The Endocannabinoid System and Its Connection to Your Health
The endocannabinoid system is a receptor system found all over the human body, including in the brain, gut, immune system, peripheral nervous system, bone, and skin. It touches every single organ and system in the human body. It has been overlooked by the medical community for many years and is now garnering much necessary attention, as studies have shown how important it is to the overall health of the human body.
There are two major receptors involved in the endocannabinoid system. One is CB1 found primarily in the brain, and the other is CB2, which is found primarily in the immune system. Cannabinoids are molecules that attach to these receptors. Cannabinoids are produced naturally by our bodies (endogenous cannabinoids) and are also produced by plants (phytocannabinoids).
Anandamide was the first endogenous cannabinoid discovered in 1992. It was named after the Sanskrit word ananda, meaning joy or bliss, and is also known as the bliss molecule. In 1995, a second endocannabinoid was discovered called 2-AG. These two endocannabinoids produced by our bodies are very important for the health and regulation of the entire endocannabinoid system.
FAAH and MAGL enzymes break down Anandamide and 2-AG. The more active these enzymes are, the less the body has of Anandamide and 2-AG. If there is a deficiency of Anandamide and 2-AG, then there will be less homeostasis in the body, and every organ and system in the body is affected. In the 1990s, other discoveries led to the identification and cloning of the CB2 receptors and characteristics of the first CB1 receptor blocker. Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, Dr. Lumir Hanus, Dr. William Devane, Dr. Pertwee Howlett, Dr. Miles Herkenham are the researchers who played key roles in discovering the endocannabinoid system in the human body.
Anandamide and 2-AG both have amazing brain protective qualities. They both help reduce brain inflammation and increase antioxidant protection. Overall, they reduce inflammation throughout the entire human body. Low levels of endocannabinoids can be associated with migraines, pain, and many immune system and mood disorders. By nourishing the endocannabinoid system, it can potentially help with pain, anxiety, and other mood disorders, and overall immune functioning.
Anandamide plays a part in influencing intestinal motility, inflammation, and regulates immune homeostasis in the gut. The endocannabinoid system is also involved in building bones. It regulates the metabolism of bone by influencing osteoblast and osteoclast activity. Activating CB1 and CB2 receptors have the potential to support patients who are suffering from osteoporosis and osteopenia.
The hemp plant has the highest value of phytocannabinoids of any known plant. Industrial hemp has been cultivated for thousands of years and has been used for making paper, clothing, building materials, as a food source, and as a medicine. The hemp stalk and stem have a large number of phytocannabinoids. One of these phytocannabinoids is called CBD or cannabidiol. This is non-psychoactive, unlike THC, which is a well-known phytocannabinoid that is psychoactive. There are other phytocannabinoids like CBC, CBG, CBDV, CBL, CBN, and terpenes like BCP, which come from the hemp plant and have medicinal qualities. CBD is just one of these healing phytocannabinoids.
Phytocannabinoids are in many foods. Some of these foods include black pepper, rosemary, cloves, saffron, thyme, carrots, and oregano. Hemp has the highest value of phytocannabinoids of any known plant.
Supplementing with phytocannabinoid oils like CBD oil and hemp oils can nourish the endocannabinoid system of the body. By supplementing with these oils, they degrade the FAAH enzyme, which breaks down the naturally occurring anandamide and 2-AG. The CBD oil allows for the body to have more anandamide and 2-AG because it blocks the enzymes that degrade them. Omega 3s also influence the endocannabinoid system. If you are omega 3 deficient, then your endocannabinoid system is probably not functioning well.
Chiropractic spinal manipulation, acupuncture, and massage also help to support the endocannabinoid system. This is one of the reasons why many people report feeling calmer and having less anxiety after getting a spinal adjustment, having acupuncture or a massage. Another reason why chiropractic care and these other modalities are extremely helpful for overall wellness and not just for pain relief.
Nourishing the endocannabinoid system through nutritional supplementation and chiropractic care can help to support mood, pain, the immune system, fatigue, headaches, migraines, and many other health challenges.
About the Author
Dr. Louis Granirer is a leading NY Chiropractor who specializes in traditional chiropractic care and holistic healing through nutrition response testing. Learn more by visiting his website at www.HolisticChiropracticCenter.com.
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