The ECS: Is it Your Body's Most Important System?

If you’ve taken any type of science or physiology class, then you have probably heard terms like, “skeletal system, nervous system, respiratory system,” etc.

What you probably have not heard of because science and medical books fail to include it) is the endocannabinoid system (ECS for short).

It’s a long word packed with benefits.

And believe it or not, it may just be your body’s most important organ system.

So, what exactly is this secret system that has been hidden from us for decades now? What does it regulate? And what can we do to enhance its functioning?

We’re glad you asked. Let’s dive in…

Although the ECS was discovered back in 1992 by Dr. Lumir Hanus and Dr. William Devane, it was intentionally swept under the rug.

Why?

We may never know. But Dr. Rachel Knox has her suspicions, which link to the greed of the Big Pharma and Big Food industry—which all play into our nation’s current health crisis.

And although the ECS has been kept from educational textbooks, it’s actually the one in charge of the other eleven systems in our body.

All animals (except insects) have an ECS. Dr. Knox compares its responsibility to that of a switchboard. It functions in and across all physiological processes and organs, it enhances your body to act and react to internal and external stimuli like running from a bear (an external stimuli, or fight or flight reaction) and hunger (an internal stimuli), and finally, it directs, corrects, and manages your overall health.

Quite the list of responsibilities, if you ask us. Now onto your next question...

We know that the ECS is heavily involved in all aspects of living, but what does it do specifically?

What must first be noted are the four components that make up the ECS…

1. Two cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2)
2. Ligands that bind to those receptors
3. Synthesizing enzymes
4. Degradative enzymes

So many scientific, hard-to-wrap-your-head-around words, we know. So, here’s a breakdown…

Dr. Knox uses this analogy which paints their functions beautifully—

Say you live in an apartment and your neighbor across the hall is being extra loud that night. They’re throwing a rom-com movie marathon and the volume is at full blast. So what do you do?

You walk across the hallway and kindly ask that they turn the volume down.

Well, that’s exactly what your ECS does when pain, stress, or inflammation comes into the picture.

It signals the other cells and nerves throughout your body to calm down, thus putting your body back into homeostasis (or, balance).

Pretty cool, huh?

So, is there a way to make sure your ECS is at the top of its game at all times?

In fact, there is a way. There are four things you can do to optimize the functioning of your ECS.

Two words that are destroying the health of America and beyond—Big Food.

The Big Food Industry (think: McDonald’s, Nestle, Coca-Cola) are intentionally leaking disease-amplifying GMOs, artificial ingredients, and sugar into the food and drinks that millions of people are consuming every day, multiple times a day.

So, what can you do to combat the unhealthy, manipulative food industry?

The answer is short and (not so) simple: Vote with your dollars.

Voting with your dollars means opting for fresh, organic fruits and vegetables rather than packaged, processed food and drinks like Oreos, Mountain Dew, Doritos, and even the so-called “healthy” products like sugary salad dressings, dried fruit, and ketchup.

It will take time, but your body (and ECS) will thank you!

Incorporating adaptogenic herbs like CBD, ashwagandha, and holy basil are excellent wing women in supporting you, your health, and your ECS.

CBD tackles cases like pain, anxiety, and depression by activating those receptors we talked about above—the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Ashwagandha helps calm the brain, reduces inflammation, lowers, blood pressure, and alters the immune system. Holy basil assists the body by relieving anxiety and fatigue, fighting off the common cold, and improving memory and cognitive function.

The reality is that it is very unlikely we get all of our nutrients from food—especially if reaching for packaged foods and/or eating out—so supplements are more necessary in this day and age. And with the use of adaptogenic herbs, you are nourishing your body with the calming properties it needs to heal from the constant stress it succumbs to on a daily basis.

As always, be sure to consult a healthcare professional or a holistic practitioner before adding any supplements to your regimen—as some may have adverse effects.

Every now and again, a detox is beneficial. We’re not telling you to go sign up for a juice cleanse and buy $300 worth of green juice. Not at all.

The type of detox we recommend is eliminating alcohol, sugar, and processed foods and drinking more water (about 9 cups a day for females and 13 cups a day for males). Do this for seven days and take note of how you feel.

Our guess is that you’ll feel more energetic, rejuvenated, and recover more easily from long workdays and intense workouts.

Phytocannabinoids—you guessed it—can be gained through the consistent, daily use of a high-quality hemp product like our Full Spectrum CBD Oil.

When you choose a hemp product that embodies whole-plant cannabis, you will enhance the healing of your ECS dysfunction and overall wellness.

Cannabimimetic (another long, science-y word) practices include things like sleep, exercise, yoga and meditation, deep breathing, and prayer. As Dr. Knox says, “Cannabimimetic practices soothe and tone the ECS as though they were supplements themselves.”

Your ECS is a system that does so much for you, and it’s about time to give it some love and attention.

When you focus on your well-being, you may not see what happens on the inside of your body, but you will most certainly feel it.

As Dr. Knox so eloquently proclaims in her TedX Talk, “Not until we start taking good care of ourselves do we opt out of the big business of disease. And the revolution is you choosing to live in balance, and the endocannabinoid system is your on-ramp.”

Our advice—and Dr. Knox’s—is that you choose just one of the four tips to enhance your ECS. Choose one and stick with it. And then once you feel comfortable and confident, add one more. That’s the ultimate key to sustainable, healthy living.