Help Your Endocannabinoid System Help You
There are times when I read something and I wonder how I got to 45 years old and still not know this yet?! I only heard of the endocannabinoid system last fall when I went to the doTERRA annual convention but really began to understand it when I wanted to understand how one of my essential oils supported my body. (More about that in a bit) I mean, I took science classes and not once do I remember hearing about this vital part of my body. Was this information reserved for Bio majors only? Nope. Actually, many of you along with myself were just graduating high school about the time this system was being discovered by scientists. (Late 1980's)
Wait until you hear what this system does! First off, let me tell you what exactly it is and where it is in your body. So, the ECS is made up of cell receptors located in the central nervous system, primarily the brain (these are known as CB1) as well as the tissues in our immune system and peripheral organs like your spleen (CB2). These receptors are activated by chemicals, either produced by us or those we take in.
These chemicals, cannabinoids, activate these receptors which in turn helps us regulate many processes within the body like sleep, mood, immune function, fertility, motor control, and many more. We can get these endocannabinoids from a variety of sources which we'll talk about in detail in a minute. You still with me?!
There is an enzyme in our body that breaks down these cannabinoids called FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase) so when we have less of it or block this enzyme, we can build up a little supply of these chemicals and that is actually a good thing. The more of these cannabinoids we have, the better our mood, our sleep, our immune function, and so forth.
The more we keep our endocannabinoid system working right, the better our body can regulate or get to homeostasis. This means better sleep, more happiness, less depressive or anxious thoughts, stronger immune systems, less chronic inflammation, healthier nervous systems (which means less disease like Parkinson's, Mulitple Sclerosis, epilepsy, and much more.) I know, RIGHT?! Where has this information been all our lives?
So how do we get these cannabinoids that can help do so much good in our bodies? Here are some top sources:
1. Diet
Foods high in flavonoids (Kaempferol in particular) like apples, grapes, tomatoes, green tea, brussels sprouts, spinach, etc. suppress the FAAH enzyme. Also dark chocolate (think high cacao % or cacao nibs), See a more detailed list here.
DHA/Fish oil
Kava Root--kava gets its name from the high levels of kavalactones. One kavalactone in particular, yangonin, binds with CB1 receptors, therefore, having an anti-anxiety effect.
Maca root--certain compounds in maca inhibit FAAH enzyme as well which help boost the endocannabinoid system.
2. Exercise/Run
According to recent studies, runner's high comes from an increase in anandamide, a natural cannabinoid our body produces. Read more about this here.
3. Take CBD oil
You may have already heard of this supplement as it has become quite the hot topic. I first saw it at one of my local farmer's market at the kombucha booth I go to regularly. She was offering a serving of it in a cup of kombucha and proceeded to tell us all about the benefits. Since then, my husband and I have purchased from a couple of sources and are still experimenting with various brands.
CBD oil doesn't necessarily bind with the CB receptors of the endocannabinoid system as much as it inhibits the FAAH enzyme. Therefore, more anandamide stays in your system.
4. Use Copaiba Essential oil.
Co-PAI-ba. Co-pa-I-ba.
It's still up for debate on how to say it correctly but that's not important. What's important is what it is.
Copaiba is a tree in South America that produces an essential oil that comes from the resin tapped from the tree, just like maple syrup. It's been used by the indigenous people of the Amazon for many, many years but we are just now figuring out their amazing benefits.
What makes this essential oil so amazing is that it contains an important chemical constituent, B-caryophyllene. This component activates the CB2 receptors and has many benefits:
increases mitochondrial function and longevity
protects the brain
protects the vascular system
protects the gut
supports healthy immune and nervous systems
protects the gut
improves sleep
reduces sad and anxious thoughts
Quality matters and I highly recommend this one.
Hopefully all those big sciency words were worth the read but I just couldn't go another minute without sharing this cool information with you. Every day, it seems I either read or hear about someone who struggles with mood control, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, autoimmune disease or something else equally life-altering and they feel at a loss of what to do. What makes me sad is what people feel is their only option--medications. What I want to do is spread the word about natural solutions and help people get to the root cause. That's what saved me years ago and what keeps me sharing these tidbits with you.
I hope this helps SOMEONE out there who has struggled with many of the health issues I mentioned above. Please reach out privately if you don't feel comfortable leaving a comment and I would love to help any way I can. Also, please share this with a loved one if you think it may help. Sharing is caring so make sure this information doesn't stop here.
If you want to deep dive into this topic and learn more, here are some articles I found helpful:
How to Stimulate and Support Your Endocannabinoid System
The 21+ Benefits of Beta-Caryophyllene