Jul
Learning
What is Endocannabinoid Deficiency?
WHAT IS CLINICAL ENDOCANNABINOID DEFICIENCY (CED)?
 
The concept of Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED) suggests that certain health issues are caused by a drop in endocannabinoid levels, similar to how neurotransmitter deficiencies cause other ailments, such as serotonin deficiencies in depression. In other words, it suggests that CED is caused by insufficient endocannabinoids in the ECS.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE CLINICAL ENDOCANNABINOID DEFICIENCY (CECD)?
Signs of ECS Dysfunction
- Fibromyalgia, IBS, and/or migraines
- Increased pain sensitivity
- Anxiety, depression, and/or difficulty regulating mood
- Inconsistent or insufficient sleep.
- Dietary-related health problems
- Stress-related health problems
WHAT CAUSES ENDOCANNABINOID DEFICIENCY?
- Stress
- Environment
- Diet and nutrition
- Genetics
- Alcohol consumption
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Other health issues
HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?
Reduce Stress
Long-term stress makes it harder for endocannabinoid receptors to repair and grow. And having too much of the stress hormone cortisol makes it hard for CB1 receptors to work right. However, you can do many things to naturally relieve stress, improve your health, improve your endocannabinoid system, and improve how well cannabinoids work in your body.
What are some ways to relieve stress?
Daily physical activities help relieve stress if done freely and for fun. Researchers have found that forcing yourself to exercise is seen by the ECS as stress, which could hurt you if it leads to long-term stress. Low-key socializing can also help reduce stress and improve the ECS works. Rat studies showed that socially isolated rats produced fewer cannabinoids than rats who participated in social play grooming activities. Other ways to deal with stress include:
- Meditation (try CBD and mindfulness for an additional boost of calm)
- Acupuncture
- Osteopathy
- Or even playing at random
Exercise
Physical activities offer numerous benefits and advantages when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle. There is a direct connection between having a high endocannabinoid level and working out, chiefly to make more of the natural cannabinoid anandamide.
Anandamide is a fatty acid-type neurotransmitter that binds to cannabinoid receptors and induces feelings of delight or happiness; hence its name is derived from a Sanskrit word for “joy.”
Breathing exercises, Yoga, or other exercises can promote health and enhance endocannabinoids. However, even simple workouts are specifically designed to boost the effects of cannabis and kickstart the ECS.
Increase your Omega-3 fatty acid intake.
What Are Some Foods That Raise Endocannabinoid Production?
Some supplements can help with everyday health. But are there foods that could help? How do foods make the endocannabinoid system work better?
Omega-3-rich foods include:
Hemp, chia, walnuts, and flax seeds. Anchovies, sardines, and Omega-3-enriched eggs are also high in these fatty acids. Broccoli, cauliflower, green peppers, and spinach, which are all high in vitamin C, can also help keep your ECS in good shape. Ascorbic acid is a type of vitamin C, and it allows CBD gets into the body faster. The body can’t make vitamin C on its own, so it’s essential to get it from outside sources.
Tea
Certain teas, such as turmeric tea, echinacea tea, and Camellia sinensis, have good properties that can help increase endocannabinoid levels, activate CB2 receptors, and stop endocannabinoids from breaking down.
Herbs
Lemon balm, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, hops, black pepper, and other spices all have the terpene beta-caryophyllene, which helps stimulate the CB2 receptors in our peripheral nervous system.
Cacao powder
A type of cocoa solid contains compounds similar to endocannabinoids on a molecular level. Cacao compounds can increase endocannabinoid levels by inhibiting their metabolic breakdown. These cannabinoid-like compounds are most abundant in raw cacao and dark chocolate.
Slow down on Alcohol.
Most likely, drinking alcohol in moderation won’t change how the endocannabinoid system works enough to cause worry. But binge drinking and drinking a lot of alcohol can make it much harder for cannabinoid receptors to process endocannabinoids in the right way.
To maintain endocannabinoid function – and optimum health – choose to drink responsibly and discretion or avoid alcohol entirely.
Use Phytocannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced in Cannabis sativa, as opposed to endocannabinoids, which are naturally produced by our bodies. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two most common phytocannabinoids.
CBD doesn’t get you high, and it usually binds to CB2 receptors. This is why CBD is good for supporting the immune system, but it can’t make you feel euphoric or “high.” Nevertheless, research on CBD shows that it has a wide range of health and wellness benefits.
CBD products made from industrial hemp don’t have much or any THC in them. Federal law also says it is legal to buy, sell, and use them anywhere in the United States.
CBD comes in many forms, like isolates, tinctures, vape oils, topicals, and gummies. Each has its own benefits depending on how you use it, and combining them regularly may result in adequate endocannabinoid system stability.
All options are regular exercise, a healthy diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, less alcohol, CBD products, and stress reduction. Some, if not all, of these strategies may work best for you to increase endocannabinoid productivity and receptor strength.
But as helpful as these tips are, it’s best not to do too much of them. Neither is meant to be a “cure-all” for improving the ECS to heal or prevent a serious health problem. When your endocannabinoid receptors are overloaded, they can have the opposite effect.
Overall, taking the proper steps to strengthen your ECS is something we can all do and should do every day.
DO ENDOCANNABINOIDS REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Endocannabinoids have a lot of importance. But also, the research is still in its early stages, and the fact that we have seen some things in a couple of studies does not mean it will work for any other purpose beyond the confines of a lab.
There are, however, ongoing studies for a reason. There are consequences, and it could lead to new ways to treat diseases previously thought untreatable.