Right now, we are all looking for natural ways to soothe stress, boost mood, and bring balance, peace, and calm into our lives. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety in quarantine, having trouble sleeping, or simply looking for fresh ways to prioritize your wellness, CBD may be a helpful tool in your self-care toolbox!
At ALTWELL, our mission is to craft the highest quality CBD to help you live each day with ease and comfort. We hear a lot of questions about CBD, so through our blog, we’ll be sharing all the science-backed facts and filling you in on some amazing perks for your body and mind.
Here are the basics: Cannabidiol (aka CBD) is one of the many cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. We actually have an entire system in our bodies related to these compounds — the endocannabinoid system. It’s a key system that regulates stress, mood, metabolism, and more, yet it usually doesn’t get the hype it deserves.
Today, we’re breaking down what this system is and everything you need to know about it.
So what exactly is the endocannabinoid system?
In the 1990s, scientists were studying the effects of THC, but they found another exciting breakthrough. They discovered endocannabinoids, molecules similar to cannabis that are naturally produced by our bodies. (Yes, our bodies were made for this!) Even if you don’t use cannabis, this system is actively working for you.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cell-signaling system where endocannabinoids bind to receptors throughout the body. These receptors can be found in our brain, nerves, skin cells, immune system, bones, liver, GI tract, and more.
The ECS’s big job is to maintain homeostasis, a process that supports harmony and stability in the body. This keeps essential functions (think: body temperature, levels of water, oxygen, pH, and blood sugar) in check. Translation: the ECS keeps our bodies running smoothly and operating at their best!
What does it control?
The ECS is so essential to our wellness because it impacts so many parts of our lives. Just to name a few things it regulates: sleep, mood, stress levels, metabolism, memory, immunity, pain, inflammation, muscle formation, and reproductive health.
How does it work?
The gist: Your body produces endocannabinoid molecules (the two key ones are AEA and 2-AG) and they bind to receptors. The two main receptors are CB1 and CB2, and these are found in different places throughout the body. When the molecules bind to receptors, you’ll begin to feel the effects.
How does CBD affect the system?
Researchers are still exploring how exactly CBD impacts the ECS. They believe it helps stimulate the system and can prevent endocannabinoids from being broken down, enhancing their positive effects.
Scientists are still uncovering more about the ECS — because it’s a pretty new discovery, there is still so much to learn! Bottom line: CBD works with your body to help you feel balanced, calm, and healthy from the inside out!
Check out the high-quality, ethically-sourced products from ALTWELL to support your holistic wellness journey. Our products support you in four key areas: Sleep, Soothe, Balance, and Nourish.
And keep a lookout for our next blog on which CBD form is right for you!
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system
https://www.uclahealth.org/cannabis/human-endocannabinoid-system
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2931550/
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-homeostasis/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4669363/