CBD is very well known these days. Those of you who haven’t tried it yet have at least heard something about it. But do you know how CBD actually works and how it affects our own endocannabinoid system? Let’s figure it out together.
Enter the world of our endocannabinoid system
This rather complex name began to be used in the 1990s, when this system was first discovered in our bodies. What does the abbreviation ECS stand for?
The meaning of ECS
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex system that influences a whole range of functions in our bodies. Above all, it influences our hormonal and nervous systems. The ECS consists of a combination of endocannabinoids (substances from the cannabinoid group that are naturally produced by the body as needed), enzymes (simple or complex proteins), and endocannabinoid receptors, which help regulate processes in our body.
The influence of the ECS on our body
Long-term research clearly shows that the ECS has the greatest effect on our nervous and endocrine systems. We are talking about its influence on our sleep, digestion, immune response, pain perception, inflammation in the body, metabolism, memory, and reproductive system. The ECS is also closely related to our blood pressure and appetite. Scientists have also begun to view the ECS as a targeted therapy for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders (sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s).
In layman’s terms, this means that targeted therapy can improve health in the areas mentioned above.
How is the ECS related to CBD?
The explanation is quite simple. Since endocannabinoids belong to the cannabinoid (CBD) group, THC, CBG, or CBD contained in hemp dietary supplements can replace them to a certain extent. This process is particularly necessary when the natural production of endocannabinoids in the body is disrupted. Such disruption causes an imbalance in the highly complex ECS and subsequent undesirable consequences.
CBD and everything you need to know about it
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural substance extracted from cannabis plants that is becoming increasingly popular and in demand around the world. The main reason for this is its positive effects on the human body. Those unfamiliar with it might think that it is a type of drug that has a number of side effects, including intoxicating ones, but the opposite is true. CBD helps to solve a wide range of health problems without causing intoxicating effects.
How CBD works in our body
After consuming a CBD product, the substance first passes through the digestive system, from where it travels through the bloodstream to the entire body. In the body, CBD binds to protein molecules in the form of so-called receptors. If it successfully binds to a receptor, CBD begins to act in the ECS.
Positive effects of CBD
- helps with inflammation
- relieves pain
- helps with menstrual problems
- supports digestion
- helps fight acne
- strengthens immunity
- promotes better and higher quality sleep
- relieves stress and anxiety
- helps in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
- suppresses the symptoms of epilepsy
Side effects of CBD
All medications and dietary supplements have potential side effects. CBD is no different. Although CBD is safe and has a positive effect on the human body, every human body functions differently, so in some cases, short-term negative effects may occur, but these will disappear completely within a few hours.
- dry mouth
- lower blood pressure
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- nausea
CBD and addiction
The idea that CBD is addictive is just a myth. CBD is not psychoactive, which means that it does not cause the euphoric feeling usually associated with marijuana use. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that in many studies, CBD does not put users at risk of addiction. However, extra caution should be exercised when purchasing CBD. Some CBD products may contain THC, for example, which can have psychoactive effects.
You can consult your doctor or specialists about the right product and dosage, or at least carefully read everything about a specific product, including its content and composition.
CBD products
CBD products are all products that contain cannabidiol and are available on the market for regular users. If CBD products meet legal requirements, we can buy them without a prescription and in any quantity.
- CBD snacks (chocolate, gum, candy, hemp seeds, hemp coffee)
- CBD ointments
- CBD capsules
- CBD flowers and hemp teas
- CBD oils (CBD drops)