Your Endocannabinoid System:
Why Is It Vital To Your Health?
More than likely you have never heard of the Endocannabinoid System and why it is so important to your health and happiness. It's time you learned more.
Here is a great explanation of the ECS written by Melissa Moore on Labroots that you can fully read here: "In the pursuit of unearthing the metabolic pathways of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids, scientists came across an unknown molecular signaling system within the body that is involved in regulating a broad range of biological functions. This system was named the endocannabinoid system (ECS)."
"The ECS performs multiple tasks, but the goal is always to maintain a stable environment despite fluctuations in the external environment. It is the system that creates homeostasis within the body. When an imbalance is detected within our internal environment, the body synthesizes endocannabinoids that interact with the cannabinoid receptors. This stimulates a chemical response that works to return the physiological process back to homeostasis. However, in some cases, there is a deficiency in ECS signaling."
"This condition is known as Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency. Reasons to as why this condition occurs ranges from our body not synthesizing enough endocannabinoids, our bodies not producing enough cannabinoid receptors, an abundance of enzymes that break down cannabinoids, or outside sources such as foods and medications that decrease ECS signaling. The phytocannabinoids contained in cannabis can be used to supplement this deficiency. By stimulating and supporting your endocannabinoid system one can find relief from a multitude of illnesses and conditions."
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In addition to utilizing cannabinoid products, when you also focus on your diet/nutrition and the supplements you take, you can further support your ECS and thereby improve your overall wellness.
What Does the ECS Look Like?
The diagrams below show the complexity and wide-ranging connectivity of your endocannabinoid system, and why cannabinoids can help treat so many conditions. It's not magic or wishful thinking, it's a medical reality - every body needs cannabinoids.
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There are two major endocannabinoid receptors in the cells of your body: CB1 and CB2. These receptors accept the endocannabinoids your body makes (named anandamide and 2-AG) and the phytocannabinoids found in cannabis. Over 100 phytocannabinoids have been named so far, with the most commonly known being THC and CBD.
There's much more to learn about the ECS and the interactions involved on a molecular level. I'll cover more of this in my Blog (coming soon). In the meantime, you can find more details at ProjectCBD.org, Wikipedia, and UCLAHealth.org (among countless other sites). Suffice it to say, there is little doubt that the ECS exists and that you can benefit from helping it become stronger. And I'm always available to help.
