clinical endocannabinoid deficiency
By Dr. Barry Morrison
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What if I told you our immune system is keeping a secret? Researchers believe the underlying cause of many health challenges could be traced back to a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency. If you’re not aware of this term, you should be!
Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD) explains the symptoms and conditions that develop when the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) isn’t working properly. We’ve previously discussed the endocannabinoid system and its role in regulating a wide array of physiologic processes designed to maintain optimal health. Our bodies naturally produce neuro-modulatory lipids called endocannabinoids. These lipids stimulate the cannabinoid receptors throughout the body which elicit chemical responses. Creating an internal balance which is known as homeostasis. This is a vital function the body strives to maintain allowing us to survive in a demanding and ever-changing environment.
Malfunctioning Endocannabinoid System
Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency is the belief that conditions can occur as a result of a malfunction of the body’s ECS. This may result from a lack of endocannabinoids being produced and having missing or defective receptors. As a result, many physiologic functions aren’t regulated properly and the body becomes unbalanced. Therefore, this may open the door for diseases to begin manifesting.
Some of the latest cannabis research lead by Dr. Ethan Russo a world renowned researcher who proposed the theory of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency’ (CECD) which was presented in 2001 in two publications and was more thoroughly explored in 2004 in a study, published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters. It was explained that all humans have an underlying endocannabinoid tone which can reflect the following:
- levels of anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (acting endocannabinoids)
- synthesis
- catabolism
- density of the cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
All of these factors play an important role in assessing whether one has CECD. Deficient cannabinoid levels might explain why some conditions develop. CECD can be defined as a condition or illness resulting from a lack of our production of cannabinoids.
Endocannabinoid Involvement
Examining the available literature, Dr. Russo had found evidence that people diagnosed with certain conditions had lower levels of endocannabinoids. He suggested that a person deficient in endocannabinoids and/or cannabinoid receptors may explain why supplementing with cannabinoids found in plants like hemp were effective. Keep in mind the two main strains of cannabis known as hemp and marijuana do have their differences. Hemp containing low enough levels of the psychotropic compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) preventing the euphoric effects. Whereas, marijuana contains high levels of THC creating the euphoria.
Dr. Russo concluded that “Migraines, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and related conditions display common clinical, biochemical and pathophysiological patterns. This suggests an underlying clinical endocannabinoid deficiency that may be treated with cannabinoid medicines”.
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Hemp’s Role
Therefore, cannabinoids found in plants like hemp, including cannabidiol (CBD), are analogous to the endocannabinoids naturally produced by the body. It is very important to know what to look for when buying CBD, which I have reviewed in a previous segment. Research shows hemp’s CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system. This interaction elicits a chemical response that helps to bring about homeostasis.
Several other disorders besides migraine, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome have been linked to a deficiency in endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating the release of specific neurotransmitters. Diseases that are attributed to this dysfunction, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, may be related to clinical endocannabinoid deficiency.
Future Research
Further research is needed to prove the theory of endocannabinoid deficiency. However, this could open the door for methods to prevent and manage certain difficult to treat conditions. Russo believes cannabinoids from cannabis plants like hemp are essential nutrients that can minimize certain diseases by assisting the endocannabinoid system and ensuring that it functions properly. This is why so many are turning to CBD and experiencing a “High on Health.”
To continue learning more about cannabinoids and their therapeutic properties, or would like to learn what I recommend for my patients? Head on over to CBDPROONLINE.COM and visit our Education tab to view the many articles & videos that are posted for you.
Remember…With CBD – NOW YOU CAN!
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