Never heard of the endocannabinoid system before? Don’t worry, you are not alone! In fact, it would be safe to say that 99% of Americans have yet to be introduced to this important system that plays a major role in maintaining your health.
Why is there such excitement among scientists and health practitioners? It turns out that the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is a primordial language that nerves and brain cells use to communicate. From womb to tomb, across countless generations, the endocannabinoid system guides and protects all vital physiological processes.
What’s the Big Deal About the Endocannabinoid System?
The ECS is possibly the single most important system within our entire body. It is responsible for maintaining a process called homeostasis. Basically, if our ECS is out of whack, the health of our entire body could be at risk.
There is one biological principle that is essential for maintaining a healthy functioning body. That principle is called homeostasis.
Homeostasis means that biological systems are actively regulated to maintain conditions within a narrow, healthy range. The intelligence of the body ensures that critical functions are always in proper balance. For instance, our body doesn’t want its temperature to be too hot or too cold, or blood sugar levels too high or too low. Conditions need to be just right for our cells to be functioning optimally. Without this perfect, rather narrow range of regulation, we would die.
As it turns out, that is exactly the job of the ECS. It is a vital molecular system for helping to maintain homeostasis—it ensures that cells stay in their “Goldilocks” zone of “just right” at all times.
CBDs and Your Endocannabinoid System
Cannabinoids are the chemical molecules that communicate with the ECS. They provide vital nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of the human body and the prevention of disease.
There are two types of cannabinoid molecules:
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One type is referred to as endogenous, which means our own body naturally makes it. These molecules interact with cannabinoid receptors on the membranes of the cells to regulate basic functions including mood, memory, appetite, pain, sleep and many more.
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The other type of cannabinoids is exogenous, meaning they originate from outside the body. The cannabinoids found in marijuana, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and those from the cannabis plant, called cannabidiol (CBD), are considered exogenous, or coming from the outside
When the exogenous cannabinoids are ingested, they interact with endogenous cannabinoid receptors to produce physical and psychological effects in the body. They can also regulate basic functions such as mood, memory, appetite, pain, sleep, etc.
The ECS has two types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. Each receptor responds to different cannabinoids, but some cannabinoids can interact with both.
CB1 receptors are found throughout the body, but are mostly present in the brain and spinal cord. For example, there are CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus, which are involved with appetite regulation, and the amygdala, which plays a role in memory and emotional processing. CB1 receptors are also found in nerve endings, where they act to reduce sensations of pain.
CB2 receptors tend to be found in the peripheral nervous system. They are especially concentrated in immune cells. When CB2 receptors are activated, they work to regulate immunity and reduce inflammation, which play a role in many diseases.
CB2 receptors are also present in the gut, spleen, liver, heart, kidneys, bones, blood vessels, lymph cells, endocrine glands and reproductive organs.
The CB2 receptors regulate the cells of the immune system, i.e., monocytes, macrophages, B-cells, T-cells and thymus gland cells. They are involved with swelling from injuries, immune response, cell migration and programmed cell death. When activated, they have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Hemp Extract works its healing effect by indirectly increasing the activity of CB2 receptors. Hemp Extract signals the body to increase more of its endogenous cannabinoids. Hemp Extract can also activate other receptors in the body’s system that have to do with pain, perception and inflammation.
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Thank you for taking your time to become educated on the science and technologies behind the best health supplements.
My best wishes for your best health.
Frank Davis,
Founder and CEO of Optivida Health
[For more science-based evidence for the use of hemp extract read "Hemp Health Revolution: The A to Z Health Benefits of Hemp Extract"]
