Everything you need to know about the endocannabinoid system

Sponsored by TruGen3

When it comes to the body’s systems, there are some that we all know fairly well.

For instance, the reproductive system, digestive system, and central nervous system are all systems which most of us can explain with relative ease.

However, there’s one system that is a lot less known, which means that the mere mention of it is enough to make people pause and wonder what exactly it is. It is the endocannabinoid system.

What is the endocannabinoid system?

According to Leafly, one of the top online cannabis information providers today, “the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a vital molecular system for helping maintain homeostasis.” In simple terms, this particular system is responsible for helping our cells obtain and maintain optimal health by keeping them stable.

Just as the musculoskeletal system has key components—your muscles, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissues—the same is true of the ECS. However, it’s a little less complex in that it only has three: cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes.

Cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes

Cannabinoid receptors can be found on the outside of the cells and they’re basically responsible for paying attention to the body, telling the cells when something appears to be off. The two main cannabinoid receptors are CB1, which is the receptor found mainly in the brain and is the one responsible for the high associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and CB2, which can be found in places around the body, other than just the brain.

ECS’s second component, endocannabinoids, are the cell-producing molecules found in the body which, according to Leafly, “activate cannabinoid receptors” on demand. However, these molecules are different than many other molecules in the body as Bradley E. Alger, Ph.D., shares in a 2013 article published in the journal Cerebrum that they “go against the flow of typical chemical synaptic signaling.” Specifically, Alger says they “travel backward (in the ‘retrograde’ direction) across the synapse, where they encounter CB1s located on adjacent nerve terminals.”

The final key component of the endocannabinoid system is metabolic enzymes. Consumer Health Digest defines metabolic enzymes as enzymes produced within the body which “contribute towards the functioning of the body by being involved with all organs and tissue at a cellular level.” Ultimately, these enzymes are responsible for cell growth, maintenance, and repair.

Putting all of this information together then, if your cells sense that something is out of whack in your system, the ECS is going to work to stabilize you at a cellular level. In order to do this though, it has to be able to use substances than can help, which is where bioavailability comes into play.

How bioavailability ties in and why it matters

Imagine what would happen if you had a headache, so you took some aspirin or ibuprofen, only to realize that your body couldn’t figure out how to break down the medicine’s anti-inflammatories or pain relievers. Your head would continue to hurt, regardless of how many pills you popped, right?

Or, what if you were diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency, so your doctor recommended that you take a supplement, yet your body didn’t recognize it as vitamin D, thus couldn’t absorb it? It wouldn’t matter how much vitamin D you took, you’d still feel the weakness and pain associated with this condition. And you wouldn’t get any better.

Hemp oil rich in phytocannibinoids can provide a unique way to support the body’s healthy regulation of the endocannabinoid system. However, since phytocannibinoids are insoluble in water, their absorption can be limited in the body.

Therefore, bioavailability is so important when choosing supplements or other products designed to help you resolve the issues you face. If your body isn’t able to use them effectively, you’re not only wasting your time and money, but you’re also not going to feel better any time soon, which is likely your main goal.

Bioavailability and ECS

When it comes to products that affect the ECS specifically—such as cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp oil supplements—ideally, you want to select ones which mimic the body’s natural response so it doesn’t fight them and is able to use them quickly and efficiently.

This typically means taking the time to read about these types of items before making the purchase to ensure that your body will be able to use them in a way that gives you the outcome you desire.

Studies show that the TruGen3 VESIsorb patented delivery system provides significant improvements in absorption and bioavailability of phytocannibinoids. VESIsorb technology provides lymphatic absorption pathway advantages over standard gastrointestinal absorption.

Unlike other commercially available products, VESIsorb technology allows the lipid-based, natural, hemp oil product to be delivered in a water-soluble form with no loss in bio-efficacy or absorption. The patented VESIsorb delivery system is a naturally self-assembling colloidal droplet delivery system that has been clinically proven to increase absorption of nutritional supplements.

While it may take a few minutes of your day to do this kind of research, it’s time well spent when, in the end, you’re able to resolve your health condition and feel better as a result. You’ll likely save some money too, by not purchasing products that will never work, no matter how much you take. That makes this an investment that pays off double.

About TruGen3

TruGen3 is built on the bedrock of three trusted generations of the Lioon family’s nutraceutical knowledge and experience. And yet, we’re a new kind of company, delivering a carefully selected, limited group of exceptionally high quality, condition-specific nutritional supplements. Every product is backed by the highest ethical standards and clinically-researched ingredients, and available only through certified healthcare professionals.