Most of us have heard about endorphins and know that we have receptor sites for these feel good neurotransmitters, but we are now learning more about how they can balance the immune system. What’s becoming more clear is that there is another system in the body that is equally if not more involved in immune regulation. That system is called the endocannabinoid system or the ECS.
Endocannabinoid Tone
Since cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous lipid ligands were discovered via research on Cannabis sativa, scientists started to define the regulatory function of our internally produced endocacannabinoids (or lack thereof).
Endocannabinoids are responsible for regulating many physiological functions by acting as anti-inflammatory and neurohormonal modulators. Human studies suggest that endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome may be the hidden etiology in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, schizophrenia, migraine, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, anorexia, and chronic motion sickness. (Russo et al, 2010). If you have any of these conditions, correcting endocannabinoid deficiency may be possible by enhancing endocannabinoid ligand synthesis, decreasing endocannabinoid ligand degradation, and augmenting or decreasing receptor density and function (Russo., 2009).
Increasing endocannabinoid tone with dietary cannabinoids, terpenes, and polyphenols is equally promising for those with metabolic, inflammatatory, and autoimmune disease. For more info check out my new guide, Beyond Cannabis, where I explore the use of foods, herbs and essential oils for increasing Endocannabinoid Tone.
