Endocannabinoid Deficiency Explained
If you’re into cannabis science, you may have heard of the endocannabinoid system. But what is it? In today’s article we’re going to talk all about it, and how different cannabinoids like CBD can help you. Let’s get right into it!
What is the Endocannabinoid system?
The Endocannabinoid system, also known as ECS, is a biological system of receptors and neurotransmitters found throughout the brains and nervous systems within all mammalian species. The ECS is the largest biological system of receptors in the body. It holds the potential to revolutionize the ways in which we view health and wellness.
Understanding the ECS
The ECS was discovered in the 1990’s with scientists studying how cannabis produced effects in the body. Endocannabinoids and receptors they bind to, exist throughout the body in :
- The nervous system
- Glands
- Immune cells
- Organs
- The brain
- Connective tissues
The ECS permeates all 11 main psychological systems in the body working to handle the many functions necessary for survival. The ECS tunes our vital psychological functions and it promotes homeostasis affecting everything from sleep, appetite, pain, memory, mood, inflammation and reproduction too. The ECS helps to regulate homeostasis across all the major psychological systems ensuring they’re all working in harmony with one another.
What are the components of ECS?
The ECS comprises 3 primary components:
- Endocannabinoids
- Enzymes
- Receptors
Cannabinoids are groups of active compounds that interact with ECS receptors. Endocannabinoids are usually produced naturally inside of the body while compounds found outside the body, like CBD and THC, are exogenous cannabinoids. For hempure, CBD is a phytocannabinoid which means that it originates from plants. Cannabinoids act as the keys within the Endocannabinoid system while receptors act like locks. Every time one key fits into one lock, the lock causes an effect to occur in the body.
The two main types of Endocannabinoids found in the body are anandamide and 2-AG. 2-AG is the most prevalent Endocannabinoid responsible for managing appetite, pain response, and immune system functions. Anandamide, commonly referred to as “the bliss molecule” is responsible for runner’s high and blissful states that come from structured play, yoga, and meditation.
Enzymes are any substance within the body that cause chemical reactions to occur. Enzymes act within the ECS to recycle used Endocannabinoids after the body is through with them.
Receptors receive the messages transmitted by cannabinoids. There are two main types of receptors which are CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors exist in the brain and spinal cord working to regulate appetite, memory, and to reduce pain. CB2 receptors are within the immune system and many other areas of the body working primarily to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Inflammation is a process the body undergoes to heal infected or damaged areas in the body. Inflammation is a main cause of many different medical conditions.
In each part of the body, the Endocannabinoid system performs different tasks, but the ECS always has one goal in mind which is homeostasis.
How can CBD help your Endocannabinoid system?
First of all, experts are not sure how exactly CBD works and interacts with ECS. They surely know that it doesn’t bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors the way THC does. Many experts think that it works by preventing endocannabinoids from being broken down. This will allow them to have more effect on your body. An interesting fact is that the Endocannabinoid system exists and is active in your body even if you don’t use cannabis products. Since CBD won’t make you high like THC and it won’t cause any negative side effects it’s the best to use. CBD helps you with pain, nausea, and other symptoms attached with multiple, different conditions.
CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system. They affect pain and inflammation. Since THC attaches to the CB1 receptor, CBD connects to the CB2 receptor.
Other ways to help your endocannabinoid system:
Many people use other ways too to help their endocannabinoid system. One of the most common ways is taking an omega – 3 which helps the CB1 receptor. They also reduce their alcohol consumption and they get rid of stress. Many people are exercising too. But an absolutely amazing way is to use Full-Spectrum CBD.
What is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Have you ever wondered what full spectrum CBD is? And is there really any difference between full spectrum CBD oil and regular CBD oil? We’re going to find out right now! Simple CBD is just one of more than a hundred different compounds naturally found in the cannabis sativa plant. Full spectrum cbd oil contains all of these compounds. A product like cbd isolate oil on the other hand contains just the cbd compound by itself after it’s been filtered and fractionated off during the manufacturing process. Depending on what exactly you’re trying to achieve, full spectrum cbd oil can actually work better than a cbd isolate. In fact research shows that when cannabinoids work together rather than isolated by themselves they’re potentially more effective in terms of a therapeutic benefit. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effec. As far as what a full spectrum cbd oil actually contains, they can include a variety of natural ingredients found in hemp and other types of cannabis. These ingredients include things like : phytocannabinoids, essential vitamins, and minerals beneficial fatty acids like omega 3s and omega 6s, plant based protein and fiber chlorophyll, terpenes, and flavonoids. Also it’s important to understand that full spectrum cbd oil can come from both hemp and marijuana. Most of the cbd products that are selling online or places like gas stations and grocery stores are made from hemp that contains 0.3% THC or less, full spectrum cbd oils can also be made from marijuana, these oils have higher levels of THC, but are only available in dispensaries in states that offer legal medical or recreational cannabis. One of the most important researches that researched full spectrum cbd oil took place at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2015.
Thank you guys for reading today’s article, as always, leave your thoughts in the comments, let us know what you think!
