Is sugar sabotaging your ECS

I came across a very interesting article this week that talked about how a poor diet may adversely affect your endocannabinoid system (ECS), which may in turn reduce the effectiveness of your Beta Caryophyllene (BCP) supplement. 

Poor diet, particularly the overconsumption of sugar, can have a negative effect on the ECS and can actually disrupt its normal functioning.  I know that this can be a “touchy” subject, but I think it’s fair to say that everyone that is reading this newsletter is looking to improve their health or at the very least trying to prevent dis-ease in their bodies.  So let’s get real and have a look at how that extra glass of wine or that bread laden lunch may be hindering your BCP from doing its job!  Here’s what I learnt:-

When the ECS is working properly, it helps the body maintain a balanced state known as homeostasis.  The ECS has been found to be responsible for vital functions such as regulating our mood, appetite, inflammation, the immune system, and other functions of the body.  However, when the ECS is unstable, the reverse can happen, resulting in a variety of health issues, including metabolic disorders, mood disorders, and chronic inflammation.

Basically, your health will reflect the unhealthy condition of your ECS, and therefore, you may not reap the full health benefits of your BCP, or you may need to take a much higher serving than others.

Being tired all the time, irritability and a poor memory, can possibly mean that you are deficient in some nutrients.  These issues rarely go away on their own and must be addressed through by improving our nutrition.

Many people are unaware that their ECS is malnourished.

So how exactly does this happen?

One of the primary ways that poor diet, particularly the overconsumption of sugar, can negatively impact the ECS is by altering the levels of endocannabinoids, the natural compounds that activate the ECS. Research has shown that a diet high in sugar can reduce the levels of endocannabinoids in the body, leading to a state of ECS deficiency. This deficiency can cause a range of symptoms, including mood swings, anxiety, and depression.

Moreover, overconsumption of sugar can also lead to the development of insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin. Insulin resistance has been shown to reduce the activity of and disrupt the balance of the body’s ECS.

Also, a high sugar diet can lead to chronic inflammation, which can further disrupt the ECS. Chronic inflammation can cause the immune system to produce more cytokines, which can actually activate the CB2 receptor in the body. However, prolonged activation of these receptors can lead to the desensitisation of CB2 receptors, making them less responsive to endocannabinoids and leading to a state of ECS deficiency.

Previously, we discussed the importance of getting enough essential fatty acids in your diet (click here to read). They are referred to as essential because our bodies cannot produce them; however, they are necessary for optimal health, including the state of your ECS.  In fact, Omega 3 fatty acids are needed to produce our naturally occurring endocannabinoids.  Adding wild caught salmon, olive oil and avocados to your diet are a great start.  

We all can consume too much sugar and not even realise it.  We’re all aware that there is sugar in fruit juice and soft drinks, but we can forget about the sugar in bread and even potatoes.

For some of us, cutting out sugar can be like cutting off your right arm, BUT your ECS will love you more for it, and not to mention, your BCP will be absorbed much more efficiently, and you may find you don’t need as much!

So in conclusion, poor diet, particularly the overconsumption of sugar, can have a negative impact on the ECS, disrupting its normal functioning and leading to a range of health problems. Reducing sugar intake and adopting a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for maintaining a healthy ECS and promoting overall well-being.

I bet you’re glad I waited until after Easter for this little talk.  I hope you have already eaten all of your Easter Eggs – haha!!

Sources:.https://mitchellsmedicinals.com/2023/01/25/how-a-poor-diet-can-affect-your-endocannabinoid-system/;: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6287734/;  https://joe.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/joe/238/3/R105.full.pdf;  https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/94/11/4163/2596316; : https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jne.12728;  https://www.nature.com/articles/0803667

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.