High Time We Talked About CBD
About five or so years ago, we had our first “Wim Hof” seminar. I know I have written about it before. Wim Hof helped to popularize ice baths that have been all the rage as of late. Ice baths have been proven to reduce inflammation and be good for the circulatory system, among a myriad other benefits, physical and psychological.
Along with ice baths, the other half of the Wim Hof Method is specialized breath work. During the breathwork, if you get into it deeply enough while lying on your mat, you may experience visions and see swirling colors among other things, and experience a sense of euphoria. It may be one of the only times that “getting high on your own supply” isn’t frowned upon. But what is actually happening, and why is it beneficial?
I didn’t know it at the time, but one aim of this breath work was to stimulate your endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex system of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids that help to regulate a range of body functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, reproduction, and fertility.
The ECS is a fairly new discovery, having been identified back in the 1990s when researchers were studying the effects of THC, a well-known cannabinoid found in cannabis (marijuana). I knew quite a few people researching THC when I was in college. The ECS exists and is active in your body even if you are not using cannabis. Activating these receptors has many benefits, which is why CBD is starting to become so popular.
There are currently two known and studied types of cannabinoid receptors in your body; however, scientists believe there are many more that have not yet been identified. The main two we know about so far are CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CB1 receptors are mainly located in the brain (though there are some outside the brain as well) and outnumber many other receptor types on the brain. When activated, these CB1 receptors have the potential to regulate pain, anxiety, appetite, and sleep. CB2 receptors exist mostly within our immune system (with still some in the brain) and are critical in controlling immune function, regulating intestinal inflammation, and controlling pain in certain bowel conditions.
So is smoking marijuana and heavy breathwork the only way to stimulate this system? Nope. One of the best ways to stimulate the ECS? You guessed it … exercise! There are different types of cannabinoids that have the potential to interact with this system. Endocannabinoids are produced in the body endogenously (naturally and internally). Phytocannabinoids are found in plants. Medium to high intensity exercise is the best way to activate these endocannabinoids and can also upregulate CB1 receptor sensitivity.
Many scientists think the “runner’s high” feeling of euphoria is actually due to cannabinoids as opposed to endorphins as was previously believed. This is also why exercise is able to relieve stress, improve memory, and provide many other benefits for brain health.
Other ways to activate ECS? Cold exposure increases density of CB1 neurons and endocannabinoid levels. Coffee enhances receptor activation. There are many supplements that interact with the ECS – curcumin, black truffle oil, dark chocolate, kava, etc. But one of the most effective is probably CBD (cannabidiol).
CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant but does not have psychoactive effects like its counterpart, THC. In other words, it won’t get you high. CBD not only reacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors but also with receptors outside the ECS including serotonin, making it useful for treating anxiety and sleep disorders, and opioid receptors, suggesting it may be useful as a possible pain reliever. Scientists are just scratching the surface of the many possible applications of CBD.
I take gummies from a company called Green Compass to help with a more restful, deeper sleep and I definitely notice the difference.
Activating that endocannabinoid system is a great way to help regulate many of the systems in your body with many more benefits being discovered every day. You can help the system by getting some moderate- to high-intensity exercise. Cold exposure, which could have been done in the ocean pretty much all summer (it was way too cold out there this year) can also help. If your body needs some extra help from the outside, you can get CBD creams for pain relief, gummies for sleep/anxiety/brain health, and many more products for anything from reproductive health to neurological disorders to immune health. My wife happens to be the resident expert if you have any questions.
My friends in college “researching” THC did always seem pretty chill, though they did eat too many snacks. I think I’ll stick with the CBD.
