The Endocannabinoid System: Our way back to homeostasis

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the human body was discovered in 1992, indicating that research into it is just beginning. So far, researchers have found that the main function of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis and balance within the body. Receptors of the ECS are present throughout the body tissues, the immune cells, and muscles, and it is the most abundant receptor in the brain. This system maintains bodily balance through an intricate feedback loop, constantly adapting and reacting to various stimuli. For instance, after a high-stress situation, the endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating stress and bringing it back down. When cells send signals of pain, stress, or inflammation to one another, the receiving cell is expected to produce an endocannabinoid that returns to the signaling cell, instructing it to turn off and restore balance and harmony.

The Natural Healer

Endocannabinoids are naturally produced in our bodies. However, because of the increase in toxic environments, emotional and physical stress, and unhealthy foods, the ECS has to battle a lot of stressors, creating an environment where it is very hard to keep the balance. This is why so many people are currently struggling with so many diseases. It is of utmost importance now to pay attention and support our ECS in any way we can. (https://projectcbd.org/health/endocannabinology-with-dr-rachel-knox/).

In today’s world, stress seems to be the norm. It is easier and cheaper to eat unhealthy, processed, and inflammatory foods, leading us away from the benefits nature brings to all of us.  If we are willing to reconnect with nature and all of its benefits, cannabis could be a great tool to support and balance our endocannabinoid system. Cannabis is a direct mimic of our own endocannabinoids, and by bringing a healthy dose of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids into our system, especially when the receptors have been inactive and our bodies are out of balance, we can bring our bodies and our lives back to a state of homeostasis.

The Supplement Provided by Nature

Phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids that come from a plant) are a great supplement for our ECS. First-time users often report no effect at the beginning because the receptors have been inactive for so long, yet when they take a dose continually, the ECS’ endocannabinoid receptors multiply, bringing balance to the system. It is similar to taking vitamins when our bodies are deficient; once the system accepts them and multiplies them, the effects are visible. Nature is providing the exact supplement to improve our lives. However, it is a shame that Western cultures have lost the belief in natural products as a way of living a healthy and low-stress life.

How to Further Support our Homeostasis State

Another essential aspect of supporting our endocannabinoid system and our lives, in general, is creating a healthy and balanced inner environment. We have already seen that we can take supplements made from phytocannabinoids (Cannabis plant) to regulate our ECS, but this must also be supported by our daily nutrition, as we should view our body as a holistic environment where everything is interconnected.

Nutrition is the key component; our bodies need natural whole foods to create new cells and to function properly every day. Omega-3 and Omega-6 seem to be important for our ECS, as all naturally produced foods are. Foods high in healthy fats provide us with the foundational building blocks for the ECS and for all our cells in general. Amongst good healthy fats are hemp seed oil, olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and so on. We have come to realize now that nature offers the “fuel” our bodies need; the foods that support us best are foods that come straight from nature.

Another important point to highlight here is that our ECS also needs what is called ‘Cannabimimetics.’ These are substances or practices that stimulate the endocannabinoid system, too, such as nutrition, detoxification, supplementation, physical activity, deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and acupuncture, to mention a few. These are all the activities and practices we can add to our daily routine to make our body thrive as they support our endocannabinoid system, which is an all-encompassing system working all over the body to keep us in a state of homeostasis, in a state of balance.

In a Nutshell

As we can see, cannabis has become a significant healing modality that works well in conjunction with a healthy diet and positive habits to develop an all-encompassing healthy lifestyle, restoring homeostasis in our bodies and enhancing our overall well-being. Nature provides us with everything we need to lead a fulfilling and balanced life, so we might as well take full advantage of this gift.