Imagine the human body as a complex microcircuit, where billions of connections are responsible for individual vital processes. The microcircuit described can be compared to the human endocannabinoid system, where each cannabinoid, interacting through receptors CB1 and CB2, stimulates mood changes, the nervous system and various biological processes. There are different types of receptors in our body that respond to different signals and influence different processes, but it is the CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors that are currently the subject of the most debate. Endocannabinoids are the body’s natural chemical compounds produced by the body’s own cells.
The best known endocannabinoid is anandamine and let’s find out what happens when it malfunctions.
Anandamine is the earliest discovered and perhaps the best known endocannabinoid, also known as the “happiness molecule”. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word “ananda”, which means “happiness” or “joy”. It is one of the endogenous cannabinoids that occur naturally in the body. It is part of the neurotransmitter that acts on the endocannabinoid system. We understand that scientific terms can seem overly complex, so to put it simply:
When this cannabinoid is not functioning properly, a person may feel constantly tired, in a bad mood, and may have difficulty falling asleep and getting quality rest. In other words, anandamine is most associated with the central nervous system.
When it does its job properly, a person feels happy and enjoys life. Everything would be great, but the problem is that our bodies are constantly affected by harmful factors, such as stressful situations, bad habits, and polluted air. In this way, gradually our endocannabinoid system gets out of balance, various inflammatory processes can start inside the cell, which negatively affects the human well-being.
So, what should we do to have enough of the so-called “molecules of happiness” in our body?
Natural ways to maintain or increase anandamine levels in the body:
Physical activity
Regular physical activity, including training and exercise, can help increase anandamine levels. When the body is physically active, the production of endocannabinoids, including anandamine, can increase.
Meditation
Some research suggests that meditation and other stress-reducing practices can help increase anandamine levels in the body.
Nutrition
Certain foods can affect the endocannabinoid system. For example, certain foods containing omega-3 fatty acids can help regulate endocannabinoid activity. It has been discovered that even such a delicacy as dark chocolate is the truest source of anandamine. Of course, this is a high-calorie product, so you need to enjoy it responsibly.
Fiber hemp (Cannabis sativa)
Hemp is one of the main sources of the cannabinoid anandamine. The amazing thing is that the phytocannabinoids in hemp fiber are able to interact perfectly with our endocannabinoids and thus regulate the entire endocannabinoid system.
It is hemp products, especially CBD oil, that are a real helper in regulating the endocannabinoid system of our body. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many (currently over 120 discovered) phytocannabinoids found in the fibrous hemp plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive and non-addictive. So this cannabinoid was a real discovery for scientists, when it was found that it can interact with cannabinoids in the human body, thus activating the necessary receptors. And although all these scientific terms and definitions may seem confusing, it is important to understand that a person’s well-being depends on the proper functioning of the endocannabinoid system. And in order for the latter to do its job properly, high-quality CBD oil can be very useful.