Being immunocompromised is different for each patient. For example, the common cold might not affect one patient as severely as another due to their individual immune system strength. Immunodeficiency, suppressed immunity, and immunocompromised all mean the patient is at a higher risk for infection, disease, and viruses. In the winter when the air is less humid indoors, viruses can live longer and increase the chances of a person becoming ill. This is a crucial time for members of the cannabis community to be making additional efforts to show their immune system some love with cannabis and nutrition.
What is the immune system?
The immune system is a complex organ system in the body composed of white blood cells, skin, mucus and bacteria. The purpose of the immune system is to seek out, recruit, attack and destroy foreign invaders within the body. There are two main levels of immunity defense within the body, innate immunity and adaptive. The innate immunity system provides a quick first line of defense against a wide range of pathogens. Pathogens are disease-causing antigens. The immune system is designed to protect against pathogens. The adaptive immune system is the second level of defense and is more intense and specific in its attack against antigens. Antigens are anything that cause an immune response, this includes a wide range of irritants like pollen or the flu virus.
How can you support your immune system better?
The immune system requires care balance and care. It is not a single step process. Researchers recommend focusing on building a healthy lifestyle with simple habit change. This includes diet, movement, stress, hydration and nutrients. Research has shown through the years that every system in the body begins to function better when these habits are focused on daily.
Showing your immune system some L O V E –
There is evidence that various micronutrient deficiencies alter the immune system responses. These most commonly show up as vitamin and mineral deficiencies and create a domino effect of illnesses and disease within the body. However, these vital vitamins and minerals can be easily implemented through a daily cannabis routine. The best way to support the immune system with cannabis is through raw cannabis consumption. By consuming raw cannabis the body activates the endocannabinoid system to begin the process of homeostasis, otherwise known as balance. William L. Courtney, MD, is considered one of the leading experts in raw cannabis, it is his belief that cannabis is one of the most nutrient-dense foods we can consume. The raw plant material contains all omega fatty acids, nine essential amino acids, dietary fiber, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, carotenoids, terpenes and phytocannabinoid acids, all of which have the potential to boost internal wellness by creating a healthy gut biome.
Eat it up!
Cannabis is easy to add to any diet! Some of the most popular consumption methods include, adding the leaves to salads, raw plant juicing, marinated in dressings, sauces and dips. One of my favorite consumption methods is to grind up the cannabis leaves and incorporate into homemade granola or mixed in with almond butter.