5 Ways to Strengthen Your Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a significant part of our human physiology. Its primary function is to help maintain homeostasis, which is the natural balance of biological systems that respond to internal and external fluctuations that would otherwise cause the body to behave abnormally. As with other systems in the body, there are ways to strengthen and protect your ECS.
How does the endocannabinoid system work?
This complex network of connections is the largest group of neurotransmitters found in the human body. It consists of cannabinoid receptors called CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptors interact with our central nervous system - containing our brain and spinal cord.
The CB2 receptors connect to our peripheral nervous system, which includes muscles, limbs, skin, immune support and other organ systems. These receptors are stimulated by receiving endogenous cannabinoids.
Our body naturally produces two types of endocannabinoids called anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). When these endocannabinoids bind to their corresponding receptors, they transmit a signal that helps regulate physiological functions such as sleep, inflammation, and even neuron communication.
But our endocannabinoids are only there when they are needed. After sending its signals through the cannabinoid receptors, the ECS uses two types of metabolic enzymes - fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). These enzymes break down the endocannabinoid molecules until the next time they are needed.
Research shows that, in some cases, the endocannabinoid system cannot function as it normally would. One option to help is to regularly include phytocannabinoids in your routine with CBD products or other cannabis-based preparations.
But in addition to using herbal cannabinoids, there are several ways to help your ECS function more appropriately - improving your well-being and amplifying the effectiveness of your endocannabinoids.
How can I strengthen my endocannabinoid system?
Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 is essential for the formation of CB1 receptors that bind to our central nervous system; these cannabinoid receptors also absorb the phytocannabinoid THC and the endocannabinoid 2-AG.
Omega-3 fatty acids are most abundant in hemp plants; in particular, hemp seeds have the best balance of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, similar to the ratio within the human body. Several types of seeds and fish oils contain a strength of Omega-3. But there are also other ways in which food can stimulate the ECS.
What are some foods that strengthen the endocannabinoid system?
Sure, there are nutritional supplements that supplement daily well-being. But are there foods that can help? And how does food stimulate the endocannabinoid system? Foods such as hemp seeds, chia seeds, walnuts and flax seeds are rich in Omega-3. You can also find plenty of these fatty acids in anchovies, herring and eggs enriched with Omega-3.
Vegetables with high sources of vitamin C, such as broccoli, cauliflower, green peppers, and spinach, can also help maintain your ECS. Vitamin C is a type of ascorbic acid and helps speed up the absorption of CBD. The body cannot produce vitamin C naturally, so it is important to supply it to the body.
Other foods include:
Herbs - Lemon balm, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, hops, black pepper and other types of herbs all contain the terpene beta-caryophyllene; it is a substance that helps stimulate the CB2 receptors that connect to our peripheral nervous system.
Chocolate - Cocoa powder, a type of solid cocoa, has compounds similar to endocannabinoids at the molecular level. The compounds found in cocoa can lead to increased levels of endocannabinoids by inhibiting their breakdown. These cannabinoid-like compounds are most abundant in raw cacao and dark chocolate.
Tea - Certain teas, such as turmeric tea, echinaceate and Camellia sinensis, have beneficial properties that can raise levels of endocannabinoids, stimulate CB2 receptors and help limit the breakdown of endocannabinoids.
Chocolate - Cocoa powder, a type of solid cocoa, has compounds similar to endocannabinoids at the molecular level. The compounds found in cocoa can lead to increased levels of endocannabinoids by inhibiting their breakdown. These cannabinoid-like compounds are most abundant in raw cacao and dark chocolate.
Tea - Certain teas, such as turmeric tea, echinaceate and Camellia sinensis, have beneficial properties that can raise levels of endocannabinoids, stimulate CB2 receptors and help limit the breakdown of endocannabinoids.
Exercise regularly
Physical activity offers several advantages and benefits when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle. But there is a connection between significant endocannabinoids and exercise - mainly to increase the production of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide.
Anandamide is a fatty acid-type neurotransmitter that attaches to cannabinoid receptors and induces feelings of joy or happiness; hence its name, which comes from a Sanskrit word meaning joy.
Yoga, breathing exercises, and other enjoyable exercise routines can promote health and increase endocannabinoids. Even simple exercises are available that are specially adapted to enhance the effects of cannabis and revitalize the ECS.
Manage stress better
Long periods of stress contribute to a lower function of repair and development of new endocannabinoid receptors. And increased amounts of cortisol - the stress hormone - interfere with the proper functioning of the CB1 receptors.
There are several activities that can lower stress and naturally promote your health, improve the functioning of your endocannabinoid system and increase how well cannabinoids work in the body.
What are some stress-reducing activities?
It was mentioned earlier that daily exercise can help activate the ECS; physical activity can also help reduce stress if it is done freely and in an enjoyable way. Research shows that forcing yourself to exercise is interpreted as stress by the ECS, which can work against you if it leads to chronic stress.
Socializing in a relaxed way can also help reduce stress and strengthen ECS function. Studies with rats showed that those who were socially isolated produced fewer endogenous cannabinoids compared to rats involved in social play and grooming activities.
Other methods of reducing stress may include:
Meditation (try CBD and meditation for an extra sense of calm) Acupuncture Osteopathy Spontaneous play
Reduce alcohol consumption
Drinking alcohol in moderate amounts is unlikely to affect the function of the endocannabinoid system to a degree of concern. However, excessive drinking and heavy alcohol use can greatly reduce the ability of the cannabinoid receptors to process endocannabinoids correctly.
Choose to either drink responsibly and in moderation or avoid alcohol consumption altogether to maintain ECS function - and for optimal health.
Use phytocannabinoids
In contrast to endocannabinoids that are naturally created by our bodies are phytocannabinoids that are synthesized in the plant Cannabis sativa. The three most common phytocannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBG (Cannabigerol).
CBD is non-intoxicating and usually binds to CB2 receptors, which also explains the usefulness of CBD for immune support; it cannot induce euphoric effects or a "high" feeling. Research on CBD shows that it has a variety of benefits for maintaining health and well-being.
Hemp-based CBD products, which are derived from industrial hemp, do not contain THC.
CBD comes in various forms, such as CBD oil tinctures, capsules, vape oils, salves, and face oils. Each form has its benefits depending on your use, and using different types regularly can provide sufficient stability in the endocannabinoid system.
How do you protect your endocannabinoid system?
Protecting your ECS means knowing how to best absorb and process your levels of endocannabinoids, which will maximize the effectiveness of the endocannabinoid system and any phytocannabinoids you choose to use.
Different methods may include regular exercise, a healthy diet with Omega-3, less alcohol, use of CBD products and reduced stress. Depending on personal needs, some, if not all, may work best for you to increase the production of endocannabinoids and the strength of the endocannabinoid receptors.
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