This is an integral component of our body’s capacity for Homeostasis and Regulation of many functions. It utilizes lipid-based molecules called endocannabinoids as messengers with receptors and enzymes.
Endocannabinoid receptors can be found throughout the brain and body, as well as immune-related tissues. They regulate pain perception, appetite, moods, and more.
1. Anxiety
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system is an intricate network of proteins that regulates various body functions such as appetite, sleep, memory, and mood. Additionally, it ensures homeostasis within your body by maintaining appetite levels appropriately.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in various ways. It interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors located throughout both central and peripheral nervous systems.
Activating these receptors can help to reduce anxiety. Additionally, it increases serotonin levels, which may induce feelings of joy and elevate your mood.
2. Pain
Pain is an unpleasant sensation experienced when anatomical structures or organs in the body are damaged or injured. It may range from subtle, almost imperceptible pricking or stinging sensation to intense, burning, or stabbing pain.
Chronic pain can have a detrimental effect on an individual’s health, well-being, and quality of life. It may even erode relationships with family and friends.
The endocannabinoid system plays a significant role in many bodily processes, such as pain perception, mood regulation, sleep patterns, and Immune System response. This complex network consists of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes.
3. Inflammation
Inflammation is a healthy response that our bodies naturally make to combat infections or injury. But sometimes this response can become chronic (long-lasting) and lead to other health issues.
Additionally, chronic inflammation may lead to more serious conditions like heart disease or cancer in the future. But did you know that CBD can actually reduce inflammation?
Inflammation is an evolutionary-preserved defense mechanism that helps our bodies fight infection and injury. Unfortunately, it can also do harm to healthy cells in the process.
4. Sleep
Cannabis compounds, including CBD, interact with receptors throughout the body, including in the brain. One type of receptor may influence the sleep cycle while another associated with anxiety could have an impact on how you feel during the day.
By maintaining a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress effectively, you can put your body into an optimal state for falling asleep more easily. Furthermore, the endocannabinoid system can regulate your internal clock to promote a more balanced sleep pattern.
The endocannabinoid system plays a major role in controlling appetite and food intake. Studies have revealed that those who experience sleep deprivation tend to eat more calories than those who get adequate rest each night, likely due to changes in the endocannabinoid signaling caused by sleep debt and hedonic feeding (excess food consumption relative to energy requirements).
5. Depression
The endocannabinoid system is present throughout the body and helps keep things balanced by controlling various processes. It may be responsible for memory, appetite, anxiety, and pain sensations.
The system works through a negative feedback loop, with receptors and enzymes working together to keep internal processes running efficiently. It is believed that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to produce its beneficial effects on our bodies.
A 2018 study of Medical Cannabis patients revealed that those suffering from depression experienced a 50% reduction in symptoms. They also mentioned CBD helping improve sleep and mood – two common issues for people suffering from depression.
Although many medications can help relieve depression, they often come with unwanted side effects. CBD is non-psychoactive and has no known negative reactions, making it a safer, natural option for people suffering from depression.
