HOW TO MAINTAIN AND BOOST YOUR ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
The use of raw cannabinoids in their acidic forms have for a long time been known to possess powerful therapeutic value for various ailments, without the impairments or intoxication associated with some activated forms of cannabinoids, both natural and synthetic.
For a long time, people have only looked to hemp and cannabis species when the endocannabinoid system is mentioned. However, as research develops into our understanding of the ECS system and its effect on other parts of the body, its crucial to consider a more wide-spectrum approach when wanting to achieve and maintain a healthy and balanced strategy.
Some of these raw cannabinoids including THCA and CBDA (which is not yet activated into THC) are thought to possess anti-epileptic, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and anxiolytic and hypnotic effects amongst other common uses.
Additionally, raw extracts seem to lack any significant psychoactivity on their own. Other beneficial sources of the omega-rich plant such as those derived from hemp seed can also have powerful anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory conditions and even pain relief, especially when used alongside other naturally occurring terpenes and flavenoids found in the hemp species.
The non-activated (acidic) forms of many naturally occurring raw cannabinoids even when derived from full plant extracts (containing THCA) can still retain many therapeutic benefits in certain conditions, especially since some components are always lost during decarboxylation.
When activated into CBD (from CBDA) clinically significant effects on CB1, secondary to CB2 antagonistic activity albeit with low affinity, as well as antagonistic activity at GPR55 G-protein coupled receptor site may explain the ability of cannabidiol in reducing anti-psychotic properties, which also negates some to all of the psychoactive characteristics of various other cannabinoids like THC.
More importantly, this cannabinoid has powerful medicinal properties for a range of different conditions, depending on the dose, ratios of other cannabinoids present, extraction method used and the route of administration. All of the mentioned factors can significantly affect the efficacy of CBD, especially when used in isolated form without other trace cannabinoids, terpenes and flavenoids.
To a significantly lesser extent, other cannabinoids especially when used in synergy, and alongside terpenes and other trace constituents including flavonoids, delta-8-THC, THCV, CBN, CBG and perhaps partially THCA and CBDA themselves, appear to play a role when used alongside standardardised of other major cannabinoids.
Each cannabinoid is sometimes used specifically for targeted approach for a certain ailment, or for desirable effects for medical condition without undesirable ones from others.
Although at times beneficial through a broad spectrum, relatively non-selective and relatively weak approach in herbal medicine, standardisation and control over the active constituents and their established ratios may provide additional control and benefits in modern clinical practice.
More research is needed to determine, which other components likely play a synergistic or even balancing role in full spectrum extracts of the plant. Though its yet to be established through which specific pathways the synergistic and balancing effects arise.
However when used therapeutically in medicine, especially when not used alongside at least trace levels of the others, the efficacy of treatment seems to decrease due to the absence of their synergy when used together.
Furthermore, mechanisms of some cannabinoids including THCV and CBD isolates may also produce antidote-like properties for specific cannabinoids, potentially affecting the complex psychopharmacology of the hemp and cannabis sativa species when used in varying standardized or non-standardized forms.
As of more recently, the isolation of specific cannabinoids in cannabis such as CBD, especially whilst still retaining it’s entourage effect with the presence of naturally occurring terpenes for example, without the effects produced by other cannabinoids.
This can provide therapeutic benefits through helping those with anxiety, stress, insomnia, pain and inflammatory disease, without producing any sort of psychoactive or impairing effects.
FOODS AND SUPPLEMENTS
(What to Take & What to Avoid)
Many natural supplements, herbs and foods have shown to have differing effects on this system. Some of these compounds include essential fatty acids with high ratios of omega 3 and 6, and their DHA and EPA content such as those found in krill oil, hemp seed oil, chia seeds, flax-seed oil.
It should also be noted that the levels of each types of omega fatty acids varies greatly between each source.
