Endocannabinoid Deficiency
What is Endocannabinoid Deficiency?
Have you ever felt tired, forgetful, and head foggy with no apparent reason? Newer research suggests these symptoms may be due to what is known as endocannabinoid deficiency.
The Endocannabinoid System
It is a part of our nervous system and it is known as the endocannabinoid system. Its job is to keep the body in physiological balance, also known as homeostasis.
To briefly explain, this system is made up of neurotransmitters (primarily anandamide and 2-AG) and receptors (primarily CB1 and CB2) that regulate our mood, appetite, sleep rhythm, energy levels, immunity, and cognitive functioning.
What is Endocannabinoid Deficiency?
Endocannabinoid deficiency is when the body is lacking the number of cannabinoids for the endocannabinoid system to be in balance.
When your ECS is out of balance, you may feel tired, achy, and forgetful. In fact, researchers have found a direct clinical correlation between ECS deficiency and medical conditions like migraines, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, and even irritable bowel syndrome.
There is even research suggesting that an ECS deficiency could be behind inflammation flare-ups, metabolism slow-downs, and increased insulin sensitivity.
Scientists now believe CECD may play a role in the following conditions:
- Fibromyalgia
- Pain
- Anorexia
- Depression
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Migraines
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Neuropathy
- Huntington’s
- Parkinson’s
- Motion Sickness
- Autism
There are 4 known ways your ECS signaling can be out of balance:
- Too many enzymes that interrupt endocannabinoids
- inadequate synthesized endocannabinoids
- Not enough communication between your endocannabinoids and their receptors
- Too few receptors
Symptoms of Endocannabinoid Deficiency
There are various symptoms of an imbalanced Endocannabinoid System but here are some of the most common symptoms according to research:
- Anxiety
- Severe insomnia
- Anger management issues
- Depression
- Conditions associated with chronic inflammation, like arthritis
- Head fog
- Chronic pain
- Bone Loss
- Forgetfulness
- A family history of cancer
This list obviously is not full-scale but are common symptoms that many people chronically deal with. There is good news, however. Boosting your ECS may help diminish the symptoms and discomfort.
CBD can Help Balance out the ECS
CBD modulates the number of neurotransmitters within the ECS, helping it to maintain homeostasis. If you struggle with chronic health issues, whether mild or severe, CBD may just be the answer to finding relief. It serves as a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. So, even if you don’t suffer from chronic health issues, it can be useful to take as a dietary supplement as it can promote longevity and general wellness.