5 Ways to Boost Your Endocannabinoid System

endocannabinoid system
by Noelle Fister
Mar 02, 2022

While most of us are already familiar with daily CBD dosing to help support our Endocannabinoid System (ECS), many people don’t know that there are actually a multitude of other ways to rev up this important system. In this article, we’ll go over what exactly the ECS is and how it functions, while also covering all of the ways you can keep your ECS in tip top shape.

5 Ways to Boost Your Endocannabinoid System

 

The ECS Science

endocannabinoid system

The Endocannabinoid System is a complex system of receptors across nearly every area of the body that supports balance, or homeostasis, between the many moving parts. In other words, this system integrates and orchestrates how our other biological systems (like the nervous system, endocrine system, immune system, etc.) operate to maintain internal and external stability within the body. Since the discovery of the ECS in the 1990’s, researchers have determined that this system is composed of three major components: 

  • Cannabinoid receptors (found all over various areas of the body) 
  • Endocannabinoids 
  • Enzymes

Your body naturally creates its own compounds known as endocannabinoids, that signal to the receptors in your ECS to carry out its various functions. One of those endocannabinoids your body formulates is called anandamide (AEA), which has been nicknamed the “bliss molecule” and correlated with a sense of pleasure and elation. The other important endocannabinoid is called 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). 

 

Both endocannabinoids and plant-derived cannabinoids connect to your receptors and send a message to your ECS on how to adjust to remain in balance. Additionally, your body produces enzymes such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), which have been shown to degrade endocannabinoids. Some experts theorize that when those enzymes are released in excess, it can result in an insufficient level of endocannabinoids known as endocannabinoid deficiency and can lead to imbalance within the body. 

 

The takeaway: Your endocannabinoid system supports the functioning of several processes and systems in the body and has been associated with influencing mood, stress response, circadian rhythm, hormones, and so much more. When you increase your body’s cannabinoid levels, you can aid your ECS in functioning at peak performance. 

 

Here are some ways you can boost your ECS naturally:

All The Ways You Can Boost Your ECS

  1. Sing and dance your heart out. Do you really need a reason to sing and dance? Probably not, but now you now have an excuse to belt out your favorite Adele tune or bust out some moves to Lizzo. Not only is singing and dancing fun, but it can also be an entertaining way to increase your endocannabinoid levels so your ECS get back into the swing of things. 
  2. Move your body. Whether you enjoy yoga, running, spin classes, or a brisk walk, exercising can have beneficial effects on your ECS. Research findings suggest that engaging in exercise can increase the amount of endocannabinoids in your body, meaning more “bliss” molecules. Many of our members like to take their CBD doses before a workout because they report it enhances the feel good benefits from their workout. 
  3. Spark joy and subdue stress. Ongoing stress can have a serious detrimental effect on your ECS. On the other hand, a well-supported ECS can help you fight the effects of stress and elevate your endocannabinoid levels. Engaging in activities that bring you joy and decrease stress can be a great way to help. Our favorite ways to destress are socializing with friends, getting a massage, deep breathing exercises, and meditation, but feel free to do whatever you enjoy.
  4. Indulge in dark chocolate. Cocoa contains compounds that some researchers believe mimic our cannabinoids and increase anandamide levels. Now you have another great reason to munch on some dark chocolate! 
  5. Use phytocannabinoids, like CBD. When your ECS is out of tune, try taking some Daily Drops, Daily Softgels, or Daily Gummies each day to supplement and help rebalance your ECS in getting back on track. 

 

Want to learn more about CBD? Check out our other blog posts, Youtube channel, and tune into our webinars! 

 

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