The world is facing some pretty big problems right now and it’s hard to think about little else. At a time like this, why should anyone turn their attention to their endocannabinoid system? There are so many reasons!
Not only does it help regulate your immune system, but it also helps to manage stress, pain, inflammation and the body’s response to it. Compounds within cannabis interact directly with it, creating the effects we love and appreciate.
However, did you know that you can activate you ECS with some other options as well? A solid system boost can help you feel good, inside and out. On top of that, you might find you conserve a bit of your chronic.
Here’s a look at the endocannabinoid system and ways to pump it up without using pot!
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system can be thought of as the body’s signal communication system, maintaining the balance within every structure. It works by interacting with cannabinoids we make ourselves, known as endocannabinoids, or phytocannabinoids that we ingest from plants. These compounds interact with our neuroreceptors, playing a key role in body functions such as:
- Sleep
- Appetite
- Mood regulation
- Metabolism
- Immune Response and system function
- Pain and inflammation
- Many more – basically, it is present everywhere and in everything happening within us!
Eat your greens and cook with spice!
Pot may provide a potent source of many different cannabinoids and terpenes, but it’s not alone. B-caryophyllene is a terpene found in both the cannabis plant and a variety of leafy veggies, such as spinach, kale, and swiss chard. On a molecular level, studies have shown that this terpene acts as an antagonist to our CB2 receptors, promoting an anti-inflammatory, relaxed response. In addition to that, B-caryophyllene is extremely neuroprotective and can be highly effective in treating diabetic complications. Another great source of this terpene can be found in a number of different spices. Create a relaxing dinner with some help from herbs; add some black pepper, cloves, rosemary, oregano, and basil as your secret ingredient.
Cold Exposure
We all heard our grandparents tell us that they used to walk for miles in the snow to get to school because it built character. As it turns out, research has proved them right. When we expose ourselves to the cold, the body takes action to regulate heat. In order to do this, endocannabinoids get released from our fat tissues, triggering the needed neurotransmission
How to do it – Add a 30-second cold blast to the end of your shower or bath.
Exercise
No doubt about it, exercise stimulates the endocannabinoid system in a multitude of ways. Think about all the systems of the body that become engaged when you’re active. No matter what you like to do, getting physical boosts your immune system, relieves pain, activates a variety of organ systems such as digestion, and can even give a feeling of euphoria. Why? Research has shown that any form of exercise that gives you pleasure, activates your CB1 receptors, cannabinoid signaling, and anandamide production.
How to do it – Find any form of exercise that you actually enjoy. Anything that is forced is interpreted as stress and can actually decrease CB1 transmission.
Dark Chocolate
Feel good about eating chocolate because it’s actually going to improve your health. Compounds within cocoa mimic other cannabinoids, thus increasing neurotransmission and anandamide levels. Eating chocolate will stimulate your endocannabinoid system so efficiently that it has even been used as a defense in court. In 2000, a lawyer argued that when his client tested positive for cannabis, it was the result of a huge chocolate binge. Unfortunately for the defendant, it could not be proven to be the cause. But, it goes to show how effectively chocolate can affect your endocannabinoid system.
If your endocannabinoid system needs a boost, you can always find some relief…regardless of whether you got pot or not!
References:
Therapeutic potential of cannabinoid receptor 2 in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its complications
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299919305801?via%3Dihub
Vivek S.Kumawat, Ginpreet Kaur
Endocannabinoid regulation in white and brown adipose tissue following thermogenic activation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4766995/
Lucia M. Krott, Fabiana Piscitelli, Markus Heine, Simona Borrino, Ludger Scheja, Cristoforo Silvestri, Joerg Heeren and Vincenzo Di Marzo
Effects of exercise stress on the endocannabinoid system in humans under field conditions.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00421-011-2237-0#citeas Feuerecker, M., Hauer, D., Toth, R.
Marijuana and chocolate
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11363932
James JS.
Cannabinoid mimics in chocolate utilized as an argument in court
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s004140050284
International Journal of Legal Medicine, J. Tytgat, M. Van Boven & P. Daenens