The human body is complex and the endocannabinoid system is a fairly new discovery so understanding how the ECS works and how CBD can help it function can be confusing. In reality, though, the concept is really quite simple.
We hear a lot of questions about this incredible system and are ready to answer them and review some ECS basics.
What is the endocannabinoid system, or ECS?
The Endocannabinoid System, commonly referred to as the “master regulator” within the body, plays a huge
part in the regulation of numerous bodily processes. It was discovered in the 1990s and new facts are being uncovered each day with groundbreaking research.
Thanks to a number of recent scientific studies, we are beginning to gain a deeper understanding of what the ECS does and how important it is. Many researchers believe the ECS is one of the most vital physiological systems in the body.
What parts of the body does the ECS influence?
Research shows the the endocannabinoid system can influence the following:
- Appetite
- Digestion
- Inflammation
- Immune response
- Pain
- Mood
- Memory
- Motor control
- Sleep
- Stress
- Bone health
- Muscle development
- Reproductive function
- Cardiovascular function
- Skin health
- Nerve function
What does the endocannabinoid system do?
What scientists have realized is that the endocannabinoid system fine-tunes most of our vital physiological functions, bringing balance to all of our inter-relating processes. So in basic terms, it’s like an orchestral conductor, ensuring that all sections play in harmony, none drowning out the other. This “harmony” is a balance that is commonly called homeostasis.
What is homeostasis?
Homeostasis occurs when the body maintains a balanced, well-functioning internal state regardless of external conditions. All living things, including people, animals and plants, rely on homeostasis to sustain a healthy existence.The word “homeostasis” is derived from Greek and means “similar”(homoios) and “standing still”(stasis), loosely translated to “remaining the same.”
When you think of homeostasis, think of balance or stability within a cell, a group of cells, or the whole body. This stability is important throughout the whole body and includes our nervous, immune, digestive, respiratory, reproductive and urinary systems.
What is the ECS made up of?
There are three main components of the ECS—endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
What are endocannabinoids?
First off, don’t confuse “endocannabinoids” and”cannabinoids”. Endocannabinoids are molecules made naturally by the body which produces them as needed. Cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, are chemically very similar to the naturally occurring endocannabinoids but are the product of the cannabis plant.
What are cannabinoid receptors?
Cannabinoid receptors sit on the outside of cells and monitor ongoing conditions. They transmit information 
about changing circumstances to the inside of the cell and signal needed responses. They have two main functions: governing the effects of the body’s natural endocannabinoids and regulating the effects of cannabinoids that come from the cannabis plant, like CBD. You can think of endocannabinoids and cannabinoids as keys and our the receptors as locks.
How many of these receptors are there in the human body?
Cannabinoid receptors are found all over the human body and are the most common receptors we have. In fact, the total number of cannabinoid receptors in the body is believed to be greater than all other neuro-modulatory receptors found in the body combined.
And where do the enzymes fit in?
Enzymes ensure that the valuable endocannabinoids (or cannabinoids if you take CBD) are utilized when needed and then quickly destroy the endocannabinoids within the ECS once they are used.
So how do all three of these things act together?
Any time your body encounters an imbalance like pain or anxiety, its natural instinct is to release the endocannabinoids into the system. After release, they are broken down by the body’s enzymes, travel to the cannabinoid receptors and ultimately change the messages from the “in distress” receptors back to the brain. A similar process occurs when CBD enters the system.
Do animals have an ECS, too?
Humans beings aren’t the only ones with an ECS. The endocannabinoid system found in all vertebrates! In fact, scientists have even discovered cannabinoid receptors in non-vertebrate sea-squirts suggesting an evolutionary process dating back over 500 million years.
Research shows that only a few species don’t have an ECS: sea sponges, nematode worms and anemones to name a few.
I’ve heard about ‘Endocannabinoid System Deficiency’. What is it?
Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies gradually make less and less natural endocannabinoids. This decrease can be caused by our lifestyles, health related issues and prescription drugs. An endocannabinoid deficiency is thought to be at the root of many diseases and maladies.
Painful issues such as migraines, fibromyalgia, and IBS point to conditions where the ECS is weakened. This is commonly known as Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency. So how is this condition treated? Well, supplementing the body with cannabinoids from the cannabis plant (CBD!!!!) often corrects these deficiencies and alleviates painful symptoms.
Why don’t I hear more about the endocannabinoid system from my doctors?
As we mentioned earlier, the endocannabinoid system has only been studied within the last 30 or so years. 
Mainstream medicine is slow to adopt new theories but we’re happy to report that, with the legalization of CBD with low or 0% THC levels, the medical community is beginning to sit up and take notice.
How does CBD work with the ECS to help me have a better life?
As you now know, the body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoids are very similar to cannabinoids like CBD. Researchers believe that supplementing with such cannabinoids can supplement the body’s natural endocannabinoids and ultimately help promote a state of homeostasis within the ECS. This could explain why countless users have reported a considerable supply of health benefits when adding cannabinoids like CBD (or THC for full-spectrum users) to their daily routines.
How should I begin my CBD journey?
Beginning your CBD journey can be confusing and expensive. Which type of CBD is best for you? What will you prefer, a CBD tincture, gummies or a softgel? In order to answer these questions, consumers often want to try out different forms of CBD to find the one that works best for them.
Does Purelix Wellness have any Sampler Packs?
Yes! Each one of our six Sampler Pack options includes:
YOU should be in control of your health so YOU make the choices!
Final Thoughts…
Our Premium CBD products are very reasonably priced because we want to give everyone the opportunity to try safe, powerful, premium CBD products. We have pride in the Purelix Wellness brand and can’t wait for you to experience the many benefits of CBD!
