Ways to Support the Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of naturally occurring cannabinoids in the human body. At some point, your body may not be in a position to produce enough endocannabinoids to meet its own needs. Eating foods containing phytocannabinoids or taking the best CBD oil are some ways to boost your ECS.
How Will You Support the Endocannabinoid System?
Here are some natural and healthy tips on enhancing your endocannabinoid system:
1. Exercise
Exercise is a natural way to support the endocannabinoid system and many other functions. Exercise provides many benefits beyond supporting the endocannabinoid system, such as stress relief and improved sleep quality. Physical activity can also boost endorphins, which helps reduce pain.
2. Try meditation
Meditation is a great way to relax your mind and body, whether you’re stressed, want to relax, or seek the peace of mind. It can also help you sleep better and improve your mood.
Meditation doesn’t have to be any more complicated than taking five minutes during the day to breathe deeply while looking out at trees swaying in the wind or staring up at clouds floating across the sky.
So instead of worrying about how long you should meditate each day or where exactly you should do it (in your living room? At work?), just start small—and find out what works best for you!
3. Eat foods that support the ECS
Regarding supporting your ECS, there are two primary ways to support cannabinoids in the body. The first is through natural food, and the second is through endocannabinoid supplements.
Foods that support the endocannabinoid system are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients that help maintain homeostasis in your body. Omega-3s are also found in fish oil, so if you’re not a big fish eater or don’t want to take supplements, consider taking a fish oil supplement.
Natural Food Sources of Cannabinoids
Foods such as chia, hemp, flax seeds, and walnuts have high Omega-3 content. These fatty acids can also be found in sardines, anchovies, and eggs.
Other Endocannabinoid-Boosting foods include:
- Chocolate – Cacao powder has compounds that resemble the molecular structure of endocannabinoids. The compounds may help increase the volume of endocannabinoids after inhibiting metabolic breakdown.
- Herbs – Black pepper, lemon balm, hops, oregano, cloves, and cinnamon are some of the herbs that contain beta-caryophyllene terpene; it helps stimulate CB2 endocannabinoid receptors in the nervous system.
- Tea – Camellia sinensis, Turmeric tea, and echinacea tea may stimulate CB2 receptors, increase your body’s endocannabinoid levels, and help inhibit endocannabinoid breakdown.
Vegetables rich in vitamin C can also help maintain your ECS. Vegetables rich in vitamin C include cauliflower, spinach, green peppers, and broccoli.
Vitamin C is a form of ascorbic acid that may help speed up the rate at which your body absorbs CBD. The human body does not produce vitamin C. Hence, it might help source it. CBD gummies are rich in Vitamin C.
4. Get Enough Sleep
The endocannabinoid system doesn’t work at its full potential when you’re sleep-deprived. Getting enough quality sleep is essential for your health and well-being, so it’s crucial to ensure you’re getting enough. Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends adults get seven to nine hours of sleep per night; if you regularly find yourself needing more than 9 hours, or less than 7, this could be a sign that something in your routine needs improving.
5. Use Phytocannabinoids
Your body creates endocannabinoids naturally. However, that is not the case with phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids are formed in the cannabis plant. Some of the common phytocannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that binds to the body’s CB2 receptors. The CBD cannabinoid receptors in the body are similar to that of the cannabinoids. CBD Research shows that CBD may help maintain overall wellness.
cbdMD CBD products contain trace amounts of THC or completely THC-free. According to Federal law, these products are legal to sell, purchase, or consume throughout the US.
The ECS is an essential part of our body and is vital in regulating many physiological processes, such as immunity, mood, and sleep cycles.
Michael Levin is a CBD enthusiast, a researcher, writer and editor in the cannabis space, experienced CBD user and educator. He believes CBD can help improve our overall health and wellbeing.
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