Is Your Endocannabinoid System in Balance?

The one major Jack Kungel taught me about being a cancer survivor is to be successful  you have to change everything about your life Mind, Body within spirit to live. For Jack   he overcame many obstacles in his life,  strictly by taking a, different outlook on his life. First thing every morning  living in Canada is he takes and early morning walk, loves his music and knows the importance of a balance Endocannabinoid System!!!  I remember Lisa Williams from Australia telling me through our Facebook Group that she cured her cancer. Solely through over loading her body with Omega 3’s through grass fed animal product and balancing out her nutrients in her body.

There is an Ancient belief that thoughts from one’s head emerge along with their hair; newer thoughts appear closer to the scalp, and the older ones are at the end of the longest strands.
Thoughts are sacred, and so is their Vessel. Thus, hair should be cleansed only with the Purest gifts of Nature.
We may not follow this ancient tradition now but we believe that Plant-Based, Cruelty-Free, and Zero-Waste hair care is the natural way forward.
2(34567)gether let us plant a seed that will grow a garden for future birds and bees of this land and many more lifetimes. May it echo through the MultiVerse.
Episode #1 Sacred Plant Exposed https://www.facebook.com/Eire2016/videos/10212405366344304/
#2 How it Fights Disease in Your Body https://www.facebook.com/100011409551672/videos/958024864587823/
#3 How The Plant Treats Multi Diseases https://www.facebook.com/100011409551672/videos/959506551106321/
#4 Treating Cancer https://www.facebook.com/100011409551672/videos/959524944437815/
#5 The Complex Journey to Access the Plant https://www.facebook.com/100011409551672/videos/959568414433468/
#6 Reducing Inflammation, Formulation & Dosage https://www.facebook.com/100011409551672/videos/959574431099533/
#7 What’s Next and How It Impacts You https://www.facebook.com/DrGraceGPage/videos/10160472884410268/

Many of us don’t realize the important of “balance” in our daily lives.  Balancing work &     play is a critical part of our physical and mental health. Nutritional scientists have shown that balancing omega-6 fats (which are generally,  but not always, pro-inflammatory and therefore,  considered  the “bad guys”)  with omega-3 fats (the “good guys”) can impact a multitude of health outcomes. For example, replacing omega-6 rich processed foods (e.g., french fries,  potato chips,  and  pastries)  with  omega-3 rich healthy food ( salmon steak, sardines, and fresh leafy vegetables)  which improves cardiovascular health, brain health, and metabolic wellness. A similar analogy can be used when discussing endocannabinoid and endocannabinoid “tone/balance” systems.

What Is the Endocannabinoid System?

To briefly review, the endocannabinoid system is a group of specialized lipids, also their receptors,  and the enzymes that produce and degrade them.  Through direct and indirect actions, endocannabinoids are known to modulate and influence a variety of physiological systems, including appetite, pain, inflammation, thermoregulation, intra-ocular pressure, sensation, muscle control, energy balance, metabolism, sleep health, and stress responses, motivation/reward, mood, also memory.

What Are Cannabinoid Receptors?

Cannabinoid receptors are an important class of cell membrane receptors that are          also known to have a serpentine shape. Receptors are akin to “locks,” and the ligand compounds that bind to them are akin to “keys” in a lock & key system.  They have about seven sections that pass through the outer cell membrane. Cannabinoid receptors are also coupled to G-proteins, where a lot of the signaling “magic” happens when a molecule or compound binds to the outer portion of these receptors. The three main ligands that bind to cannabinoid receptors are all lipophilic (fatty or “fat-loving” compounds), and include endocannabinoids (synthesized within the body), phytocannabinoids (plant-derived, such as from cannabis), and synthetic cannabinoids.
The cannabinoid receptors are further divided into two main subtypes, known as CB1 and CB2. Although they have some similarity,  they are mostly differentiated by what tissue or organ system they are associated with in the body.  CB1 is found mostly in the brain,  with some presence in lung, kidney, liver, fat, heart, muscle, and bone.  CB1 receptors are also mostly associated with the psychoactive and euphoric aspects of THC.                      However, CB2 receptors are mostly found within the immune system and blood cells,    and secondarily in lesser density within the nervous system, liver, gut, muscle, and bone.

How Do Cannabinoid Receptors Contribute to the Balance of the Endocannabinoid System?

