What is CBD and the Endocannabinoid System

The human endocannabinoid system refers to receptors on the cells of various organs and tissues of the body that can accept, interact with, and be affected by cannabinoid molecules like cannabidiol or CBD. Emerging scientific literature is leading many researchers to believe that the human endocannabinoid system could be one of the most important biologic systems involved in maintaining optimum homeostasis in the body. Endocannabinoids, and their related CB1 and CB2 receptors, are produced and found in virtually every human body tissue. Cannabinoid receptors are found in the brain, vital organs, endocrine glands, muscles, and the nervous system.

The endocannabinoid system performs a multitude of physiologic functions with one main purpose, regulating homeostasis. In other words, this system regulates numerous physiologic variables in order to maintain stable, constant conditions for the body to function well.

It has been noted that by consuming cannabidiol (CBD), optimizing homeostasis begins to occur in the body very rapidly. Fundamentally, CBD provides internal balance for human physiology despite the many ways our bodies are influenced and stressed by the environment we live in.

One example is the relief CBD may provide from inflammation and pain due to injury.

Inflammation is necessary to signal that an area is injured. Inflammation also begins a healing cascade of reactions. However, too much inflammation can be harmful. CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation, it prevents the body from doing too much by inhibiting inflammatory cytokine reactions so that they don’t get out of control.

A cytokine is a chemical produced by the body’s cells. Some cytokines that activate inflammation include histamine, C-reactive protein (CRP), and various interleukins. CBD can inhibit the action of these cytokines and therefore reduce inflammation. Additionally, CBD calms and slows the pain signals that travel from the injured area to the brain by inhibiting not only the cytokines responsible but by quelling the nerves that rapidly carry that potent signal. This gives CBD a second mechanism by which it reduces pain.

Another example of homeostasis caused by cannabinoids is its powerful effect on cellular growth or proliferation. It is important to know that uncontrolled cellular growth or multiplication leads to the development of cancerous tumors. Cannabinoids seems to optimize the division rate of normal cells while simultaneously activating processes that (Inhibit?) cause errant cells that are potentially cancerous from replicating. Additionally, CBD can activate various immune cells and processes that lead to the spontaneous death or the search for and destruction of malignant cancer cells. Many malignant cells just happen to produce a large amount of a compound that actually attracts CBD, a phenomenon that may help CBD to induce its beneficial effects. There are numerous scientific articles that comment on how the presence of CBD causes an errant, uncontrollable cell to spontaneously die. This is called cellular apoptosis. If the process to remove dangerous cells is thorough enough, it leaves the body with only healthy, normal. THIS is surely a good definition and explanation of how CBD helps achieve and maintain optimal homeostasis.

Cannabidiol is well-researched for its anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-psychotic activity. CBD is also documented to have immune modulating properties as well. Those who consume CBD are found to have lower levels of C-reactive protein, a potent inflammatory marker associated with cardiovascular disease and linked to increased stroke risk.

CBD is also known to help with Alzheimer’s, arteriosclerosis, intestinal and digestive disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, nausea, neuropathy, osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, and much more. This gives medical and health professionals a powerful tool to consider, something that may benefit many, many patients. And the best part about CBC, these potential benefits come without the risk of developing tolerance or an addictive dependence.

Understanding the endocannabinoid system and CBD can help practitioners and their patients discover a whole new paradigm of healing and disease prevention. We encourage you to browse our site and click on the reference article links to the numerous studies published on the benefits if CBD and how using it to influence the human endocannabinoid system may confer significant health benefits.