Sorry to break it all the germaphobes out there, but, germs are everywhere. We have germs in our households, in public environments, and in our individual bodies.
Exposure to germs isn’t always bad and can strengthen the immune system. However, while some of the bacteria in our body are necessary and important, others can cause disease and health complications. But, that doesn’t mean we don’t have hope – or help – that goes beyond traditional treatments and medications. Like many other conditions, CBD may be beneficial in fighting germs that could harm us. We’ll dive into the details shortly.
Some infections are more familiar to us than others. Common conditions caused by harmful bacteria include:
- Pneumonia
- Food Poisoning
- Staphylococcus (staph infection)
- Boils
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Salmonella
- STDs
- Bacterial Meningitis
- Respiratory Tract Infections
- and more.
In the instances where bacteria isn’t welcome – like the cases listed above – antibiotics are frequently prescribed as a means to destroy the harmful agents and balance the body, reducing symptoms and providing relief. Yet, while antibiotics can be sufficient, they often come with consequences (consequences that could be avoided with a more natural option, like CBD).
The overuse of antibiotics has caused bacteria to evolve and become resistant to treatments that were previously effective. The rate at which antibiotic-resistant bacteria is growing and evolving is greatly concerning, presenting an ongoing challenge for scientists and researchers to solve. (1)
Antibacterial resistant bacteria emerge in several ways. (2)
Some bacteria can “neutralize” an antibiotic by changing it in a way that makes it harmless. Others have learned how to pump an antibiotic back outside of the bacteria before it can do any harm. Some bacteria can change their outer structure so the antibiotic has no way to attach to the bacteria it is designed to kill.
If one bacterium is resistant to antibiotics, it can multiply and replace all of the bacteria that were previously killed off. Alternatively, bacteria can become resistant through genetic mutation.
Every year, over 2 million individuals are infected with a drug-resistant bacteria strain. The rise of antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health. Although there are preventative measures that can be used to prevent the spread of these “super” bacteria, such as using proper hygiene methods and only prescribing antibiotics when needed, alternative treatments are needed. The urgency increases each day. (3)
Thankfully, a more natural alternative is widely available now: CBD. Unfortunately, many medical professionals fail to recognize its potential benefits.
CBD, a cannabinoid derived from cannabis, has been shown to have antiseptic properties when used orally ortopically. This natural compound, nearly free of negative side effects, could be highly effective in killing bacteria and fighting infections, without the resistance commonly encountered with common antibiotics and other treatments.
CBD targets the endocannabinoid system, a part of the brain and central nervous system that regulates two key receptors: CB1 and CB2. These receptors are responsible for many functions such as balance, regulating balance throughout the body, and moderating the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and peripheral organs. The CB1 receptor is associated with cognitive actions while the CB2 receptor is in charge of the body’s response to pain and inflammation. (4)
By ingesting compounds that activate and regulate the endocannabinoid system, the potential benefits are great.
CBD’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Part of what makes CBD so great is that it is a natural anti-inflammatory compound. When CBD interacts with endocannabinoid receptors, its therapeutic and non-psychoactive properties allow the body to relax and re-balance, which is critically important when warding off harmful bacteria and sources of infection.
CBD as an Antioxidant
CBD’s benefits don’t stop at reducing inflammation. The CBD compound itself is loaded with Omegas 3 and 6 – two of the most useful fatty acids – which make it a great antioxidant. Free radicals are created as a response to toxins (or harmful bacteria) in the body and can cause great damage.
If the body isn’t able to stabilize free radicals on its own, the free radicals can damage DNA which can lead to cancer, disease, and more, in addition to harmful infections. Antioxidants help the free radicals bind to something besides our molecules. They can be found in vitamins and minerals and are naturally produced in the body and are found in many whole foods. Antioxidants are also found in CBD, which gives the compound more infection-fighting super qualities.
CBD as a Remedy for Drug-Resistant Bacteria: MRSA
Using CBD directly bacteria in lab studies have shown encouraging results. One of the most deadly known forms of bacteria encountered by physicians is the drug-resistant MRSA. Great news: CBD has been shown to fight MRSA in a way that traditional antibiotics have failed to accomplish. (5)
MRSA is an incredibly strong bacterium that doesn’t respond to many antibiotics. Because of this, it can spread through the body, causing life-threatening infections.
However, Italian and British researchers are finding that CBD could effectively kill the MRSA bacteria. A team of researchers used extracts from five major cannabinoids and applied them to cultures of six strains of MRSA. They found that cannabinoids were as effective or more effective at killing the bug than traditional antibiotics. (6)
“The cannabinoids even showed exceptional activity against the MRSA strain that makes extra amounts of the proteins that give the bugs resistance against many antibiotics,” says Gibbons. These proteins, he explains, allow the bacteria to “hoover up unwanted things from inside the cell and spit them out again.”
While this information is certainly encouraging, there is still a lot of research to be done to understand the depth of which CBD can be used to effectively kill strong bacteria.
CBD Benefits Beyond Killing Bacteria
Looking for more than bacteria-fighting qualities? CBD may still be the answer.
The CBD Compound Is A Valuable Mechanism For Managing And Treating Many Conditions – Even Those Unrelated To Bacteria – Such as:
…and more.
Furthermore, the natural properties of CBD mean that the side effects are nearly nonexistent. Some people may notice fatigue and changes in appetite and, if the CBD oil is smoked, there’s a risk for lung problems.
Beyond that, CBD may be one of the best options for treating various conditions without the negative side effects of traditional medicine.
A natural anti-bacterial with minimal side effects? It’s worth a try!
