The Link between Immunity and Our Microbiome – ECS
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The human body is a complex structure that consists of many organs, hormones, and systems that make you who you are and how you are. They influence your personality, and more importantly, health, immunity, and well-being.
When it comes to health, discussions revolve around immune systems and primarily white blood cells (knights against pathogens). However, there’s an unsung hero, Endocannabinoid System (ECS), that plays a significant role in your immune system, personality, and overall well-being.
In this article, you’ll learn all about the Endocanabinoid System and the role it plays in your health.
What Is the Endocannabinoid System?
Cells are the basic units of living things. And, from approximately 200 types of cells, there are trillions of cells in the human body. However, human cells in your body are outnumbered by microbial cells. Many of these microbes are located in the gut and constitute the microbiome ecosystem. This ecosystem comprises of bacteria, viruses, archaea, and fungi.
These microscopic organisms perform critical functions in your body, such as converting nutrients into a usable form and others, which are crucial for your well-being. However numerous they are or vast this ecosystem is, it’s interconnected, with well-coordinated functions, and is always in communication with your brain.
That’s right. Your gut and your brain are always in touch. This is achieved via the vagus nerve and the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a highly complex system that cells use to signal each other. Though the endocannabinoid system is yet to be fully understood, research indicates that it plays a role in mood, sleep, memory, appetite, and reproduction, and other critical body functions.
The endocannabinoid system is made up of three parts:
Endocannabinoids
Receptors around your body and nervous system that bond with endocannabinoids and cannabinoids
Enzymes that break down endocannabinoids and cannabinoids
The ECS system and immune system have a symbiotic relationship with the aim of ensuring the body functions normally. This partnership enables swift response to pathogens and helps in the maintenance of pathways that regulate and maintain the body’s tolerance to innocuous antigens.
Cannabinoids and the Immune System
Studies on the ECS have revealed that cannabinoids help keep the immune system in optimal levels by protecting and lubricating some of its systems. In addition, they help alleviate pain and relieve symptoms of disease progression. Some of the autoimmune diseases cannabinoids help treat include Parkinson’s disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis.
Cannabinoids also play a crucial in maintaining or restoring optimal brain function by supporting and regulating neurogenesis and neurodegeneration. Based on the results from studies conducted on animals, cannabinoids help to alleviate symptoms of traumatic head injuries and stroke.
How Can I Boost My Immunity?
As the name suggests, endocannabinoids are produced inside your body. However, you can supplement them by taking CBD, made from extracting cannabinoids from the marijuana plant to ensure your immunity is always in peak condition.
Down To Earth offers a wide range of CBD products suitable for various conditions. Get in touch with us today to have your first order of immune-boosting CBD delivered to you.
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