What causes endocannabinoid deficiency?

Endocannabinoid deficiency is caused by the body’s inability to produce sufficient levels of endocannabinoids. While some findings show that it is influenced by maternal obesity or may be triggered by stress and trauma, there has been by far no clinical diagnosis that justifies its existence.

The endocannabinoid deficiency still remains to be a theory which is a major subject for further studies. Researchers have yet to discover what makes up a sufficient level of endocannabinoids and this mystery continues to linger because the human body can be indefinitely generous in producing endocannabinoids depending on how much the system needs.

The theory of the endocannabinoid deficiency has been based on the occurrence of neurological disorders caused by deficiencies from neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine in Alzheimer’ disease and dopamine in Parkinson’s disease. There are three conditions associated with symptoms of endocannabinoid deficiency but these are yet to be scientifically proven.

These symptoms are migraine, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. They are classified as potentially caused by an endocannabinoid deficiency as they share similarities in terms of sensitivity to pain, clinical diagnosis, comorbidity, and relations to anxiety and depression.

What are Endocannabinoids?

Endocannabinoids are naturally released brain signals which drive a major function in human health. Endocannabinoids are named after the cannabinoids that are found in the Cannabis sativa plant because they play identical roles. Endo means within, and this makes endocannabinoids a term for cannabinoids within the human body.

Scattered throughout various parts – from the brain to the muscles, and even among the different cells that work actively inside the body – endocannabinoids can influence a huge aspect of human health. A theory supports this by explaining that endocannabinoids immediately activate once the body encounters certain health problems.

As one of the core components of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), endocannabinoids work alongside receptors and enzymes to keep the body in optimum condition. These forces working together make up the essential role of the ECS, a network which is responsible for sustaining the balance in all bodily functions.

What is the function of endocannabinoids?

Endocannabinoids trigger the brain to create a response to the cause of disruption in any of the systems in the body. For instance, when a person experiences a fever or an injury, the endocannabinoids send signals to the brain which directs a fix to the source of the problem.

Endocannabinoids also interact with other neuromodulators such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. This interaction shows the vast capability of the endocannabinoids to manipulate psychological behaviors.

The discovery of these functions have been highly relevant in current research studies. The role of endocannabinoids has been crucial in finding a cure to pathological conditions and boosting physiological roles such as pain management and immune response.

On top of that, it has been identified that the levels of endocannabinoids are significantly increased depending on how much need the body seeks. This is the main reason why it is difficult to point out what exactly are the normal levels of endocannabinoids.

However, by understanding that endocannabinoids are richly scattered in most parts of the body, and specifically concentrated largely in the brain, it follows that these lipid-based chemicals have a strong hold in extending therapeutic effects in the body.

What do endocannabinoids regulate?

Endocannabinoids regulate several functions such as sleep, appetite, mood, memory, and reproduction.

For instance, endocannabinoids regulate the memory by allowing people to forget, and at the same time, learn and relearn things. The act of forgetting is necessary for human function. If the mind becomes bombarded with a lot of ideas, you can just imagine how difficult it would be to move on from painful situations.

This factor is highly relevant among individuals who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a condition that brings back unpleasant and intrusive memories that cause a huge trouble in a person’s behavior. Researchers continue to examine how the role of endocannabinoids can be manipulated to aid individuals with PTSD.

Endocannabinoids also have an impact in controlling hunger. This has been clearly identified after figuring out that cannabinoids from Cannabis make individuals increase their appetite. It is with this function that researchers began exploring their high potential in resolving the problem of obesity.

Rimonabant, a potential drug for the treatment of obesity, acts as an antagonist to prevent endocannabinoids from being activated. This process, indeed, has shown a positive result in yielding weight loss. However, because endocannabinoids also control mood, the drug influenced users with suicidal thoughts that is why it remains unavailable for commercial use.

What are examples of endocannabinoids?

The two most known examples of endocannabinoids are the anandamide (AEA) and the 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Although there are several types of endocannabinoids which exist in the body, their roles remain unidentified unlike the AEA and the 2-AG. The following can explain their roles in detail:

Anandamide (AEA)
Anandamide (AEA) is known as the happy molecule that naturally exists in the human body. It has derived its name from the Sanskrit word ananda which means happiness. AEA aids in the way sleep, hunger, memory, and pain relief works in the body.

When the natural levels of AEA decrease, anyone can potentially experience strong moments of anxiety or fear, as well as a lack of strength in coping with stress. Scientific studies project the essence of AEA in the treatment of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorder, and even PTSD.

2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)
2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is highly concentrated in the body. It is the central focus for most research studies just like the AEA because its role is essential in the regulation of appetite, immunity, and pain control.

As an easily metabolized endocannabinoid, an increased level of 2-AG can be manipulated by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for breaking them down. This action has been relevant in effectively suppressing seizures.

It also has a strong impact on the circulatory system. It directs the function of the blood vessels and the heart and that makes it a potential target for heart ailments as well neurodegenerative disorders such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease.

How do I activate endocannabinoid?

Endocannabinoids bind with endocannabinoid receptors to activate. CB1 receptors are designated in the central part of the nervous system while CB2 receptors are situated at the peripheral side and within immune cells. This location is crucial since it determines which aspects in human health can each of them regulate.

Specifically, CB1 receptors control the order that involves the brain and the spinal cord. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, respond to problems relating to inflammation and immune function. This information is relevant in studies related to drug development because it was known that manipulating CB2 receptors does not cause a high unlike that with CB1 receptors.

The vital role of the ECS is to sustain homeostasis, a state that promotes good health and wellness in every person. Any disturbance to the homeostasis such as pain is relieved by the force of the ECS. This force is a product of the interaction of the endocannabinoids to the endocannabinoid receptors.

As soon as relief is successfully induced in the body through this interaction, enzymes immediately act on the endocannabinoids to break them down. The role of the enzymes is important in preventing these endocannabinoids from overcorrecting the problem, or at some point, straining the endocannabinoid receptors too.

What causes the release of endocannabinoid?

Endocannabinoids are naturally released by the body when a disturbance in its homeostasis progresses. For instance, experiencing high body temperature is not normal. Upon sensing this occurrence, the endocannabinoids will immediately bind with the cannabinoid receptors and act on the functioning of the body temperature to return it to a normal state.

This discovery of the ECS is indeed very promising, however; it encompasses a vast and complex process in the human body which makes it a major challenge to fully understand its course. Despite this, researchers continue to press on the high potential of the ECS as a key in relieving numerous health constraints.

How do I reset my endocannabinoid?

Resetting your endocannabinoid or most likely giving it a boost entails proper nutrition. This is helpful in ensuring regular production of the endocannabinoids as well as the quality of work they project in the body. Essential fatty acids are recommended to naturally stimulate the endocannabinoids. Chocolate and specific herbs and tea are also good options.

Exercise and activities which release stress are also noted to be helpful in enhancing the function of the ECS. The key is to relax and enjoy what you are doing otherwise it will be ineffective. Breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation are some of the ways you can do to keep your body in optimum condition.

How CBD work with the endocannabinoid system?

Cannabidiol (CBD) works mysteriously with the endocannabinoid system. As a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system without making you feel high. It significantly brings therapeutic effects in the body, the way naturally released endocannabinoids do, without causing serious side effects.

Researchers have found that CBD does not particularly stimulate either the CB1 or CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. While some say that CBD could most likely interact with the several unknown endocannabinoid receptors, others express that CBD could potentially inhibit the breaking down of endocannabinoids. This helps strengthen their impact in the body.

While these findings remain uncertain, several research studies have already proven the high potential of CBD in treating major health illnesses.