Certain herbs such as magnolia bark extract or ginkgo (especially high potency products including “Tebonin-EGb761", a well-researched and high strength formulation, standardized to standardised to contain 29.4 mg of flavonglycosides, 3.5 mg bilobalide 3.7 mg ginkgolides, may have indirect beneficial effects on the ECS. Moreover, its also shown to counteract THC-induced impairment of learning and memory.
Research has shown that the ratio of these two omega components are crucial in their therapeutic value. Quality of extraction, sourcing and standardisation plays a vital role here based on preliminary studies and case studies.
A ratio of 1:1 of the two active constituents (DHA & EPA) are generally considered to provide the ideal balance. Animal sources tend to provide a higher amount of omega 3 content per food serving and foods such as eggs and cocoa powder have also shown to boost the system through its stimulation. The latter of which inhibits the body’s own natural breakdown of endocannabinoids.
Similarly, a specific terpene named Beta-Caryophyllene found in many teas, herbs and spices including, black pepper, lemon balm, hops, cloves, cannabis, oregano and cinnamon are thought to enhance the ECS in specific ways.
With herbs such as Echinacea, ongoing use ranging from one to two weeks for immune health during infections contains CB2 agonists like CBD. This herb has long been used for treating the common cold, allergies and for boosting immunity in Native American cultures, throughout history.
The species, Camelia Sinensis, informally known as tea, contains at least one chemical compound which prevents the breakdown of endocannabinoids and another which may fairly selectively activate without agonistic activity.
This appears to be done by stimulating the cannabinoid receptors, similarly to another commonly used compound from the spice turmeric, the active ingredient of which (curcumin) is also being capable of raising endogenous endocannabinoid levels in the body and providing relief from symptoms such as inflammation, pain, heart disease, risk of stroke or dementia.
Things To Generally limit or Use in Moderation
It should be highlighted that while a healthy balance of the two primary omega acids can provide various health benefits, excess omega 6, without omega 3 balancing it’s ratio may lead to down-regulation of cannabinoid receptors and paradoxically producing pro-inflammatory effects.
This is especially the case if they’re used excessively through diet or supplementation. Sources such as sunflower seed, corn, soy and animal products such as meat and poultry have shown to have a higher ratio of omega 6 to 3 in comparison to various other sources and should therefore not be used in excess.
Additionally, regular alcohol consumption, especially in higher amounts may have a negative impact on the ECS and healthy endocannabinoid function. This can cause disruptions in the normal functioning of the system and be detrimental in the long run.
Non-pharmacological strategies including activities which are aimed at reducing stress levels such as yoga, meditation and breathing exercise, albeit with comparatively minimal impact on maintaining ECS balance.
Stimulation, enhancing and supporting the homeostasis of the system without over up-regulation of the system and it’s involved G-coupled protein functionality and sub receptor activity requires the pairing with the right balance for the system’s modulation.
This can also be gained through diet, right supplementation, and especially through regular exercise, which has shown to increase the release of a naturally occurring endogenous endocannabinoid called anandemide. This fatty acid neurotransmitter is structurally similar to THC and is also formed through the metabolism of omega 6 fatty acids in the body.
It can significantly reduce its natural degradation and conversion into two different metabolites via the FAAH enzyme within the body and its effects on both the central and peripheral nervous system through the modulation of CB1 and CB2 receptors, respectively, has shown to be of great importance such as the implantation of the early stage embryo from its blastocyst form into the uterus.
The inhibitors of this particular enzyme leads to elevated anandemide levels in the body and have led to more research being done in the field as a means to demonstrate the therapeutic use of such compounds through multiple pathways in the modulation of the ECS.
Its pharmacological impact in the treatment of various medical conditions and inhibition of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer through influencing cell proliferation have also been proposed, although with little to now quality studies showing significant efficacy as of yet.
Combining multiple methods of achieving a healthy ECS system often involves a holistic approach which implements a balance of a healthy and nutritious diet, regular exercise, avoiding or limiting things like alcohol, and by using the right combination of supplemental products which may have a beneficial impact when paired with an otherwise healthy lifestyle.
