A Guide for Understanding How the Endocannabinoid System Works

A Guide for Understanding How the Endocannabinoid System Works

The Endocannabinoid system is among the essential biological systems in your body. The system helps in pain, sleep, inflammation, mood, memory, among other things.

You may have never come across such a system in your life. Most of us have heard about the immune system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and reproductive system.

The Endocannabinoid system usually focuses on maintaining optimal balance in the body while ensuring that all the important processes and functions are in check. For those interested in their wellbeing and health, it is important to take time to learn about the Endocannabinoid system and everything you can do to strengthen and support it.

In this article, we’ll look into everything you need to know about the Endocannabinoid system.

An Overview of the Endocannabinoid System

We have already mentioned this is a biological system, and it usually operates throughout the body. Researchers discovered the Endocannabinoid system in the 1990s as they were looking into the effects of THC (this is one of the compounds present in cannabis).

The primary role of the Endocannabinoid system is to maintain balance since it supports other systems in the body, including the central nervous system and the immune system. The system also supports different body functions, including appetite, sleep, pain, mood, memory, and reproduction.

The Endocannabinoid system consists of three parts, namely, cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, and Endocannabinoids.

Cannabinoid Receptors

They’re referred to as Endocannabinoid receptors since they are present in the body. The Endocannabinoids usually bind to the receptors, and they will signal a response throughout the whole body. The receptors can be likened to locks, whereas the Endocannabinoids will act as keys.

After binding with the receptors, the Endocannabinoids will unlock a chain of events, and the end result will be homeostasis. The body has CB1 and CB2 receptors. The CB1 receptors are present in the central nervous system and brain. CB2 receptors are mainly present in the peripheral nervous system, including the gut and immune cells.

The cannabinoids present in CBD will bind to the receptors, which means they can support the Endocannabinoid system.

Enzymes

The Endocannabinoid system usually releases enzymes that are supposed to break down the endocannabinoids after they’re done. The enzymes will ensure the endocannabinoids won’t take a toll on your body such that the balance will be maintained.

Endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids are the cannabinoids that the body produces. They are released by the cells present in the body when an issue that threatens our biological system arises.

The Endocannabinoid system will bind the receptors present throughout the whole body. According to some experts, Endocannabinoid systems ensure our body cells can coordinate responses and communicate depending on what is happening in your body.

Cannabinoids such as CBD and THC usually act similarly to the Endocannabinoids produced in the body, which is why they’re promising when it comes to healthcare.

The Role of Endocannabinoid Systems

It is important to ensure that there is balance in our bodies. When all the cells and systems are operating well, you’ll feel happy, energized, and healthy. When the balance is affected, you’ll feel something is off. For instance, if the temperature rises, you’ll know that something is off.

The Endocannabinoid system will work full-time to ensure the balance is maintained in the body. The system will regulate different functions and systems that ensure we’re well and alive. For instance, if you’re stressed, the Endocannabinoid system will help regulate the response by the body while ensuring the risk of emotional breakdown has reduced.