What Is Endocannabinoid Deficiency?

The endocannabinoid system is a complex, cell-signalling system that is thought to regulate many of your body’s functions, including sleep, mood, digestion, pain perception, and immune function. Endocannabinoid deficiency is when the body is unable to produce or regulate its own endocannabinoids — the natural neurotransmitters that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate bodily functions. If endocannabinoid levels drop, or the connection between endocannabinoid and receptor isn’t made, your internal functions might be negatively affected.

Indeed, existing literature suggests that a lack of endocannabinoids is linked to the pathophysiology of migraines, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and a growing list of other medical conditions. It is thought that cannabinoids can block spinal, peripheral and gastrointestinal mechanisms that promote pain in headache, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and muscle spasm.

Exogenous cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis plant that share many similar properties to endocannabinoids — the chemical compounds mentioned above. CBD and THC are the most well-known cannabinoids of the hundreds that exist in the cannabis plant.

Endocannabinoid Deficiency Symptoms

It is thought that an endocannabinoid deficiency could lead to imbalances in your body as the system tries to maintain homeostasis. Some potential symptoms of an endocannabinoid deficiency are:

• chronic pain
• stress
• low mood
• insomnia
• poor digestion
• lower pain threshold

and other conditions that can be difficult to treat with traditional medications.

How to Test for Endocannabinoid Deficiency

There is currently no standardized test or diagnostic criteria for an endocannabinoid deficiency. Although there are some tests that might help to identify potential endocannabinoid deficiency, such as measuring levels of endocannabinoids or receptors in the blood, these tests are not widely available and their clinical relevance is up for debate.

Additionally, the concept of endocannabinoid deficiency is still a topic of debate among researchers, and its role in various health conditions is not well-established. Therefore, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns and to discuss any potential treatments or interventions.

How to Treat Endocannabinoid Deficiency

Researchers believe that an endocannabinoid deficiency may be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. However, it may be possible to treat an endocannabinoid deficiency using natural supplements, such as Cannabidiol (CBD).

People often use CBD to strengthen and enrich their endocannabinoid system because it has been shown to interact with the receptors and enzymes involved in the system, and inhibit the enzymes that break them down. This is thought to prolong the positive effects of endocannabinoids, enhancing their ability to regulate various physiological processes.

Final Thoughts

Research suggests that the ECS plays a significant role in many processes throughout the body, including mood, memory, motor control, appetite and digestion.

We hope that you enjoyed learning more about the endocannabinoid system and the many different roles that it can play to maintain your overall wellness. With this in mind, we would recommend exploring our wide range of premium CBD products which can be taken to support your ECS on a regular basis.

If you are concerned about your endocannabinoid system, or are experiencing any problems in relation to internal bodily functions, you should seek the advice of qualified medical professionals, such as your GP or pharmacist, who can advise you on the most appropriate method of treatment and care.