ECS Role in Health and Disease
The real hero here is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is the most widespread receptor system in the human body that plays an enormous role in health as well as disease. Now, we can’t tell our body to synthesize anandamide or 2-AG (endocannabinoids) to give us direct control over this receptor system, but we can use cannabinoids like CBD and THC to manipulate the ECS to our advantage. Let me explain.
The endocannabinoid system is the most widespread receptor system in the human body, regulating many important physiological functions including, inflammatory reactions, immune system control, gastrointestinal activity, cardiovascular activity, pain perception, regulating bone mass, protecting our neurons (neuroprotection), hormone regulation, metabolism, and inhibition of tumor cell growth (cancer) (1, 2).
As you can see, the ECS is involved in just about every chemical process that the body undergoes. Our body uses this complex receptor system to maintain a balance of cellular signals, which we refer to as homeostasis, which keeps the body in a neutral functioning state.
In addition to maintaining a balance of cellular signals, endocannabinoids can help control different pathological processes, lessening the negative effects they have on the body. Studies show that our endocannabinoid system is "turned on" when certain diseases strike, including neuropathic and inflammatory pain, cancer, intestinal disorders, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure (hypertension), atherosclerosis (plaque formation), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Post Traumatic Stress-Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), sepsis, and cardiogenic shock (2, 3). This is groundbreaking!!!!
What I find most interesting is the role that the ECS plays when it comes to protecting the body when it comes to these different disease processes. This means we can use cannabinoids like CBD and THC (including the 140+ known cannabinoids) to help our body to keep a stable internal balance and help re-balance when an internal shift takes place, but most importantly to offer cellular protection when disease sets in.
As we dive deeper into this plant, we can learn more about its potential when it comes to health and wellness. There is still so much to learn about this complex receptor system when it comes to using it as an alternative drug therapy!
It is important to note that there are no known medications out there that directly address ECS dysfunction like cannabinoids do and the fact that we can do it using a natural plant makes it even better. Keep in mind that prescription drugs are the THIRD leading cause of death here in America, right behind cardiovascular disease (#1) and cancer (#2) (4). This is a huge win for the people when it comes to saving lives! We deserve a healthier alternative that is SAFE and EFFECTIVE.
One natural herb with seemingly endless benefits, now that’s what I call medicine!
*This information is for educational purposes only and simply sharing information pertaining to these studies. No medical advice or claims are being made, by me anyway.
References
1. Lu, H. C., & Mackie, K. (2021). Review of the Endocannabinoid System.Biological psychiatry. Cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging, 6(6), 607–615. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.07.016
2. Meccariello R. (2020). Endocannabinoid System in Health and Disease: Current Situation and Future Perspectives. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(10), 3549. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21103549
3. Pacher, P., Bátkai, S., & Kunos, G. (2006). The endocannabinoid system as an emerging target of pharmacotherapy.Pharmacological reviews,58(3), 389–462. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.58.3.2
4. Gøtzsche P. C. (2014). Our prescription drugs kill us in large numbers.Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnetrznej, 124(11), 628–634. https://doi.org/10.20452/pamw.2503
