Ever wondered why the consumption of Cannabis or Marijuana has the psychoactive and physiological effects that it does on us?
Well, basically our brain has a bunch of receptors, known as cannabinoid receptors. These affect a lot of neurotransmitters (chemicals that carry messages between nerve cells). cannabinoid receptors happen to be the most abundant receptors in our brain.
The cannabinoids (The psychoactive chemicals in cannabis) bind themselves to these receptors, which consequently has an impact on the neurotransmitters.
But did you know that you don’t need to consume cannabis for or fix of cannabinoids. Our body consists of something called the “Endocannabinoid System”. This system, when stimulated, produces natural cannabinoids in the body.
The endocannabinoid system plays a major role in improving our brain and mental health. According to the book, “Complete Healing from Cancer Diabetes Leukemia and Other Chronic Disorders” –
The endogenous cannabinoid system, named after the plant that led to its discovery, is perhaps the most important physiologic system involved in establishing and maintaining human health
An increasing amount of research has found that the following disease and symptoms may be linked to low endocannabinoid levels in our body –
Major Depression, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, Multiple Sclerosis, ADHD, Sleep disorders, Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease
So how can one stimulate their endocannabinoid system to improve and maintain their mental health? Look no further. We’ve got you covered.
Here’re 5 ways to stimulate and support the endocannabinoid system without smoking pot:
1. Coffee
Research has shown that the psychoactive effects of caffeine involve the cannabinoid system too. Regularly consuming caffeine enhances the activation of the cannabinoid receptors by endocannabinoids.
What better way to consume caffeine than a nice cup of coffee in the morning?
But be careful, because caffeine can mess with your sleep cycle. So be mindful of the quantity of coffee and the time of day when you drink it.
2. Tea
The previous section must not dishearten you tea drinkers out there. Tea and particularly green tea is a good endocannabinoid supporter. It contains certain antioxidants that bind with cannabinoid receptors, thus supporting the endocannabinoid system.
3. Cold exposure
Time to stop using that geyser. A nice cold shower, or a walk when it’s cold outside, increases the density of certain cannabinoid receptors, thus lending support to the endocannabinoid system.
Cold exposure is also known to help stimulate the vagus nerve.
4. Exercise
Exercise is an excellent method of stimulating the endocannabinoid system. It both increases the cellular density of cannabinoid receptors as well as increases their sensitivity.
5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Ever wondered why all health freaks swear by Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It makes them feel good. The oil upregulates or increases the cellular density of cannabinoid receptors.
For more tips on how to improve your mental health, talk to an Expert at YourDOST for personalised guidance.