How does CBD work and what is the endocannabinoid system?
How does CBD work in our bodies and in our brains? And what is the endocannabinoid system (ECS)?
Most simplistically stated, CBD works naturally with your body’s endocannabinoid system.
What is the endocannabinoid system? In the 90’s scientists discovered that our bodies naturally produce cannabis-like molecules called endocannabinoids. Further investigation revealed that all vertebrates--mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, etc, also produce endocannabinoids!
Cannabinoid receptors are present throughout the body, including our brain, nerves, skin, immune cells, bone, fat tissue, liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, heart, blood vessels, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract.
CBD is a phytocannabinoids (phyto=plant). CBD molecules engage with our endocannabinoid system and help regulate metabolic mechanisms throughout our body, ultimately resulting in a variety of neuromuscular and/or psychological effects.
We now know the endocannabinoid system is involved in a wide variety of processes, including pain, memory, mood, appetite, stress, sleep, metabolism, immune function, and reproductive function. Endocannabinoids are arguably one of the most widespread and versatile signaling molecules known to man!
It appears the main function of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain bodily homeostasis. As such, it is a crucial physiological system involved in establishing and maintaining health. Unfortunately, research is showing that the endocannabinoid system is very easy to throw out of balance. Stress levels, diet and exercise all influence your body’s ECS, and our modern lifestyles may be taking a toll on this natural system.
Broadly speaking, the endocannabinoid system involves four components: cannabinoids, enzymes, receptors, and neurons.
Cannabinoids are molecules that trigger a specific process in the body when they attach to specific receptors of a neuron; they modulate the release of neurotransmitters in the brain.
CBD affects the system indirectly, by activating other receptors, such as the serotonin and TRPV1 receptors, known to regulate mental health, brain function, pain and inflammation, respectively. CBD has also been linked to the process of creating anandamide (nicknamed "the bliss molecule"), which is a neurotransmitter known to play a role in pleasure and motivation.
CBD also increases the binding affinity of endogenous molecules found inside our bodies.
In sum, CBD impacts our bodies' cannabinoid receptor activity and interacts with neurotransmitters, which through a series of events, decreases the breakdown of bone, acts as an antiseptic, prevents cancer cells from growing, reduces inflammation, relieves pain, alleviates anxiety, and so much more!
We can't stress enough the wonderful therapeutic perspectives that hemp and CBD bring to the table.
At NuuMe, our mission is to make the highest quality CBD products on the market - 100% Organic, from farm to bottle.
Disclaimer:
The above does not constitute medical claims, pertaining to the efficacy of either CBD or of our products when it comes to diagnosing, treating, curing or preventing any disease. Such claims have not been approved by the FDA. The above is simply meant to constitute what we believe is a synthetic introduction to CBD and the Endocannabinoids system.