Foods that support your Endocannabinoid System

You’re probably aware that there are many ways in which we can support or stimulate the different systems of our body.  For example, we can support our digestive system by taking supplements such as probiotics, reducing stress and perhaps embracing a gluten-free diet.  Today, I want to talk about, similarly, we can support our Endocannabinoid System (ECS) for optimal health.  And we can do this WITHOUT the use of cannabis – yay!

Back in the 1990’s researchers went looking for the answers as to why cannabis seemed to help with so many different health conditions.  This led to the discovery of a complex signalling system within all mammals, which helps our bodies to maintain homeostasis (basically means “balance”) at a CELLULAR LEVEL.  The researchers named this system the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) after the plant that led to its identification.

“The endogenous cannabinoid system, named after the plant that led to its discovery, is perhaps the most important physiologic system involved in establishing and maintaining human health.”

— Dr. Dustin Sulak

So if there are ways to support this system without having to worry about the “boys in the blue” or being so “chilled out” that you can’t get off the lounge, then I think that is something well worth looking into – agreed??

Just like any other system in our bodies, there are certain foods, supplements and lifestyle changes that we can add to our daily routines that may help stimulate or support our ECS that could result in improved health and wellbeing.  

Of course, Canna OilsUltra and Ultra Blend are great non-cannabis products that support your ECS.  Our beta caryophyllene (BCP) – a terpene not only found in cannabis, but in thousands of plants, including cloves and black pepper – is a direct binder of the CB2 receptors of our ECS – read here to learn more. 

But today, I wanted to focus on other ways to support our ECS.  I think I may make this a series and, each coming week, take a look at other ways in which we can help “balance” our bodies on a cellular level.  There is never one silver bullet when it comes to our health, so let’s look at a food group which we can add to our BCP supplementation to improve our wellness.

Essential Fatty Acids:

Research has found that a healthy omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio can improve ECS activation. Endocannabinoids (cannabinoids that are produced by the body – that is, not a supplemented source) are synthesised from arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid.

Endocannabinoid synthesis requires enough arachidonic acid, but too much can lead to down-regulation of cannabinoid receptors. Read here to learn more about seed oils and omega ratio.

Omega-3 fatty acids are required to balance omega-6 fats, allowing the ECS to function effectively.  The optimal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 in the diet is 1:1, while the typical western diet frequently has a 1:10 ratio – wow!! Animal sources of omega-3 are the most potent, but there are vegetarian options as well such as hemp seeds, hemp seed oil, walnuts and pasture raised eggs.
Here’s an excerpt from a previous blog on Essential Fatty Acids.  “An individual’s dietary omega-3/omega-6 ratio affects not only inflammatory processes, but also the balance and tone of the entire endocannabinoid system. And, since the ECS works to maintain homeostasis within the body as a whole, this relationship goes a long way toward explaining that when our omega fatty acid intake deviates too far from the ideal ratio, everything from our brain to our gut may be thrown off balance”  Click here to read the full blog.

I hope that this helps you to see that if we are truly looking to improve our physical and mental wellbeing, then there are many things that we can do to assist our bodies so they are able to work optimally. A body that is functioning optimally is less likely to feel sick, sore and sorry!!!  So let’s keep up with our daily Canna Oils Ultra or Ultra Blend, but also introduce other ECS supporting foods.  But don’t forget the other side of the coin – you may also need to remove some foods as well. 

Have a wonderful weekend – perhaps make yourself a yummy pasture raised egg and wild caught salmon omelette for Sunday brekky 🙂

Julie

Sources:https://www.leafly.com/news/health/how-to-stimulate-the-endocannabinoid-system-without-cannabis
https://realmofcaring.org/research/dietary-omega-6-omega-3-and-endocannabinoids-implications-for-brain-health-and-diseases/

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Disclaimer:  The information in this post is for reference purposes only and not intended to constitute or replace professional medical advice or personal research. Please consult a qualified medical professional before making any changes to your diet, medications or lifestyle. Effects are provided as a guide only.  Statements have not been evaluated by the TGA.