In the holistic series, parts 3 & 4, we took a look into maintaining the endocannabinoid system (ECS) through specific essential compounds. Here we will take a look into cannabinoid receptors and lifestyle choices that support the ECS and wellbeing.

Before we dive in, a quick recap on the ESC and its components. The ECS is designed to maintain the body’s internal balance or homeostasis and is comprised of endocannabinoid molecules (Anandamide & 2-AG – our body produces), phytocannabinoids or plant-based cannabinoids (e.g. THC & CBD), cannabinoid receptors (CB1 & CB2), and the enzymes (FAAH & MAGL) responsible for synthesizing or breaking down the cannabinoids once their role is complete.

Cannabinoids, whether they are plant-based or endogenous, are the ‘messengers’ that bind to the receptors to elicit an effect. A simple example would be THC, or the messenger, binding to CB1 receptors in the brain, and the response or effect results in euphoria or the high you feel with cannabis.

Why are CB receptors important?

The most essential function of the ECS is to maintain internal balance. This is done by endocannabinoids and the CB1 and CB2 receptors located throughout the body. When the ECS identifies a process that is out of balance, the endocannabinoids needed are made on-demand to interact with the receptors. This triggers a chemical reaction that targets and corrects the imbalance, restoring balance to the body.

CB1 receptors

• Most abundant in the brain, specifically in the areas of memory and learning, motor control, behaviors and emotions, and movement and balance.
• Also found in areas of reasoning and language, consciousness, fear and anger, body temperature, sleep, appetite, and thirst.
• Within the liver, reproductive, cardiovascular, and skeletal systems, gastrointestinal tract, and immune system.

CB2 receptors

• Play an essential role in immune function, pain management, and inflammation.
• Mainly found on immune cells throughout the body, the tonsils, spleen, and in some bone and liver cells.
• When CB2 are activated by inflammation, they respond like a switch, turning on an intracellular process that promotes balance.
• Helps manage behaviors associated with reward and addiction.

Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor. The effects that result depend on where the receptor is located, and which endocannabinoid binds to it.

Influencing ECS and CB receptors

Everything you do and everything you eat affects your ECS, which affects your CB receptors. The day-to-day events like your job, taking care of family, shopping, exercising, gardening, and the meals, snacks, and beverages consumed, all affect your ECS. Think about this for a minute. What you take in becomes what you are. Just like that old saying, you are what you eat. If you take in toxic foods and drinks you will become toxic yourself. Toxicity brings on diseases and conditions that are undesirable and can cause us pain and emotional distress.

How your diet and exercise affect your CB receptors

Diet

As discussed in the two previous holistic medicine articles, diet is a big deal when it comes to the ECS. Here are a few foods and their role on specific CB receptors.

• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel’s sprouts, arugula, kale, cabbage, Bok choy, and watercress contain a molecule that binds to CB2 receptors = anti-inflammatory and antioxidant response.