How the Endocannabinoid System Function Affects Autoimmune Diseases

There are more than 700 different uses for medical cannabis.

In fact, you can trace the medicinal use of cannabis as far back as 2000 BC!

But, what is it about cannabis that makes it particularly effective for treating autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis?

The answer lies with the fascinating endocannabinoid system function that occurs naturally within our own body.

Studies now show that this special biological system plays a significant role in internally balancing our physiological responses. This is also known as homeostasis. 

And, it's not just humans. Nearly all living things have an endocannabinoid system. 

This may sound complicated at first. Let’s break down exactly how the endocannabinoid system works and why it’s beneficial for treating autoimmune diseases.

The Role Of Cannabinoids and Receptors

If we’re going to talk about the endocannabinoid system, then we have to talk about cannabinoid receptors first.

Your endocannabinoid system function is run entirely by a special group of endogenous cannabinoid molecules and receptors.

A cannabinoid receptor is a type of cell membrane receptor, also known as a cell surface receptor.  

Biological receptors of any type are actually protein molecules themselves.

The job of a biological receptor is to collect and process chemical signals. When these protein molecules and receptors bind, it creates a chemical reaction on a cellular level.

Like any other biological receptor, cannabinoid receptors are also found in several areas of the human body.

However, these receptors are more concentrated in your brain and central nervous system. Therefore, cannabinoid receptors play a huge role in regulating such physiological responses as mood and memory for example.

Thus, it’s not hard to see why cannabinoids are frequently prescribed for treating the physical and emotional side effects of autoimmune conditions

Let’s look further at how this system affects autoimmune diseases specifically.

The Endocannabinoid System's Effect On Autoimmune Diseases

The endocannabinoid system is a continuous process of cannabinoid molecules binding with receptors to produce reactions within your central nervous and immune system.

But what makes it particularly effective for treating autoimmune diseases is the presence of two crucial cannabinoid receptors, known as the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors.

And where are these receptors primarily located? Your immune system.

Therefore, when cannabinoid molecules naturally bind to those receptors in your immune system, it benefits the following:

• Appetite
• Mood
• Memory
• Physical pain
• Depression and anxiety
• Stress
• Sleep

What You can Do

So how do autoimmune diseases work?

These diseases occur when your own immune system starts attacking healthy cells. This sends your immune system into overdrive by creating antibodies to attack healthy cells, instead of attacking actual viruses and bacteria.

And this is where your endocannabinoid system comes in.

While there is technically no cure for autoimmune diseases, they can be managed with cannabinoid treatments that put your immune system back on track by taking it out of “overdrive.”

If you or a loved one have any of the following autoimmune conditions, then it’s time to take a serious look at what your endocannabinoid system function can do for you:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriasis
• Diabetes
• multiple sclerosis
• Celiac disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Glaucoma
• Fibromyalgia and chronic pain

The answer to treating your autoimmune disease may lie right with your body's own natural processes. 

Sign up now to learn more about the wonders of your endocannabinoid system from the experts themselves!