Articles by Dr. Erdman are for informational purposes, and are not to be taken as specific medical advice.
Now that we’ve
gone through what CBD is and what the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is, we can
now look at specific areas that these essential compounds called cannabidiols
and terpenes can help.
With age, our
bodies become less efficient in creating the compounds needed for optimal
health. Lack of the two major cannabinoids, anandamide and 2-AG, can actually
be used as biological markers for certain illnesses and conditions.
Endocannabinoid
deficiency has been identified in people who have migraines, fibromyalgia,
irritable bowel disease, inflammatory and neurological conditions and other
treatment resistant conditions. Another major study found low anandamide levels
in those with stress induced anxiety.
They’ve also
discovered that there is a relationship between your omega-3 levels and your
ECS. Omega 3 facts make your cannabinoid receptors more active, and are the
backbone of what cannabinoids are made from in your body.
The top
conditions associated with low cannabinoid levels include: pain,, inflammation,
and inflammatory conditions such as Crohns, irritable bowel, acne, and many
others. It is found in those with stress, anxiety and insomnia. The eyes, bones
and neurological conditions are also susceptible to low cannabinoid levels.
These people are endocannabinoid deficient.
The ECS plays a
role in gut health. The ECS controls bowel motility, intestinal inflammation,
abdominal pain, gut permeability (think nutrient absorption), and tolerance to
antigens (think food allergies). Anandamide specifically regulates the
immunological response in the gut.
A full spectrum
dose of 25 mg CBD reduces the excitability of the brain. CBD is involved in
various neurotransmitters that are involved in controlling the normal sleep
cycle. In other words, it can help insomnia.
Studies
indicate CBD given when blood pressure is elevated reduces resting blood
pressure and inhibits the increase of blood pressure when stress increases.
There are
studies that indicated help for epileptics, diabetics and those with multiple
sclerosis. It can help the ovarian/female reproductive system, Parkinson’s and
Alzheimer’s and pediatric seizures.
It is being
used to combat PTSD induced nightmares.
It is not
surprising that CBD has so many benefits since there is actually an ECS in the
human body and many animals. There are some 104 compounds classified as
cannabinoids.
There are ways
to naturally boost your endocannabinoid levels without necessarily taking a
supplement. You must optimize your omega 3 levels and avoid pesticides and
phthalates. Exposing yourself to cold temperatures upregulates cannabinoid
production. Intermittent fasting increases CBD levels. Regular caffeine
consumption regulates and enhances the activation of CBD receptors. Reduce
stress with exercise, which causes release of endorphin and cannabinoids in
your brain.
When purchasing
a high quality hemp product look for as many of these points as possible:
organic, non-GMO, full spectrum phytocannabinoids, verified pesticide and
herbicide free, grown from certified seeds and not hybrids with marijuana, and
sometimes kosher certified is also available.
Look for
companies that advertise hemp oil and talk about phytocannabinoids, not ones
that simply advertise CBD. Responsible companies talk about nourishing the ECS,
not just providing CBD.
Now that you
have a much better understanding of this new avenue of nutrition, you can
responsibly use these products and purchase products that actually work.