The Endocannabinoid System, or ECS, has been within our bodies for a millennium. The ECS is a telecommunications network for our entire body. It gives the body the ability to harmonize tissue activity with respect to changes in other tissues.
The ECS assists with adjusting to times of change. Being healthy lies with homeostasis which is promoted by the ECS.
ECS
The ECS acts as the center cog that keeps all the other gears working properly. The system includes molecules cannabinoids that act as messengers. The cannabinoids are released from cells and travel to other cells. They tell them to increase or decrease their activity. In order to deliver the instructions, they must attach to the receptors on those cells.
The cannabinoids and receptors operate like a jigsaw puzzle. The cannabinoid receptor will only allow a precisely fitting cannabinoid to trigger activity.
ECS and Understanding
Scientists believe that the ECS is a core physiological balancing system present in all vertebrates. Our natural endocannabinoids can enable critical communications between all tissues of the body.
Examples:
- Endocannabinoids tell our tissues how man inflammatory messenger molecules to release or withhold.
- They also can tell the gastrointestinal tract how quickly to move food through various sections.
- Specific brain centers can be told to release or withhold calming neurotransmitters.
A healthy ECS can properly regulates:
- Stress
- Memory
- Mood
- Inflammation
- Energy
- Sleep
- Metabolism
- Appetite
- Pain Response
- Immune function
- Nerve signaling
- Muscle control
A major factor for unhealthy ECS function is aging. An even larger impact comes from poor lifestyle choices and environmental factors. Poor diet, lack of exercise, and exposure to toxins and stress are just a few to name. The results from unhealthy ECS can be:
- Fewer endocannabinoids
- Produce less of enzymes that liberate endocannabinoids.
- Endocannabinoids lose sensitivity and respond less efficiently.
Categories of Natural Cannabinoids
Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids are naturally found in our cell membranes. Enzymes are needed to liberate them from within the membranes. They can then travel to other cells and do their job.
Phytocannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids are made by plants. We get them by eating phytocannabinoid-containing plants such as clove, rosemary, oregano, carrot, and flax. The plant with the largest concentration of phytocannabinoids is hemp or Cannabis Sativa to be specific. Cannabis Sativa (hemp) is unique by the fact that it is the only plant that naturally contains the diverse, active profile of phytocannabinoids needed to proportionately nourish our ECS.
How Does the Entourage Effect Work for Me?
There is an estimated 180+ different phytocannabinoids naturally present in hemp. Each one has its own unique qualities that can be used to benefit oneself.
Examples of ways that Full Spectrum Phytocannabinoids Help ECS Function
- Help the natural release of endocannabinoids.
- Fit with and assist the endocannabinoid receptors in our tissues.
- Increase the number of functional cannabinoids in the body.
- Promote endocannabinoid sensitivity and function.
When looking for an optimal hemp product to fit your bodies ECS needs then finding a quality Full Spectrum product is a good way. Other products described with broad spectrum might offer some, but not all, of the necessary phytocannabinoids to meet your body's needs. Doing what is best for your health is the best path to take.
