O<\/span>ur bodies all have a network of cannabinoid receptors that is vital to the health of all mammals: the endocannabinoid system. The ECS is a vast network of chemical compounds and receptors (namely CB1 and CB2) that regulate our most basic functions \u2013 sleep, appetite, mood, the immune system, inflammatory response, aging and memory. Endocannabinoids even produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria similar to those which come from ingesting cannabis.<\/p>\n Aside from regulating essential everyday functions, the ECS<\/a> maintains the body\u2019s homeostasis down to the cell level by reversing damage in whatever way necessary. In cancer patients, for instance, cancer cells can be programmed to kill themselves when endocannabinoid levels increase.<\/p>\n But as with most things, balance within this system is key. An overly inhibited CB1 receptor may lead to moodiness, depression and a suppressed immune system. On the other hand, an over-activated CB1 can increase risk of psychoactivity, inflammation, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular problems. One study found that a highly sensitive endocannabinoid system is linked to almost all chronic diseases. So, a balanced ECS is fundamental to good health.<\/p>\n Consuming cannabis is one fun and easy way to optimize the ECS. But not everyone has the freedom to enjoy this medicinal plant. Here are our top five simple ways to boost the endocannabinoid system without the aid of marijuana.<\/p>\n Martin Lee, director of Project CBD<\/a> and author of \u201cSmoke Signals: A Social History of Marijuana \u2013 Medical, Recreational and Scientific,\u201d explained the problem with drinking:<\/p>\n \u201cAlcohol is a poison that causes an acute stress response upon occasional consumption, which, in turn, provokes a temporary uptick of endocannabinoid activity as a protective response against stress,\u201d Lee said. He added that while occasional drinking probably wouldn\u2019t harm the ECS, \u201cchronic alcoholism has the opposite effect, resulting in a depletion of endocannabinoid tone due to the wear and tear of too much stress. A low endocannabinoid baseline level makes a person more vulnerable to disease.\u201d<\/p>\n A study by Auckland\u2019s Unitec Institute of Technology showed that levels of anandamide<\/a> \u2014\u00a0 a cannabinoid responsible for feelings of bliss and joy \u2014 more than doubled after patients received osteopathic manipulative medicine treatments. This therapy can take various forms, including chiropractic, physical therapy and massage. Even acupuncture has a positive effect on the endocannabinoid system, so\u00a0there\u2019s never been a better excuse to take a spa day.<\/p>\n If smoking frosty greens is not an option, then eating leafy greens will suffice. Along with oregano and black pepper, leafy greens contain beta-caryophyllene, a terpene<\/a> that activates the CB2 receptor and is believed to have high potential for combatting inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders.<\/p>\n Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for a well functioning ECS. Some scientists say that without them, CB1 receptors may not form correctly, which could lead to \u201cimpaired emotional behavior.\u201d While fish oils are widely considered one of the best sources of omega-3s, hemp is an excellent alternative. Whether in seed, oil or protein form, hemp\u2019s omega-3s<\/a> can help keep your ECS functioning properly.<\/p>\n German researchers have shown that \u201crunner\u2019s high\u201d is not actually caused by an endorphin rush, but instead is a result of an increase in endocannabinoid production. And running isn\u2019t the only activity that produces this effect. Any exercise<\/a> can lead to an increase in endocannabinoids, so long as the activity doesn\u2019t feel forced. The body interprets forced exercise as a stressor, which can actually produce the opposite effect and decrease endocannabinoid receptor signaling. So, dust off the yoga mat, jump up and down on a trampoline or even go out dancing to maintain a healthy endocannabinoid system.<\/p>\n Originally published in Issue 26<\/a> of Cannabis Now.<\/em> LEARN MORE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n TELL US, <\/strong>how do you combine cannabis with other wellness techniques?<\/p>\n The post 5 Simple Ways to Boost Your Endocannabinoid System Without Cannabis<\/a> appeared first on Cannabis Now<\/a>.<\/p>\n
How to boost your endogenous cannabinoid receptors when the good stuff isn\u2019t on hand. Our bodies all have a network of cannabinoid receptors that is vital to the health of all mammals: the endocannabinoid system. The ECS is a vast network of chemical compounds and receptors (namely CB1 and CB2)Continue Reading<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":81,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"false","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[50,85,351,53],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18123"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/81"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18123"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18123\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18124,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18123\/revisions\/18124"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18123"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18123"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cannabiscultivatornews.com\/home\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18123"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
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\nRead More: 5 Simple Ways to Boost Your Endocannabinoid System Without Cannabis<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"