It is a fact that CBD helps to maintain balance in the body. This is where homeostasis comes into play. Most of the benefits of CBD come about by regulating the endocannabinoid system. This in turn affects homeostasis in the body. This balance helps to keep the body system running daily. CBD and Homeostasis work hand in hand to make our body achieve balance.
Definition Of Homeostasis
In simple terms, homeostasis is your body’s ability to maintain internal balance. this includes when confronted with external stress. a car uses internal signals to make sure that it doesn’t overheat or run out of gas. our body uses internal signals to make sure you’re not too hot, too cold, or running out of fuel. When these signals are functioning, so are you.
In the absence of homeostasis, your body is unable to overcome challenges. it can’t prevent damage from occurring. this results in what we recognize as an inflammatory disease. But, when your body is in a state of equilibrium, it can mitigate the challenges that arise.
Why Do We Need Homeostasis?
To survive, all living organisms need to maintain homeostasis.
The endocrine, exocrine, and nervous systems influence homeostasis. This is via negative feedback loops with a wide variety of internal systems. it helps to maintain a pre-set internal environment.
Even our very own cells are working to have appropriate concentrations of elements and minerals. for things like maintaining proper heart rhythm, conducting signals, and contracting muscle. All vital functions depend on ensuring the body operates in optimal condition. this is by regulating these conditions and indicators within a specific threshold.
You can make small adjustments, and increase or decrease stimuli on the cellular level. the human body can ensure our body functions.
The human body is in a constant state of flux in an attempt to maintain this equilibrium. Thereby it does this via a variety of adjustments known as homeostatic processes.
How Does Homeostasis Work?
Homeostasis control mechanisms contain three components which we can summarize into the following:
- A receptor neuron senses external stimuli. this then begins a response to send information to the control center (usually the brain).
- The control center signals an effector located in another part of the body to respond to the stimuli. The hypothalamus signal may go back through an effector neuron. it may release a short endocrine signal to the pituitary gland. this is for further hormone response.
- The effector then sends feedback again to the control center. this signals an increased response to the stimuli. the center informs the effector to stop signaling if an equilibrium is set.
- This three-step process continues as a loop known as positive or negative feedback.
Major Examples Of Homeostasis
1. Temperature:
The body must maintain an average temperature of 37° C (98.6° F) to operate in optimal condition. The hypothalamus section of the brain controls when we sweat. Also, when it receives increasing impulses that we are too hot, it signals our body to start sweating. Once we reach 37° C, the same control center stops sending the signal. This is to stop sweating and maintain our core body temperature. Our core body temperature will also fluctuate with our sleep/wake cycles.
2. Glucose Levels:
Our Blood sugar levels rise when we eat. the body responds by releasing insulin from the pancreas. This occurs when the levels exceed an optimal operating threshold. it stores the excess glucose as glycogen. But, when blood sugar levels become too low, glucagon from the pancreas signals to the liver. it does this to convert its glycogen into glucose for immediate release.
3. Blood Pressure:
The cardiovascular system must maintain blood pressure within a reasonable range. it is to pump blood around the body and maintain organ perfusion. The cardiovascular center located in the brain receives impulses from receptors. They are in blood vessels around the body to increase or decrease the pressure. Blood pressure homeostasis also involves a complicated cascade of hormones. it involves the brain, kidneys, blood vessels, and even the lungs. the lung help regulate pressures in the long term.
CBD, Homeostasis, and The Endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system is a complex physiological system present in all mammals. Recent research has highlighted the complexity of the endocannabinoid system. They suggest it involves managing various homeostatic processes.
There is a solid body of research exploring the role of the endocannabinoid system. Up until now, studies show that it involves the following;
- managing pain,
- inflammation
- immune response
- appetite
- metabolism
- memory
- mood and emotion, and much more.
The endocannabinoid system consists of 3 main components:
1. Cannabinoid receptors (such as CB1 and CB2)
These are in various sites around the brain and body, as well as in specific cells of the immune system.
2. Endocannabinoids like anandamide and 2-AG
The brain processes them and binds them to either of the 2 cannabinoid receptors.
3. Metabolic enzymes that break up used endocannabinoids.
The two main enzymes in the endocannabinoid system are; FAAH, which breaks down anandamide. MAGL, which breaks down 2-AG
Research suggests that the endocannabinoid system goes to work when it senses certain imbalances in the body. it then switches back off once the order is back to the system.
How Can CBD Help Promote Homeostasis?
CBD is a natural compound derived from hemp. It doesn’t actually fit into any of the cannabinoid receptors in the body. But it is still able to stimulate activity in the receptors without binding to them.
Instead of binding either to CB1 or CB2 receptors, CBD has very unique way of providing homeostasis in the body.
- First, it promotes the synthesis of 2-AG. this, in turn, stimulates activity in the receptors.
- Secondly, studies show that CBD also inhibits the activity of FAAH. this is the enzyme responsible for breaking down anandamide.
- CBD also binds another G-protein coupled receptor known as TRPV-1. This receptor plays an active role in regulating body temperature. it also helps with pain and inflammation.
- CBD interacts with TRPV-1 and provokes an increase in both anandamide and 2-AG. This indirectly promotes healthy endocannabinoid activity.
- The endocannabinoid system involves so many homeostatic processes. CBD may help give your system the boost it needs to continue functioning.
