What is the ECS…Endocannabinoid System?
The Endocannabinoid System, hereafter referred to as “ECS,” is a system that provides the body with many similar cannabinoids to those of hemp oil. Cannabinoids are complex chemical compounds that act on receptors in cells. The hemp plant produces over 100 different cannabinoids (or Phyto cannabinoids); the mammalian body also naturally produces cannabinoids (or endocannabinoids). This means that your body already uses cannabinoids for many of its functions, such as regulating mood, appetite, pain-sensation, and memory. It also plays a part in dealing with Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, cancer, atherosclerosis, stroke, hypertension, obesity, glaucoma, and osteoporosis.
What do Cannabinoids do?
The function of cannabinoids in your body (regardless of whether they are from the ECS or CBD oil) is to act as receptors for cells. What these receptors do is act as conduits for messages from the brain to the cells. They are the “bridge” that enables your body to operate as it should. Because of this, they are essential for a healthy body, which includes memory, appetite, and mood.
Interestingly, your body, while it uses the endocannabinoids produced internally, also reacts to Phyto cannabinoids from sources like cannabis and hemp. This is where CBD oils come in.
Endocannabinoid Receptors CB1 and CB2
The ECS includes two primary endocannabinoid receptors: CB1, found mainly in the brain, nervous system, and surrounding organs and tissues, and CB2, located primarily in white blood cells, tonsils, and the spleen. Although CBD has low affinity for either of these receptors, it does interact with other nominal receptors with remarkable effects. For example, CBD activates the receptor GPR55, which has been shown to assist in treating pain and inflammation. CBD has also been shown as a partial agonist (which is a term referring to something that attaches to a cell receptor and causes an action to occur in that cell) to the 5-HT1A receptor, which may lead to cannabidiol’s anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, and neuro-protective effects.
Why take daily CBD?
The Endocannabinoid System regulates cell functions and repair, making cannabinoids vital for ongoing cellular maintenance. Supplementing cannabinoids can align cell function with brain signals, aiding healing where the ECS is inadequate. CBD’s Phyto cannabinoids can act as receptors for malfunctioning cells, crucial for restoring a healthy receptor balance in the body.
If you’re healthy, CBD oil may not be necessary to ensure proper cell receptor function, as your ECS likely functions well. However, chronic pain, memory, appetite, or mood issues may indicate an ECS imbalance hindering cell communication with your brain. CBD oil can be beneficial in both scenarios. It can help maintain well-being or enhance ECS efficiency subtly for those already healthy. If you have specific health issues, consult a physician first, but consider CBD oil as a supplement to support your ECS and boost cell function.
When visiting your physician for any conditions mentioned in this article, discuss the potential of CBD oil as a treatment and inquire about its impact on your ECS.
by Quinton Charles Op-Ed Blogger