What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The word endocannabinoid roots itself in Latin, endo meaning within and cannabinoid describing a key in the complex system and is often referred to as the ECS.
The key roles of the ECS are growing daily through research studies by top universities and governing bodies.
The biological influences of the body’s ECS are many, but to put it simply, it is the neurofeedback system keeping your body in balance despite fluctuations in the external environment.
Keeping your ECS in Balance.
Throughout your body there are cell receptors and corresponding molecules which comprise your endocannabinoid system.
There are two primary cell receptors called Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) and Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2). Your body produces cannabinoids with the assistance of fatty acids, not unlike those cannabinoids produced in the cannabis plant (hello CBD).
Your endocannabinoid presence acts as the master communicators with your cells to better regulate inflammation, pain, appetite, sleep, mood, insulin sensitivity, fat and energy metabolism, and also impact neurologic and immune conditions.
Cannabinoids influence the activity of more than 1000 genes, and help increase our cellular antioxidant defenses as well as downregulate many pro-inflammatory mediators. Most can attest that one of the most appreciated uses of CBD is it’s direct activation of serotonin receptors, providing you an anti-anxiety effect.
The symbiotic relationship of cannabinoids and your ECS.
There are few plants that render the phytochemical abundance of cannabis. Cannabis hosts over 400 unique chemicals and are critical for bioregulation and homeostasis throughout our body and brain.
What happens when you take CBD internally?
When CBD is ingested, it acts as a supplement, if you will, that kick starts the body’s ECS which is stimulated to produce its own cannabinoids. Current research shows that ingesting CBD actually assists the body in switching on its own capacity for maintaining balance and well-being.
Read that sentence again so it sinks in: Research is showing that ingesting CBD actually assists the body in switching on its own capacity for maintaining balance and well-being.
Game-Changing Discovery Linking the Brain and the Immune System
Cerebral Health + ECS
Cannabinoids have shown to have a protective effect in the brain and nervous system. As a powerful neuroprotective antioxidant, CBD is superior to the largely known Vitamin E and Vitamin C in preventing toxicity from excess amounts of the neurotransmitter glutamate.
Cannabinoids are now being studied as a target as a new antidepressant and antianxiety solution due to its ability to help to balance mood by their effect on a serotonin receptors. They even help regulate excitability in the brain, which now shows a track record on the impact on epileptic seizures.
Proactive Neuron Health
Certain cannabinoids offer an overall tonic for the brain, protecting against chronic stress, which can result in a decrease the growth and density of new neurons. They also influence mechanisms that govern the life and death of neurons, suggesting they may be helpful for neurodegenerative conditions and increase the capacity of the brain to adapt, change and remodel itself in response to experience.
Your Body + ECS
The chronic stress and abundance of toxins in today’s culture is a great burden on our bodies. Cannabinoids are a first line of defence in combating the oxidative stress that burdens us all. They’ve shown to diminish damage related to diabetes, retinal disease, leaky gut, and other conditions associated with oxidative stress and immune activation.
As early adopters of CBD, many start taking Cannabinoids to address inflammation and pain, which may also support musculoskeletal system function and joint health. We also know how important recovery from sleep is. Good news! According to a 2017 review of scientific research, cannabinoids were found helpful in improving disturbances in REM sleep leading to excessive daytime sleepiness.
In summary, nature in her brilliance and infinite creativity, has gifted us with a stream of plant bliss-genes, blooming perfectly for our own innate regulatory cannabinoid system.
What happens when your ECS does not produce enough cannabinoids or regulate the cells properly?
We are now starting to discover the everyday and more severe autoimmune health issues to be linked to a “Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome (ECDS).” I will help you explore this concept in a future article.
We think CBD taken internally is pretty remarkable, which is why we created our tinctures to keep you in check. I think of our ECS as a great harmonizer, helping us to regain equilibrium and balance.
Thank you for following along and discovering more of your inner-brilliance!
Are you happy?
It’s a journey to INNER JOY….
Everyone you meet always asks if you have a career, are married or own a house; as if life was some kind of grocery list
…. But nobody ever asks if you are happy.
- Heath Ledger
