How can we Optimize Health Through Eating?

 

The ECS is affected mainly by two components of your diet, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Through proper balance of these omegas we can achieve proper activation of the ECS to help maintain homeostatic health through diet.

 

• The omega fatty acids breakdown into endocannabinoids and will serve to drive inflammation in the body higher or lower, depending on the balance of said omegas.

• Too high a level of omega 6 will prevent the omega 3 fatty acid from breaking down properly.

  • ​Omega 6 and Omega 3 utilize the same enzyme for breakdown and therefore compete for that enzyme in the body for breakdown.

  • Too high of an omega 6 to omega 3 ratio will drive the system towards and inflammatory state whcih will manifest in disease symptoms of an inflammatory nature.

    • ​Optimal health of the ECS is maintianed through a balance of 1:1 to 3:1 Omega 6 to Omega 3, depending on the individual.

• Adequate levels of Omega 3 fatty acids is required for proper ECS signaling.

• Omega 3 fatty acid acts as a homeostatic regulator of the ECS. 

  • In a recent study, obese rodents fed a high omega-6 diet showed decreased obesity symptoms after omega-3 supplementation .

     

 

Hemp Seeds

• Hemp seeds contain CBD(cannabidiol) and many other phyto-cannabinoids, but does not contain the psychoactive properties of THC. 

• You can NOT get "high" from eating hemp seeds or hemp protein.

• There are approximately 80 different phyto-cannabinoids, the most noted are CBD, CBC, CBG, CBN

• They have a 2.5 to 1 ratio of omega 6 to omega 3

• Hemp seeds also contain GLA that provide a range of health benefits arising from its anti-inflammatory effects.

  • Excessive intake of some types of omega-6 fatty acids can cause abnormal inflammation in our body, we need GLA to neutralize and reverse those inflammatory effects.

 

 

Probiotics and the ECS

• Human intestinal cells exposed to L. acidophilus (probiotic) increase ECS receptor expression allowing for more sites for cannabinoids to bind to in the intestines

• Probiotics likely protect us from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and other gut problems by increasing ECS receptor sites, whose activation decreases inflammation and visceral pain

 

 

Pesticides Interfere with Proper ECS Signaling

• Chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and even piperonyl buttoxide (added to pyrethrum) are shown to interfere with ECS signaling. 

  • ​Although organic foods appear to be the better alternative, be aware of what pesticides are being used in the organic farming as they can still be harmful to ECS signaling.

• Phthalates are plasticizers added to water bottles, tin cans, food packaging, as well as enteric coating of pharmaceutical pills, are known to block receptor sites for the ECS.