What do we know?
The endocannabinoid system is a cell signaling system discovered in the early 1990’s. The studies have revealed the therapeutic role that the endocannabinoid system plays in mood disorders, restlessness, movement disorders, neuropathy, cancer, atherosclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke, heart attack, glaucoma, obesity and osteoporosis. As such, endocannabinoid system is responsible for a number of physiological processes in the body:
- appetite
- digestion
- metabolism
- chronic pain
- inflammation
- mood
- learning and memory
- motor skills
- sleep
- function of the cardiovascular system
- muscle formation
- bone recovery
- growth
- liver function
- function of the reproductive system
- stress
- function of the skin and nerves
What is homeostasis?
Homeostasis is equilibrium in the body. It keeps the body stable and as efficient as possible. So, if the body temperature is too high, homeostasis will persistently try to bring the temperatures back to normal. The same goes for other bodily functions.
How does the endocannabinoid system work?
The endocannabinoid system has:
- endocannabinoids
- receptors
- enzymes
These three components play a critical role.
What are cannabinoids in the endocannabinoid system?
Cannabinoids are molecules that both the body and plants produce. They interact with the endocannabinoid system. The body naturally produces “endocannabinoids” which bind to cannabinoid receptors. It then activate the systems in your and your pet’s body. human, canine and feline body accepts exogenous cannabinoids, produced by plants such as hemp, as their own. Essentially, we realize that nature has made compounds that mimic chemicals that are already present in our bodies!
Endogenous cannabinoids
There are two main endocannabinoids:
- AEA (anandamide)
- 2AG (2arachidonoylglycerol)
Production of these endocannabinoids is on as needed basis.
AEA (also known as the “joy molecule”) is responsible for the therapeutic use of THC (9tetrahydrocannabinol).
2AG is present in the central nervous system at high levels and has been identified in human breast milk. 2arachidonoylglycerol (2AG) is another endocannabinoid that has been identified. when isolated from the brain of rats and the intestines of dogs.
Due to these findings, numerous studies focus to demonstrate not only behavioral differences, but also differences within molecules. This has further caused the main discovery: the endocannabinoid system.
Exogenous cannabinoids and CBD
Exogenous cannabinoids such as THC are cannabinoids not naturally produced by the human body. They mimic our naturally synthesized cannabinoids and have similar chemical structures, but use a different pathway (receptors) for transmitting information in order to produce physiological effects.
Receptors
In your entire body, or your dog’s or cat’s, there are receptors that interact with both endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids, such as CBD. Cannabinoids bind to receptors to exchange messages. There are two major endocannabinoid receptors:
- CB1 receptors
- CB2 receptors
Where are they located?
CB1 receptors are usually located in the central nervous system. This receptor is in other parts of the body as well, with its concentration in the brain. CB1 is in high concentrations in major parts of the brain, research suggests that this receptor is more likely to affect learning and memory, decision making skills, motor responses, sensory processing, and emotional responses. Scientists remain unsure how to heighten the effects of CB1 receptors. They have found that diseases involving chronic pain, restlessness and dissipation syndrome use the endocannabinoid system to their advantage by activating CB1. You have probably heard that people use cannabis for medical purposes. They often state that they are much calmer when using it.
Immune cells have CB2 receptors. As well, other parts of the peripheral nervous system have those receptors. Dogs have a significant amount of receptors in their endocannabinoid system. Receptors are concentrated in their spines. This allows dogs to use CBD more efficiently. Also, research showed that dogs have more receptors than other mammals. This is why they are especially sensitive to CBD oil.
What are enzymes?
It is very likely that you haven’t heard anything about enzymes since high school, so here is a chance to refresh your school memories. Enzymes help the body make endocannabinoids. Also, they are responsible for dissolving endocannabinoids when fully utilized.
Endocannabinoid deficiency and its effect on the endocannabinoid system
Ailments caused by dysfunctions of endocannabinoid system are several:
- fibromyalgia
- migraines
- IBS
- cystic fibrosis
- infertility
- phantom limb pain
- PTSD
- recurrent miscarriage
Scientists are still studying remediations of endocannabinoid deficiencies.
Equilibrium endocannabinoid system
Studies have concluded that the endocannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system are responsible for achieving hemostasis in your pet’s body. If something is wrong or there is some kind of imbalance in your pet’s body, the compounds found in the Full Spectrum CBD oil dietary supplement help activate the right process that will allow the body to respond to a given instability in a natural way.
With more research a great progress has been made in scientifically proving the effect of CBD on the endocannabinoid system. The goal of therapeutic application is to help as many people and animals as possible, in a natural way.