The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biochemical system inside our body that is made up of a network of sensors, or receptors, that contribute to homeostasis, the internal balance of all systems in the human body. For example, the ECS will work to return your body to its normal stable condition after experiencing a physical injury that causes swelling and pain. The ECS exists in all humans and is active even if you are not ingesting cannabinoids of any kind.
Your endocannabinoid system plays an important role in many neural functions, including the control of movement and motor coordination, learning and memory, emotion and motivation, addictive-like behavior and pain response.
To understand how the endocannabinoid system works, consider it made up of three groups:
- Endocannabinoids
- Cannabinoid Receptors
- Proteins
Endocannabinoids are lipid-based chemical compounds that act as neurotransmitters that bind to Cannabinoid Receptors and cannabinoid receptor Proteins that are present throughout our central and peripheral nervous systems.
Endocannabinoids are similar to phytocannabinoids found in cannabis but they’re produced within the body. They are a unique class of chemical compounds that are capable to transition the blood-brain barrier, a subject of much research. The endocannabinoid system controls how endocannabinoids in conjunction with proteins, bind to cannabinoid receptors in order to signal a range of neural (chemical) responses.
Two main cannabinoid receptors have been identified as CB1and CB2. CB1 receptors are found predominantly in the brain and nervous system, as well as in peripheral organs and tissues, whereas CB2 receptors are mostly found in your peripheral nervous system, especially within immune system cells. Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor in any location for a range of beneficial responses related to:
- sleep
- mood
- immune system
- appetite
- pain
- memory
- reproduction and fertility
Since 1991, research has shown a connection between the ECS and the following functions in the human body:
- appetite and digestion
- metabolism
- chronic pain
- inflammation and other immune system responses
- mood
- learning and memory
- motor control
- sleep
- cardiovascular system function
- muscle formation
- bone remodeling and growth
- liver function
- reproductive system function
- stress
- skin and nerve function
Boost your endocannabinoid system by supplementing your body with beneficial natural cannabinoids, either by using True Indoor’s ultra-premium 100% Organic Full-Spectrum CBD Hemp tinctures and topicals.