Optimizing Your Endocannabinoid System
Your endocannabinoid system is as unique as your fingerprint. Every time you dose your CBD or THC, there a lot of different factors going into your relief. If you use a full or broad spectrum product, you are getting not only CBD, THC, CBN, CBG and CBC, but trace amounts of over 100 different cannabinoids affecting your body! Your CB1 and CB2 receptors are constantly at work, because there are a lot more cannabinoids in the world than you might think. So many different foods and even activities have or create cannabinoids within your body. I would be willing to bet you have taken in cannabinoids today and may not have even known it!
First, did you know there are many different types of cannabinoids? There are actually 3 different classifications of cannabinoids. The type you should be most familiar with, if you have been doing your CBD homework, are the endocannabinoids. These are the cannabinoids produced within the bodies of most mammals. Not only are there receptors for these cannabinoids all over your body, they can be even found in breast milk! Next are the phytocannabinoids, or the cannabinoids produced by plants. I know you're thinking, “Let’s grab a Cheech and Chong movie with that bag of Doritos and have a fun night!” Yes, while some phytocannabinoids do produce a euphoric high, others are working hard to keep you healthy. Many are found in plants other than cannabis, such as black pepper and turmeric powder. Among these phytocannabinoids is of course my favorite cannabinoid, CBD! 😊 Lastly, the final classification is synthetic cannabinoids, made in a laboratory. While these are worth mentioning, they are not necessarily worth your time. Why fix something that is not broken? Why have a man made synthetic when there are already over 100 natural remedies!? You should know that they exist, but I would personally always choose something natural over any sort of untested chemicals.
So where else are these essential cannabinoids coming from? Check out the info below!
Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids provide a large dose of cannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are produced by arachidonic acid, however like most things, it is only beneficial in regulated doses. Omega fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and are found in different foods like meat, poultry, walnuts, and oils such as safflower and sunflower oils. Even sardines and anchovies have endocannabinoid enhancing fatty acids, although you will see me sticking with the other great methods of consuming/creating cannabinoids.
Chocolate (Cacao)
Dark chocolate has anandamide in it! This attributes to the general overall feeling of well-being in a person’s brain. Nothing like some chocolate to help feel better on gloomy days.
Herbs and Teas
Been doing lots of cooking lately and looking for something new to try? Why not try something new with natural cannabinoids in it! While I have never heard of half of these, I am going to have lots to try over the next couple weeks!
- Echinacea
- Ruta graveolens (citrus family), Brassica genus (mustard family)
- Apiaceae (carrots)
- Falcarinol - Known to help prevent colon cancer
- Camelia sinensis
- Turmeric
- Black pepper
- Black truffles
- Keva/kava
- Coneflower
- Helichrysum
- Chinese rhododendron
- Liverwort
- English daisy
- Calendula (marigold)
Flaxseed oil! No way! Remember this one from our article Maximizing your CBD’s Potential? Well, as it turns out, not only is this oil a healthy supplement for your newest infusion recipe, it has naturally occurring cannabinoids as well!
Regulated Alcohol Use
That’s right! Your favorite brew may have potential benefits! However, too much alcohol has several risks, and there are far better methods to receive natural cannabinoids. With that being said, if you're looking for an excuse to have a beer with dinner tonight, here you go! Seriously, only in moderation though. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction, here is an article that shows some research on CBD and Addiction. Don't be afraid to ask a doctor or healthcare professional for help.
Activities
Different activities can create cannabinoids in your body?! As long as it is a stress-reducing activity, you are creating a better environment for your body to create and enjoy CBD to its full potential! Here is a list of stress reducing activities to keep in mind. Also remember that not everyone finds the same events enjoyable. Be yourself and find the right activity for you!
- Social interaction
- Unstructured play time (Yes, this is just as important for adults too!)
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Massage
- Osteopathic manipulation (OMT)
- Acupuncture
- Breathing exercises
- Any voluntary and enjoyable exercise
Avoid Pesticides and Shop Organic
Many pesticides can actually hurt overall cannabinoid content. Depending on the pesticide, cannabinoids are destroyed upon application or simply become inert. Part of the plastic known as phthalates are known to block cannabinoid receptors and disrupt hormones within the body. Never eat food that has been heated in plastic, and when cooking at home, use glass instead of steel when you are able.
Fun Facts About Cannabinoids
- Breast milk has natural cannabinoids that evidence suggests are crucial for an infant’s development. The cannabinoids protect against viruses, bacteria, and even cancer in some cases. These very important endocannabinoids are also passed down from mother to baby. A type of neuromodulatory lipid stimulates the suckling process. Basically, endocannabinoids are teaching the newborns how to eat! More so, the baby would not even be interested in food if not for this process. This is a similar process to how other cannabinoids can cause the munchies in adults, it triggers hunger as well as promotes growth and healthy development.
- Studies have shown that slurping tea can have benefits of its own. Is there a way to optimize CBD dose there?
- Polyphenols are common components of tea and were speculated to interact with cannabinoid receptors. The molecular smell of compounds is known as terpenoids. These are another potential group that may affect the ECS (Endocannabinoid System). Terpenoids are generally found in vegetables and fruit.
- Each individual terpene has known benefits as well. One of the most common is Beta-caryophyllene, which is found in pepper, hops, cloves, lemon, oregano, and cinnamon. This terpene has properties for a potential inflammatory treatment.
I hope everyone learned something today; I know I sure did! Do you have a question or comment about CBD? Let us know, and we will respond right away. In the meantime, sign up for our newsletter and visit our website DiscoverCBD.com regularly for the latest updates on research, legislation, and other news impacting you and cannabidiol.
