Introducing the endocannabinoid system
Critical for basically every moment-to-moment function: sleeping, eating, thinking, moving, learning and memory, emotional processing, temperature, immune, and inflammatory response. Maintaining overall homeostasis. Arguably, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) could be considered as the body's master regulator.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
In short, the ECS is a system of chemical signals, enzymes, and cellular receptors that are loaded in our brains and bodies. The "cannabinoid" receptors (CB1 and CB2) are densely expressed throughout the entire body. Receptors can be thought of as locks, to which a corresponding chemical (natural or synthetic) will fit like a key, if it has the proper structure to conform to it. To stimulate these receptors, our own nerve cells produce molecules called endocannabinoids ("endo" meaning within) on demand. Endocannabinoids then bind to cannabinoid receptors, and exert their potent magic.
Endocannabinoids are like little traffic cops that keep other neurotransmitters in check - regulating inflammation, promoting relaxation and stress resilience, enhancing sleep, supporting gut function and metabolic processes. For example, glutamate, one of our primary stimulatory neurotransmitters - if glutamate releases excessively in the case of a head injury or stroke, it can result in neuropathic pain and even cell death. Endocannabinoids naturally secrete to inhibit glutamate release and calm these excessive responses. This is how they regulate things: by immediate feedback, turning up or down the activity of whichever system needs to be adjusted, whether that is hunger, temperature, or alertness.
How can we encourage a balanced ECS?
Before we think about phytocannabinoids (a class of chemicals derived from the cannabis plant) - focus foremost on what is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They are a precursor for the synthesis of endocannabinoids and with balanced levels, the body will produce its own form of active cannabinoids.
Hemp seeds and hempseed oil
Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil
Walnuts
Chia seeds
Sardines and anchovies
Eggs
Understanding cannabidiol (CBD)
Our very own endocannabinoids made inside of us are, unsurprisingly, mimicked within the plant world by the pharmacology of cannabidiol (CBD) - a phytochemical derived from the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid component of cannabis. Among its many potential benefits, CBD is a potent analgesic, antibiotic, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective agent (doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.12.004). CBD helps reduce pain and inflammation by mediating cytokine release from immune cells (doi: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00744). It has also shown promising results with improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety (doi: 10.7812/TPP/18-041)