The ECS



This is Dylan. Just like you and me, he has essential systems in his body that keep him healthy and functioning. These systems include...

The Muscular System

Digestive System

Skeletal System

Nervous System 

Circulatory System.

What if I told you there was another system.

A system whose job it was to make sure all of those systems are always in balance.

This system exists and is in each and every one of us.

Let me introduce you to...

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) 

 

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is an incredible system that many people are unaware of. Despite being discovered by Western medicine only about 50 years ago, the ECS has existed for over 500 million years.

Every function in our body relies on balance to operate at peak efficiency. This balance is known as homeostasis, and the ECS plays a key role in maintaining it by regulating various bodily functions.

Endocannabinoids (ECBs) are messenger molecules crucial to this internal regulatory system. They activate cannabinoid receptors, targeting functions such as pain, stress, appetite, metabolism, cardiovascular health, reproduction, sleep, and more.

The ECS is linked to a wide range of processes, including:

  • Mood
  • Stress
  • Metabolism
  • Chronic pain
  • Inflammation
  • Immune system responses
  • Appetite and digestion
  • Learning and memory
  • Motor control
  • Sleep
  • Cardiovascular function
  • Muscle formation
  • Bone remodeling and growth
  • Liver function
  • Reproductive system function
  • Skin and nerve function

When these processes are in harmony, our internal environment is balanced, achieving homeostasis. It’s believed that maintaining homeostasis is the primary role of the ECS.

There are 3 basic parts of the ECS:

1. Endocannabinoids (ECBs)

Endocannabinoids (ECBs) are technically defined as endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors—a bit of a mouthful.

Simply put, endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters made by our bodies. They are vital messenger molecules responsible for maintaining balance in our internal environment, ensuring that our bodily functions run smoothly.

Endocannabinoids influence a wide range of processes, including stress, pain, mindset, appetite, energy, metabolism, cardiovascular function, reward and motivation, reproduction, and sleep.

The two main endocannabinoids are:

Anandamide, also known as the bliss molecule.

 2-arachidonoylglycerol, or 2-AG, is a key endocannabinoid in the body. For endocannabinoids to work, they need to bind to specific receptors. There are two main types of endocannabinoid receptors:

  • CB1 receptors, primarily found in the central nervous system.
  • CB2 receptors, mostly located in the peripheral nervous system, especially in immune cells.

When endocannabinoids bind to these receptors, they signal the ECS (endocannabinoid system) to take action.

Endocannabinoids can bind to either type of receptor, and their effects depend on the receptor’s location and the specific endocannabinoid involved. For instance, they may target CB1 receptors in the spinal cord to relieve pain or bind to CB2 receptors in immune cells to address inflammation.

CB1 is located mainly in the central nervous system.

CB2 is mainly located in immune cells, the gastrointestinal tract, and the peripheral nervous system.

 

CB1 and CB2 receptors are found throughout your body.

 

So hows does the ECS work? The ECS responds when something is out of balance in your body, for example when you experience: 

Anxiety or Stress 
Inflammation or Injury

Weakened Immune System

When any of these changes occur, the ECS jumps into action.

Anandamide is created, which then binds with the CB1 receptor. 

2-AG is created, which then binds with the CB2 receptor.

Our endocannabinoids turn on some receptors, but turn off others. It's a carefully synchronized balancing act. 

 

The challenge with endocannabinoids (ECBs) is that they are fragile compounds. Unlike other molecules, they aren't stored in the body and are rapidly broken down by enzymes, which limits their availability and effectiveness.

 These are the two enzymes that break down our ECBs.

This is the enzyme FAAH (Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase). FAAH breaks down anandamide. 

This is the enzyme MAGL (monoacylglycerol acid lipase). MAGL breaks down 2-AG. 

While endocannabinoids naturally break down over time, the good news is that there are natural ways to prolong their presence in your system, preventing them from being broken down as quickly and extending their beneficial effects.

It's a phytocannabinoid called cannabidiol but most people know it as...

CBD is a phytocannabinoid, a cannabinoid derived from plants, and what's remarkable is that it closely resembles the endocannabinoids produced by our own bodies. However, CBD doesn’t directly bind to endocannabinoid receptors like your ECBs. Instead, it helps by naturally preserving your body’s endocannabinoids within your ECS. The longer key endocannabinoids like anandamide and 2-AG remain in your system, the more benefits they can provide.

Moreover, CBD inhibits the enzymes FAAH and MAGL, which are responsible for breaking down your endocannabinoids. This slower breakdown allows the ECS to function more effectively, highlighting the vital role CBD plays in supporting overall ECS wellness.

Other ways to optimize your ECS:

Meditation

Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids.

Yoga

Exercise

 If you have questions or want to learn more about our products, be sure to contact us today!