The endocannabinoid system is a signaling system that regulates and has a protective function in our bodies. All animals (including humans) have an ECS. The ECS consists of three parts:
endocannabinoids
Receptors (CB1 and CB2)
Enzymes that help break down endocannabinoids and cannabinoids.
ECS has been known for over 25 years and is one of the body’s most important systems, it helps keep the body in balance. ECS has a major impact on health and diseases and regulates, for example:
- The immune system
- Appetite
- Temper
- inflammation
- Digestion
- Fertility
- Sleep
- body temperature
- Memory
- Pain
Your body activates ECS with precision so that it only affects what it needs. For example, if you have problems with your digestive system, ECS will regulate this without affecting the immune system or your memory.
Once the endocannabinoids have done their job and digestion is working again, the body will prevent the ECS from going too far and changing the balance in the opposite direction.
CB1
CB1 receptors are found primarily in our central nervous system (spinal cord and brain). Activation of CB1 receptors plays a direct role in memory and cognition, emotions, motor control, appetite stimulation and perception of pain.
CB2
CB2 receptors are mostly found in the peripheral nervous system and are especially associated with the immune system and inflammatory response. Since they are most concentrated on the periphery of our body, their stimulation does not result in any euphoria or intoxication. Activation of CB2 can cause the body to relax, help it to repair itself and reduce the feeling of pain without impairing cognition.
