People are slowly coming to understand that while CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) both come from the Cannabis plant, they are quite different compounds.
Namely, unlike THC, CBD will not make you high.
Cannabinoids are compounds that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex, body-wide cell-signaling system designed to help maintain homeostasis, or balance in the body.
You can learn more about the ECS and CBD in my other posts on my blog.
Your endocannabinoid system (ECS) is active even if you don’t use cannabis
This confuses a lot of people. If the ECS has nothing to do with using cannabis, then why was it named after the plant?
The answer is simple: A few decades ago, researchers were surprised to discover a body-wide regulatory system that responded only to THC, a well-known cannabinoid. After making further study, they named it the endocannabinoid system (endo = inside) after the plant that helped them make the discovery.
The ECS is actually meant to operate entirely within the body, without the addition of outside substances such as CBD (exocannabinoids: exo = outside).
Years later, we now know there are multiple types of cannabinoids, various cannabinoid receptors in the body, and that the body should produce its own cannabiniods naturally (some people don't so well, which is why CBD can be so helpful).
What's more, the ECS is present in all vertebrate species.
While research continues to reveal more about how the ECS relates to our state of health, we know it plays a role in regulating the following:
- Sleep
- Mood
- Appetite
- Memory
- Pain
- Reproduction and fertility
Do I have to use CBD to support my endocannabinoid system?
Not necessarily. Non-CBD sources exist that either contain cannabinoids or help the body produce its own, such as:
- Hemp seeds and oil
- Flax and chia seeds
- Walnuts
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Eggs (only omega-3 or pasture-fed)
- Chocolate (only certain types)
- Enchinacea
- Tea (actual tea from the plant Camellia sinensis)
- Turmeric
However, if your ECS system is truly deficient, you might benefit from a more high-octane source such as CBD or my favorite product; Hemp Oil Complex by Standard Process (I take a couple of these each day).
When CBD bonds with certain cannabinoid receptors in the body, it alters or improves that receptor's function, helping it to achieve homeostasis, or balance.
Basically, CBD is like a booster for our endocannabinoid system.
CBD is regularly used for the following:
- Pain relief
- Inflammation
- Insomnia
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Anxiety disorders
- PTSD
- Alheimer's, Tourette's, tremors, Parkinson's
- Multiple sclerosis
- Acne and eczema
- Gut health
- Nausea
- IBS, IBD
- And more
CBD helps regulate homeostasis by modulating inflammation
Systemic inflammation is at the root of most health conditions.
We tend to look at inflammation as purely negative, however inflammation is the body's natural, protective response to infection or trauma:
- Fluid and immune cells move into the damaged area to remove pathogens and damaged tisssue.
- Swelling immobilizes the area to stabilize it.
- Pain reminds you to protect that part of your body while it heals.
This is all part of homeostasis.
It's important that inflammation is limited to the area of damage and doesn't linger longer than necessary; when the immune system is activated inappropriately, chronic inflammation or even autoimmunity can occur.
Enter cannabinoids, which are known to help suppress the immune system's inflammatory signals.
Ideally we make enough endocannabinoids in our own bodies. When we can't make enough to quell the inflammation, we can make use of exocannabinoids (exo = external) from outside sources such as CBD (which unlike THC, does not create psychoactive effects).
(Important: THC does not seem to exhibit the same properties for people with neuroinflammation, and I do not recommend it for managing chronic inflammatory disorders.)
CBD combats inflammation by suppressing inflammatory pathways, stimulating the production of immune regulatory cells, and managing our pain perception.
If you or someone you love suffers from challenging health issues, I encourage you to watch the CBD Health Revolution Program
If you found value in this article, please use the social sharing icons at the top of this post and please share with those you know who are still suffering with chronic health challenges or autoimmune issues despite having medical managment. Thank you, help me reach more people so they may regain their zest for living!
Always remember one of my mantras., "The more you know about how your body works, the better you can take care of yourself."
For more details about the natural approach I use with my patients, consider reading the book I wrote entitled: Reclaim Your Life; Your Guide To Revealing Your Body's Life-Changing Secrets For Renewed Health. It is available in my office or at Amazon and many other book outlets. If you found value in this article, please use the social sharing icons at the top of this post and please share with those you know who are still suffering with neurobehavioral issues or other chronic health challenges, despite receiving medical management. Help me reach more people so they may regain their zest for living! Thank you!
ALL THE BEST – DR. KARL R.O.S. JOHNSON, DC – DIGGING DEEPER TO FIND SOLUTIONS
