Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency is a term we don’t hear much but interesting research is developing. Here is what you need to know about the theory of Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency
About Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD)
The theory of Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency, or CECD, is that insufficient levels of endocannabinoids lead to medical conditions or aggravate certain conditions.
While CECD research is limited at this time, the idea makes sense because our bodies make and use cannabinoids and endocannabinoids in several bodily functions.
Endocannabinoids are natural cannabinoids the body makes that interact with the endocannabinoid system. They regulate body functions. These include our nervous system and immune system.
The endocannabinoid system is a complex system within the human body that affects many important functions, including how a person moves, feels, and reacts. It includes endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid receptors, and endocannabinoid enzymes.
The theory is if our body doesn’t make enough endocannabinoids, these systems can’t function at full capacity.
Medical Conditions Impacted by Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency
Some of the medical conditions that are considered to be worsened by low endocannabinoid levels include:
- fibromyalgia
- IBS
- chronic headache or migraine
Little is known about CECD or how to treat it. Talk to your health care provider if your symptoms fit the profile.
Upcoming Research
More research is needed to establish the impact of CECD.
Potential research areas include how supplementing cannabinoids can help, what cannabinoids to supplement with for each condition, and proper dosing.
Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Terms to Know
Endocannabinoids
Natural chemicals the body makes that interact with the endocannabinoid system. They regulate body functions. Examples of an endocannabinoid are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
Endocannabinoid enzymes
Proteins occurring in the body to break down endocannabinoids after use. The two main endocannabinoid enzymes are monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and fatty acid amidohydrolase (FAAH).
Endocannabinoid receptors
Endocannabinoid receptors interact with the chemical compounds in cannabis. Two kinds of receptors, B1 and CB2, are what the endocannabinoids use to alert the endocannabinoid system to act.
Endocannabinoid system
(ECS) A complex system within the human body that affects many important functions, including how a person moves, feels, and reacts. It includes endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid receptors, and endocannabinoid enzymes.
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Summary on What is Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency
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