How CBD and caffeine affect the endocannabinoid system

HIDDEN SYSTEM IN OUR BODY

It's amazing how smart our bodies are. It is naturally equipped with systems that provide many vital functions that we don't even realise are taking place. Some of our body's hidden activities can be recognized if we focus our attention on them. Like breathing or heartbeat. Other processes are harder to see.

CB1 AND CB2 RECEPTOR RECOGNITION

We recognise such functional systems and processes in our body through scientific investigation and gradually learn to understand how we actually function biologically. In 1990, scientists discovered and isolated the CB1 receptorin our body. It is a cellular receiver of a certain type of signal. A few years later, this discovery was joined by another, the CB2 receptor.

Thefirst CB1receptor foundis found in the brain. TheCB2 receptor is associated with the immune system and the CNS (central nervous system). Often the function of the receptors is explained by likening it to a lock. Try to imagine. A specific type of lock that only fits a certain type of key. To open these locks, biologists have identified a unique set of keys - cannabinoids.

THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM TO BALANCE THE BODY

Only the cannabinoid can react with these found receptors and our body makes its own cannabinoids, the endocannabinoids (internal cannabinoids). Anandamide, for example, is such an example . When anandamide binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors, it triggers a reaction that affects thehomeostasis of the body.

This functional arrangement is called the endocannabinoid system. The role of the endocannabinoid system, according to previous research, is to help our body with homeostasis, i.e. the ability to maintain a stable internal environment for the proper functioning of the body.

MAINTAINING HOMEOSTASIS IN OUR BODY

Theendocannabinoid system works with the hypothalamus, the part of the brain in which information about the ideal state of the body is stored. Thehypothalamus is also the control center of the HPA axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis).

TheHPA axis controls the production of the so-called stress hormone, cortisol, in response to a particular stressor. It is based on the original human instinct to survive. It takes a lot of energy to save our life, whether we save it by running away from danger or fighting for our life.

THE FUNCTION OF THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM

Cortisol is responsible for organizing metabolic functions leading to energy production. Therefore, the HPA axis allows the body to produce it when we encounter a stressor. Theendocannabinoid system creates a response to stress that att empts tobalance the resulting imbalance in our body.

Theendocannabinoid system affects a variety of functions such as learning, motor function, appetite, pain perception, neuroprotection and the immune system. It is a regulatory system for maintaining the harmonious functioning of our body and mind.

CANNABINOIDS AS CB1 AND CB2 RECEPTOR KEY

In addition to endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, which are cannabinoids derived from plants,also interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors. A plant rich in phytocannabinoids is cannabis, which contains mainly the cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol - THC and the cannabidiol CBD.

THC is what most people immediately think of with cannabis as an addictive psychoactive substance. Whereas theCBD substance, sold in the form of CBD oil or tincture, is not a drug and does not induce feelings of "high" or addiction. Despite its similar structure ,it has a different function in the body than THC. It calms and yet prevents THC from binding to receptors.

THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM AS A PROTECTION OF OUR HEALTH

The endocannabinoid system works on three levels in the fight against stress, which is one of its main tasks. It responds to physiological, biochemical and psychological stress and acts on the health consequences of these stresses.

These include various diseases such as Parkinson's disease, insomnia, anxiety and schizophrenia, which it can positively influence. It also helps in the immune system's defensive function.

CANNABINOIDS IN FOOD

We can support thenatural production of endocannabinoids by eating a diet rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. These are found in hemp oil, hemp, flax and chia seeds, walnuts, Brussels sprouts, spirulina, chlorella.

Also found in fish such as salmon, cod, mackerel and shrimp. For higher endocannabinoid deficiency, we can help ourselves with phytocannabinoids, i.e. hemp oil CDB.

RESEARCH ON THE EFFECT OF COFFEE DRINKING ON METABOLITE CHANGES

In 2018, astudywas published in the Journal of Internal Medicine that looked at coffee drinking. Specifically, how its consumption affects metabolite changes in our bodies. The participants in the study were habitual coffee drinkers, 47 people to be exact.

During the first month of the ongoing research, the participants had an absolute coffee fast, in the second month they drank 4 cups of coffee every day and in the third month they drank 8 cups of coffee every day. During these three months, blood samples were taken and various values were measured.

THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM AND COFFEE

From the results, changes caused by this coffee testwere recognized in a total of 115 metabolites. The effect of coffee drinking was also evident in the endocannabinoid system. The study found that coffee has an effect on the endocannabinoid system that is markedly similar to that of stress. Drinking coffee reduces the effectiveness of endocannabinoid transmitters.

Thus, the study suggests that the function ofthe endocannabinoid system is affected by coffee. According to the known effects of CBD on reducing certain symptoms of coffee drinking, this study could confirm their interaction. However, further investigation of these relationships between coffee and the endocannabinoid system is needed.