So exactly what is the endocannabinoid system and what does it do in our bodies??
The Endocannabinoid System or ECS is a vast cell signaling network comprised of cb1 receptors that are mainly located in our central nervous system and cb2 receptors that are mainly located in our peripheral nervous system. Endocannabinoids bind to these receptors, the result of this binding is dependent on where the receptor is located as well as which endocannabinoid binds to it. Our bodies make natural endocannabinoids such as anandamide and 2-ag, however, phytocannabinoids such as CBD or CBG are very effective in binding with these receptors in our bodies. This is why it is believed cannabis has many medicinal properties we do not even understand yet.
Even though the ECS is newly discovered. Research has shown it is involved in many of our bodily functions such as….
-metabolism
-appetite and digestion
-mood
-memory
-sleep
-cardiovascular health
-liver function
-nerve function
These functions and many more work together to keep the body in a state of homeostasis which is a state of balance throughout the body that helps our bodies function properly.
There has also been evidence that the ECS may target certain pathological conditions such as
-chronic pain
-Parkinson’s disease
-IBS/IBD
Science is just scratching the surface of understanding the role that the ECS and cannabinoids play in keeping the body healthy.
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