I discovered a fascinating and comprehensive article written by a Medical Review Board that’s about the current science on our Endocannabinoid System (our ECS), and the key ways in which compounds naturally occurring in Cannabis interact with the receptor sites of the ECS that are literally all over our bodies.
In order to understand the effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) in the body, we need to understand the ECS which is present in all animals, vertebrates and invertebrates. ‘Endo’ stands for inside the body or endogenous and cannabinoids are the group of chemicals that affect the system.
- Receptor sites are part of the signaling system we have throughout our bodies.
- Certain chemicals (enzymes) in our bodies do this job for us everyday, turning receptor sites on or off in an attempt to maintain health and proper body function.
The reason CBD, THC and other compounds in Cannabis are being so heavily studied today, is that they work in similar and complementary ways to our natural signaling enzymes. Using CBD and other cannabis derived products stimulate and activate the ECS. So CBD, can:
- fill a deficit the body has, like a supplement (for conditions of deficit like Fibromyalgia, Migraine or Irritable Bowel Syndrome) , or
- help our natural enzymes work differently, like the way CBD can slow the breakdown of our natural calming enzyme (e.g., supporting the effect of anandamide, our body’s natural THC) so it can work more effectively in its role to address mood/anxiety and sleep. The potential impact of CBD on our bodies inflammation response holds particular promise for those suffering from chronic pain, and potentially impact the widespread health benefits of reduced inflammation throughout the body.
The potential for CBD is therefore truly exciting, both as a routine food product for ensuring our body has these compounds to call upon for balance, and to be used episodically for specific effects (e.g topically, for a imbalanced skin condition), providing support our bodies seem naturally prepared to accept.
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Read entire article What is the Endocannabinoid System? How the system works and its role in disease. CLICK HERE
Guest Contributor: Jeff Sternstein, Healthcare Marketing Consultant