Do you want to know how CBD works to heal your body? Not too long ago scientists were studying the way cannabis interacts with the body. They found that the compound THC was binding to receptors in a system they had never noticed before. The called the system the endocannabinoid system after the plant that helped lead to its discovery.
Since then scientists have learned more and more about the way the endocannabinoid system affects our bodies. They found that it has an impact on our daily lives, from regulating pain receptors to stimulating serotonin levels. The endocannabinoid system works great on its own. But CBD and other cannabis compounds can interact with system’s receptors to provide an overall healing effect.
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is made up of a series of receptors, enzymes and endogenous cannabinoids. The system’s main function within the body is to maintain a healthy internal balance, or homeostasis. It does this by using receptors to interact with various internal and external compounds to regulate the body’s other systems and boost overall health.
There are two main types of ECS receptors present throughout the body. They are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The most prominent are the CB1 receptors. They are found in the brain, central nervous system, reproductive system, cardiovascular system, and the liver, among others. The CB2 receptors are found mostly in peripheral systems. Both, CB1 and CB2 receptors play a very important role in the ECS.
The body naturally produces compounds that interact with the ECS receptors. The two main compounds that have been found are anandamide and 2-AG. When these compounds interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors it helps the body’s system work in balance with the other systems.
The ECS can also help regulate a variety of different functions within the body and combat a variety of different ailments such as appetite, learning and memory, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, stroke, multiple sclerosis, neurodegeneration, epilepsy, and addiction. The CB1 receptor, specifically, is involved in regulating physiological and pathological conditions in the peripheral nervous system and peripheral tissues, including pain, energy metabolism, cardiovascular and reproductive functions, inflammation, glaucoma, cancer, and liver and musculoskeletal disorders.
How does CBD work with the Endocannabinoid System?
Scientists are aware of two types of cannabinoids; endogenous cannabinoids and phytocannabinoids. Endogenous cannabinoids include anandamide and 2-AG and are produced by the body to interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Phytocannabinoids are produced by cannabis plants.
The endogenous cannabinoids that the body makes do their part in keeping us strong and healthy, sometimes they need a little help when the body is sick or not functioning in a balanced state. That’s where the phytocannabinoids come into play.
When phytocannabinoids are ingested, they interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in a similar way as the endogenous cannabinoids do. Phytocannabinoids can actually boost the ECS and help it function more effectively than it can on its own.
Scientists believe there are up to 100 different cannabinoids produced by cannabis plants, but only five are worth mentioning now. The most important phytocannabinoids are THC, CBD, CBG, CBC and CBN.
THC is the most well-known cannabinoid. THC is produced by marijuana and is the culprit behind the psychoactive effects most marijuana users experience.
CBD is produced in the highest concentrations by hemp plants. Hemp is a strain of cannabis but produces little to no THC. Instead, it produces high quantities of CBD, CBG, CBC and CBN. These cannabinoids do not cause any psychoactive effects and have little to no known negative side effects. When they interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors, they can boost the ECS’s effects on moderating pain, regulating mental disorders such as anxiety and depression, improving sleeplessness, increasing appetite, reducing nausea and promoting muscle and bone growth.
Each of these phytocannabinoids has a slightly different effect on the ECS. CBN is known for its ability to help reduce the side effects of those who suffer from sleep disorders. CBC is popular for its ability to regulate pain and reduce inflammation. CBG promotes healthy bone growth and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and sleep aid. CBD, the most well know phytocannabinoid, provides a long list of health benefits, including help regulating the immune system, has an anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial effects, helps soothing the side effects of anxiety and depression, reduces nausea and chronic muscle and joint pain, among other things.
For more information
The CBD products we sell at AlternativeWellness are from the hemp plan and contain no THC. If you want to experience how CBD works to heal your body, please visit our website and let us know if you have any questions.
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