With fall knocking on our doorstep, many Americans are relieved to escape the heat. However, individuals with a compromised immune system may have differing opinions on the fall season. As the colder weather approaches, so do many viruses, especially influenza.
Unfortunately, the flu virus is so common that experts can't predict how many people will be infected per flu season—they can only provide estimates. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they estimated 38 million cases of influenza during the 2019-2020 flu season.
There’s no doubt that we’ve become more virus-conscious than ever over the past year and a half. Many Americans are more prepared than ever to embrace the colder months with stronger methods for supporting their immune systems against infectious diseases.
Americans have started prioritizing their immune systems and overall health like we’ve never seen before. For example, many Americans are turning to alternative approaches such as natural, plant-based methods to offer an extra boost to their immune systems. Natural derivatives like cannabidiol (CBD), elderberry and more may help support wellness and our body’s natural ability for fending off illness.
The Importance of Supporting Our Immune Systems
What is the immune system? The immune system is a complex network of cells, organs and proteins that work together to protect the body against outside invaders, like viruses, bacteria and toxins. Once the body perceives an external threat, it’s the immune system’s job to send cells over to the impacted areas and fight off these invaders so that we avoid serious illness.
In a healthy individual, the immune system does a great job of protecting the individual from getting seriously sick. However, the immune system is complicated. Many Americans don’t even realize that the immune system is underperforming or compromised in some way.
The immune system requires adequate levels of support to do its job. There are many habits, circumstances and choices that we make that can weaken the immune system's capabilities. Thus, making humans more prone to illnesses. Some of the most common reasons the immune system may be compromised include stress, a poor diet, lack of sleep, certain medications, consuming an abundance of alcohol and much more.
However, there is a segment of the population who suffer from an immune system disorder. According to the National Institutes of Health, 8% of the United States or between 14.7 and 23.5 million Americans deal with an immune system disorder. Some of the most popular reasons people suffer from this disorder include:
- Individuals are born with a weak immune system. This instance is referred to as a primary immune deficiency.
- Acquiring a disease that weakens the immune system. This type of disorder is known as acquired immune deficiency.
- The immune system may be too active. This may be a result of an allergic reaction.
- Your immune system may turn against you. Health experts refer to this as an autoimmune disease.
While certain factors can interfere with the immune system’s ability to do its job, all hope isn’t lost once virus season comes around. There are plenty of things that we can do to correct a compromised immune system to build its strength back up.
Turning to Holistic Methods for Immune Support
The best way to support the immune system is to opt for holistic methods where you consume certain foods and plant derivatives coupled with developing healthier habits.
In fact, a significant segment of the United States population is turning to alternative supplements to boost the immune system. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a 2012 survey found that more than 30% of adults and 12% of children opt for alternative health approaches.
Some of the changes that we can make that can improve the immune system include:
- Getting more sleep each night
- Managing stress through mindfulness practices
- Avoiding inflammatory foods like sugar, gluten and dairy
- Cutting back on alcohol
- Consuming vitamin supplements like Vitamin C and Vitamin D
- Taking immune-supporting herbs
By generally making an effort to become healthier overall, our immune systems should operate more efficiently so that we can better fend off diseases and other unwanted invaders from the outside world.
Can CBD Help Your Immune System?
The immune system works with a group of cells and organs to combat viruses, infections and other bacteria that may harm the human body. Additionally, the immune system is responsible for monitoring and eradicating cells that aren’t functioning correctly. Furthermore, the human body contains a natural endocannabinoid system that influences most cells—even the cells associated with the immune system.
So, how does hemp oil boost the immune system? Ongoing research behind the health benefits of CBD started in the early 1940s. While advancements in health technology helped speed up research, there’s still so much we don’t know about CBD. However, we can glean from the current published studies and research.
Research has shown that CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties. While more research is needed to draw a definitive connection between CBD and the immune system, it’s another viable option worth considering.
For individuals considering CBD as an alternative option, CBD can be taken in a variety of forms, including:
- Oils (tinctures)
- Capsules
- Vapes
- Topicals
Many people specifically seeking out support for the immune system prefer CBD in capsule form, mainly because it’s easy to take along with one’s daily supplements to offer several immune-boosting compounds and nutrients to enter the body.
Why Can Elderberry Be a Gamechanger?
Elderberry has been a staple of folk medicine for centuries. It is almost exclusively associated with its value as an immune system supporter. These berries come from the elder plant that grows naturally in North America, Europe and other world regions. The berries can be cooked down to offer the desired compounds in a more concentrated form that can be taken daily.
Like CBD, elderberries can be considered a wellness alternative. Consuming it daily, especially during virus season, is certainly a habit worth getting into. Elderberries are profoundly high in vitamin C, a key immunity-building block, with over 50 grams per cup. Further, its antioxidant properties may play a role in supporting anti-inflammation.
Like CBD, elderberry comes in many forms, with capsules easily being the most commonly sought-after. As elderberry becomes more available on the market, researchers are finding out more about its role in immunity.
Try Sky Wellness’ 30ct Immunity Support and Daily CBD Softgels
Our Daily CBD Softgels are a product you may want to consider grabbing before the cold weather takes over in the next few months. They contain 25 milligrams each of broad spectrum hemp extract, which is free of THC. Our softgels combine CBD with an abundance of other naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes and nutrients in the hemp plant. Additionally, they’re enhanced with natural elderberry to offer all of its properties directly to the immune system, along with other notable immunity-boosting ingredients.
Perfect for daily use, they are easy to swallow and digest and great for incorporating into your routine as you go about building up your immune system for the fall and winter ahead.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer. All opinions expressed in this blog post are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Sky Wellness or its brands/affiliates.
