The Human Endocannabinoid System & Homeostasis
The human body is constantly working to make adaptive changes within each organ system to maintain balance in the body. This balance is called homeostasis. This internal equilibrium is caused by seamless communication of the organ systems via many negative and positive feedback loop interactions. All of the organ systems in the body must send adequate messages to the brain so that the proper adaptive response can take place immediately as the body requires. Scientific evidence suggests there is an innate homeostatic system in the body that’s purpose is to modulate the interactions of ALL of the other organ systems.
The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) is critical in maintaining homeostasis. Functions of the autonomic nervous system are directed by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus and manage unconscious muscle activity such as breathing, digestion, and heart rate. The nervous system acts as an electrical messaging highway that is taking in as much sensory information from the external stimulus on the body and integrates that information with information from the body’s internal organ environment and functioning. The result is the body’s immediate effect on the vital organs, such as rapidly increasing heart rate and breathing rate, increasing blood pressure, and stimulating digestion. Part of the brain called the hypothalamus also receives information from the pituitary gland, which is the master commander of endocrine glands and controls factors such as body temperature, hunger, and thirst. Additionally, the autonomic nervous system regulates gas exchange in the lungs, hormone signaling in the liver stimulates the breakdown of alcohol production and directs the kidneys the timing, production, and content of urine that must be excreted. The endocrine system also influences more long-term physiological changes such as metabolism, growth rate, blood sugar levels, and sexual functions that are also key players in the body’s overall homeostatic balance. These organic functions that we have traditionally understood as the main homeostatic regulators are now known to be influenced by the Human Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
In order to maintain balance and equilibrium in all of the body’s systems, the ECS has receptor sites on virtually every cell, tissue, and organ in the body. Since its first discovery in 1964, we have accumulated a tremendous database of research on the homeostatic role of the ECS, including immune functioning, energy production, cell signalling, and systematic interactions of this ECS. Today, scientists have identified 113 different cannabinoid molecules, mostly focused on the effects of THC and CBD and their interactions with the two main types of N8 cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS. The human body is constantly producing endogenous cannabinoids, 2-AG and anandamide, and degrading them with monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) on an as-needed basis. CB1 receptors are found mostly in the central nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are found in the cells and tissues of the immune system including the digestive system, spleen, pancreas, etc. These cannabinoid receptors are essential in directing basic cell and systemic functions such as brain signalling, hormone regulation, mood and appetite, muscular contraction, energy production, waste removal, and signalling the immune response when there is disease or pathology present.
Studies have also shown CBD to help protect the blood-brain barrier and blood vessel wall against damage from high glucose and diabetes. Research has indicated CBD benefits autoimmune conditions in the United States, especially in digestive system dysfunctions such as leaky gut syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases; skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, and other chronic pain disorders. More evidence shows CBD can be a huge player in benefitting conditions such as seizure disorders in children, adolescents, and adults, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, ALS, and conditions of the nervous system can be benefitted by the neuroprotective and antioxidant properties of CBD and other cannabinoids. The dynamic and multi-faceted abilities of CBD to affect and modulate the CB1 and CB2 receptors are a huge target for basic nutritional supplementation and therapeutic benefit.
The most groundbreaking impact of CBD that has been conclusive across multiple studies is its ability to affect the growth, development, and metastasis of cancer cells. The body possesses an N8 mechanism called, apoptosis and autophagy, that identifies when it is producing cancerous cells and keep them from growing, developing, and spreading to other places in the body. This is a clear imbalance and dysfunction in homeostasis, where the body has stopped being able to self-signal the destruction of unhealthy, dangerous, cancerous cells.
Studies have documented CBD exhibits pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative actions in different types of tumors and may exert anti-migratory, anti-invasive, anti-metastatic, and anti-angiogenic properties. Recent research has demonstrated CBD benefits in endometrial cancers, stopping the growth and metastasis of human breast cancers, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, neuroblastoma, gliomas, and a variety of other cancer cells. The evidence for CBD and cannabinoid-like molecules in cancer treatment seems irrefutable and will continue to grow as pharmaceutical companies and other CBD manufacturers further studies on phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids.
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The article is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat, mitigate, or cure any disease or condition. Please consult with your physician if you have questions about CBD, the endocannabinoid system, and homeostasis.