The role and importance of the Endocannabinoid system are mentioned in every other CBD or THC article. We know the basics of how CBD affects ECS, and how ECS maintains homeostasis. Let us take a closer look at the functions, importance, and receptors of our Endocannabinoid system.
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The Endocannabinoid system is the biological system of receptors and neurotransmitters present in our brain and nervous system. It is found throughout every mammal body. It was discovered in 1990, as a result of research on the hemp plant. Scientists were confused about how one herb can provide so many potential medical benefits with the least amount of side effects? This matter led researchers to uncover the physiological system responsible for maintaining the balance of many internal factors. Thus the ECS was discovered while looking for the properties and effects of cannabinoids of the hemp plant. Researchers also came across the fact that this cell-signaling system is present in all human and animal bodies. This discovery made it easier for them to conduct further research in this regard. The Endocannabinoid system is working in the body all the time- from birth to the end of our life. Your body produces these compounds naturally to maintain the homeostasis balance. In any case, where the body fails to produce these compounds naturally or fails to work at an optimal level, an external aid in the form of CBD or THC becomes essential. Cannabinoids found naturally in our ECS and cannabinoids found in the hemp plant act a lot like each other. Both help in promoting health and wellbeing.
How Does ECS Work?
The Endocannabinoid system is spread throughout the body from where it helps to up-regulate many physiological functions such as sleep, appetite, and memory, etc. It promotes the functions of homeostasis that are necessary for our survival. Any regulation in homeostasis can cause great harm to our minds and body.
Following are the components found in our endocannabinoid system that helps in maintaining balance by influencing homeostasis:
Cannabinoids:
To understand cannabinoids, it is necessary to differentiate between exogenous and endogenous cannabinoids. Exogenous cannabinoids are compounds found in the hemp plants, like CBD and THC. These compounds are found outside the human or animal body. Smilz uses phytocannabinoids in its products, which means they are extracted naturally from the cannabis plant.
Unlike Endogenous, Exogenous cannabinoids are found inside of our body. Our body naturally produces these active compounds to fight against many physical and mental ailments. Cannabinoids found within the body bind with our ECS receptors to provide a natural healing aid. To understand the relation between the cannabinoids and receptors of the body, you can take an example where Cannabinoids play the role of key and receptors are the locks. Whenever the key fits the lock, it creates an effect on our body.
There are two main types of cannabinoids naturally found in our body: Anandamide and 2-AG.
2-AG: It is the most common exogenous cannabinoid, and it is accountable for managing pain, appetite, and our immune system.
Anandamide: This compound is also known as the bliss molecule. It is a fatty acid that helps in directing feeding behaviors. It promotes a state of euphoria and relaxation.
Enzymes:
The main function of metabolic enzymes in the endocannabinoid system is to break down the molecules. It works with ECS to help in reprocessing or removing the used cannabinoids.
Receptors:
The ECS receptors are spread throughout the nervous system. These receptors receive and act upon the messages sent by exogenous or endogenous cannabinoids. There are two ECS receptors discussed below:
CB1 Receptors –It is found in our brain and Spinal cord and is responsible for memory regulation, appetite, changes in mood, and pain reduction. It is found in the central nervous system; the brain, and spinal cord. It is associated with cerebral effects like behavior, our thoughts, and our motor activities.
CB2 Receptors – It helps in promoting inflammation throughout the body. It affects the immune system and many other body parts.
Our ECS and Homeostasis:
Due to the fewer researches conducted on ECS and its relation with homeostasis, it is difficult to understand how the ECS cannabinoids influence physiological functions. However, researchers are convinced that the primary function of our ECS is to regulate homeostasis.
ECS cannabinoids and receptors are spread throughout our whole body and play different functions, but all these components bear the same goal; maintaining homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to self-regulation to promote the inner physiological balance. It helps in keeping the internal conditions stable during the external, unavoidable changes.
Homeostasis includes the modulation of our mood, appetite, blood sugar level, temperature, blood pressure, memory, pain, and immune system. Any negligence in these internal factors can be proved very harmful for the body and mind. ECS cannabinoids help in the stability of these factors by acting upon the receptors.
Functions of the ECS:
Following are the functions are ECS plays to keep our mind and body unstable condition:
- The immune system
- Memory
- Mood
- Appetite
- Chronic pain conditions
- Inflammation
- Brain disorders
- Neurological and neurodegenerative disease
The Immune System:
The problems in the immune system can lead to many health issues like diabetes. Not exactly how, but many researchers have found the influence of ECS on the stability of homeostasis, which helps in regulating the immune system.
Pains and inflammation:
Inflammation is the healing process of infected or injured body parts. Any irregularity in inflammation can lead to many medical issues. CB2 receptor promotes inflammation by speeding up the healing process.
THC and CBD
The endocannabinoid system produces the natural cannabinoids in the body that provide aid in healing. However, many bodies are unable to produce exogenous cannabinoids, and they require external help to maintain homeostasis. The endogenous cannabinoids produced by the hemp plant play the same role as 2-AG and amandine cannabinoids. The two main compounds found in cannabis plants are CBD and THC.
Smilz CBD products are produced with a cannabidiol compound with 0.3% of THC. These products provide external aid to heal the ailments such as pain, stress, and many physical and mental disorders.
Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency
Dr. Ethan Russu, in 2001, first developed the theory of CECD. The CECD is not a disease itself but is a term used for many issues that share the same symptoms and their relation with ECS. For instance, some studies have shown the migraine sufferers might have low ECS functioning, and PTSD patients might have decreased ECS functions. To avoid CECD, you can pursue specific behavior such as proper sleep and increased activity level promotes a healthy Endocannabinoid system.
Conclusions
The ECS promotes physiological functions by maintaining homeostasis. CBD oil products such as CBD gummies, capsules, or coffees can help promote the same balance and provide the same health benefits to the body. In case of ECS deficiency, try our CBD oil that blocks the enzyme to break down the cannabinoids in the body. This way body’s natural cannabinoids stay within the body for a long period.
Contact us for further inquiry. Also, take a look at the CBD products offered by Smilz.
