If you happen to be one of the millions of sufferers of chronic illness, including inflamed digestive systems, musculoskeletal pain, lethargy, anxiety, as well as a host of other symptoms, you may feel at the end of your rope as it relates to getting relief. However, instead of turning to pharmaceutical drugs, it might be eye opening, instead, to try to understand the root of the problem and how CBD might help. In fact, what you are living through might be an indicator that you are suffering from a deficiency within your endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

What is the ECS?

If you are unfamiliar with what the endocannabinoid system is and what it does, then realize you have plenty of company. The ECS is a relatively new discovery—dating back only to the late 1980s when a study was conducted at St. Louis University School of Medicine. 

The ECS is a biological system that every person has inside their body. It is essentially a grid of connectors that helps an individual achieve homeostasis, otherwise known as the perfect natural balance of mental and physical abilities in response to an external or internal physiological change. 

Comprised of cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids, and enzymes, the system connects the central nervous system with the peripheral nervous system through two receptors called cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). These receptors react with endogenous compounds, which seek to correct physiological imbalances when stimulated. However, if this system is out of balance and the correct responses are not communicated, an ECS deficiency can be experienced. 

What is an ECS Deficiency?

First examined by Dr. Ethan Russo in 2001, the theory surrounding ECS deficiency suggests that when proper endocannabinoids are not produced by the body, a person can experience many health issues.  And since the ECS manages multiple bodily functions, such as mood, mental clarity, sleep, and more, then the problems manifest in a chronic fashion.  Some diagnosed signs of ECS deficiency include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, and migraines. Additionally, here are some other top signs to be aware of:

• Poor diet: The prevalence of trans-fats and high-calorie foods can cause significant inflammation within the body and can adversely impact the ECS, thereby creating an imbalance within the gut and digestive system.  On the flip side, foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids help develop CB1 receptors—think walnuts, anchovies, flax seeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds. 
• Stress: Living with heightened stress can lead to many harmful effects because the body reduces its levels of certain endocannabinoids, which will create unbalance in the ECS as hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, will fluctuate wildly. This, in turn, can cause weight fluctuations, heart disease, muscle tension, anxiety, suppress the immune system, and much more. 
• Lack of sleep:  The ECS plays a part in regulating the sleep/wake cycle and if endocannabinoid receptors are being stimulated too much or too little, your ability to achieve restorative sleep can be impacted.  When you are not able to sleep well, memory, mood, weight, hormone levels, and more can be affected and tissues may be unable to repair themselves properly, leading to fatigue, chronic pain, and premature aging. 

How CBD Can Help

While the idea of an ECS deficiency can be troubling to think about, realize that there is hope—and it doesn’t involve prescription drugs or expensive medical tests. The ECS can be stabilized and balanced by introducing CBD oils, tinctures, capsules, and other infused products into your approach to health and wellness.  When CBD products are combined with proper exercise, a balanced and healthy diet, understanding your family’s past medical history, and developing a healthy stress management program, your body can achieve homeostasis and the ECS deficiency could potentially be addressed. 

At Asé Pure Naturals, a woman-owned organic CBD company, we only produce CBD products that are safe, nutrient rich, and taste fantastic. We are passionate about helping our customers live rich and satisfying lives by managing ECS deficiencies and other issues, including anxiety, insomnia, and more by using hemp-derived CBD products that are pure and free from contamination. We invite you to browse our products and contact us for more information.