Understanding the Human Endocannabinoid System 101
What is The Endocannabinoid System?
It’s safe to say by now you most likely have heard the acronym CBD, otherwise known as Cannabidiol. You may even have heard some of the benefits of CBD such as the homeostatic effect it has on your central nervous system or the stress relieving benefits in provides. However, one thing new CBD users and even some seasoned CBD users may not have heard of is The Endocannabinoid System, or ECS for short, and the role in plays in our Body. In today’s article we divulge into the ECS and how CBD (Cannabidiol) interacts with the ECS to help return your body to homeostasis and provide a slue of other physiological and psychological benefits.
The Endocannabinoid System is a system in our body comprised of receptors that interact exclusively with cannabinoids like CBD. Cannabidiol’s interaction with the receptors of the ECS is the cause behind the amazing benefits of CBD. The Endocannabinoid System is one of the body’s largest neurotransmitter networks. The best way to think about the ECS is as an integrated balancing system for the body. Found in all mammals (Yes, our Pets have an ECS too!), The Endocannabinoid System is responsible for keeping a variety of physiological and psychological functions in balance (homeostatis), some of which include:
-Immune system response-Mood
-Movement and coordination
-Sleep
-Appetite, hunger, and metabolism
-Memory and cognition
-Temperature
-Sensory processing
As you can imagine, a well-oiled ECS is part of maintaining daily health and wellness. The main objective of the ECS is to maintain stability in our bodies, despite changes in our external environments, and cannabinoid receptors in the body play a vital role in how well the system is able to regulate and maintain homeostasis.
How CBD Works in The Endocannabinoid System
Studies and research has revealed that when CBD bonds with the CB1 or CB2 receptors of the ECS, it alters and/or improves the capabilities of that receptor, thereby improving the receptors functionality. CB1 receptors are essential for a healthy functioning brain and are one of the most common receptors in the entire nervous system. Depending on what region of the brain they are located in, they can be moderators of your memory, mood, motor function, and/or your perception of pain. Although CB1 receptors are most common in the central nervous system, we find them throughout the human body at lower densities. In other parts of the body, CB1 receptors also have roles in hormone production, cardiovascular health, and digestion. CB2 receptors are most often found on the cells of our immune system. They help moderate inflammation and our immune response to pathogens (toxins, disease, infection). If you use cannabis products to combat conditions of an overactive immune system (i.e. arthritis, asthma, allergies, autoimmune disorders or digestive issues like inflammatory bowel disease) you can thank your CB2 receptors.
The Bottom Line
The ECS plays a major role in keeping your internal processes stable and your body in homeostasis. Learning the role of the ECS is an ever evolving science. As experts develop a better understanding of the ECS, it could eventually hold the key to treating several conditions beyond what we know today! We Recommend… Supplementing daily with Premium Juicy Kush CBD products work with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the Human Endocannabinoid System. The benefits of CBD are plentiful and if you aren’t supplementing with CBD, you should start today! Learn more about our premium CBD supplements, HERE!