Endocannabinoid tone/balance is the relative contributions of CB1 vs. CB2 activity at      any given time. Research is accumulating that shows CB1 dominance is associated with increased perception  of  stressanxiety,  paranoia,  augmented appetite,  and decreased nausea/vomiting and pain, as well as enhanced immune surveillance, the latter of which has been demonstrated in certain cancer models.                                                                          In contrast, CB2 dominance is associated with decreased inflammation and tissue injury, in conjunction with improvements in metabolic health,  also insulin signaling/sensitivity, satiety, and energy balance. Using this information, some scientists are also zeroing in on specific CB1 blockers that could improve many of the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that will increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Specifically, it includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Some research in this area  has  already  demonstrated:  peripheral CB1 inhibition reduces blood pressure and blood sugar and improves cholesterol levels, as well as leads to visceral fat loss resulting   in a lower risk for cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes.

What Does a Balanced Endocannabinoid System Look Like?

Recent biochemical and behavioral findings demonstrate “optimal” activation of CB1 receptors promotes antidepressant-like neurochemical changes and behavioral effects consistent with antidepressant/anti-stress activity in rodents. These findings reinforce   the importance of a balanced endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is known to control the proliferation, differentiation, survival,  and immune competence of the often-neglected integumentary organ system (i.e., skin cells and hair).  Targeting & manipulating  endocannabinoid balance with the intent to normalize unwanted skin cell growth & skin inflammation might be extremely beneficial for a variety of human skin conditions (psoriasis,  eczema,  acne,  dermatitis, systemic sclerosis, etc).
Our initial example drawing comparisons between the omega-6: omega-3 essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) balance and the CB1: CB2 endocannabinoid tone            is even more appropriate as dietary PUFA intake … has been shown to influence the    levels of anandamide & 2-AG (the 2 most prominent endocannabinoids in humans). Therefore, the balance of omega-6 and omega-3 PUFA is an important modifier for         the activation and suppression of cannabinoid signaling in cells.
To illustrate this point, Hutchins-Weise et al. published findings from rodent model          of immobilization-disuse atrophy. . . . in combination with fish oil supplementation.       The increased omega-3 levels from fish oil consumption caused significant changes           in the endocannabinoid system (increased receptors of CB2, but decreased levels of           2-AG and CB1 activity) of the mice. By sensitizing the muscle to counter the effects            of immobilization and hind-limb suspension.

What Happens When the Endocannabinoid System Becomes Imbalanced?

Keep in mind that “balance” is critical, as research has shown if we tip the scales                heavily in the direction of CB1 inhibition, there may be, an associated decrease in     fertility, with increased risk of depression, mood disturbance, and also immuno -suppression.  An overabundance of CB1 signaling also has been associated with       increased psychoactivity, systemic inflammation, cardiovascular risk, diabetes,                 and obesity. In contrast, CB2 over-activation and dominance could also lead to      decreased immune function and diminished wound healing.
Chemical compounds called cannabinoids are found in marijuana and also are       produced naturally in the body from omega-3 fatty acids. A well-known cannabinoid          in marijuana,  tetrahydrocannabinol,  is responsible  for some of its euphoric effects,       but it also has anti-inflammatory benefits.  A new study in animal tissue  reveals the cascade  of  chemical reactions  that  convert omega-3 fatty acids  into cannabinoids             that have anti-inflammatory benefits — but without the psychotropic high.

The findings are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Foods such as meat, eggs, fish & nuts contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which    the body converts into endocannabinoids — cannabinoids the body produces naturally,      a University of Illinois professor of comparative biosciences and biochemistry, who led   the study.  Aditi Das said, Cannabinoids in marijuana and endocannabinoids produced    in the body can support the body’s immune system and therefore are attractive targets    for the development of anti-inflammatory therapeutics, she said.
In 1964, the Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam was the 1st to discover and isolate THC from marijuana. To test whether he had found the compound that produces euphoria, he dosed cake slices. . .with 10 milligrams of pure THC and gave them to willing friends at a party.  Their reactions,  from nonstop laughter,  to lethargy , to talkativeness,  confirmed that THC was a psychotropic cannabinoid.

After THC is ingested, your liver goes to work on it, converting it into other molecules       in order to eliminate it from your body. These other molecules are called metabolites. Usually metabolites  are less active than  the parent molecule,  but sometimes you get       one that is even more potent! What is especially interesting about THC metabolites is     that their levels in your body can be more than 10 times higher if you take cannabis in     an  edible or ingested form rather than through other routes (smoking it.)
It wasn’t until 1992 that researchers discovered endocannabinoids produced naturally      in the body. Since then, several other endocannabinoids have been identified, but not       all have known functions.
Cannabinoids bind to two types of cannabinoid receptors in the body — one that is       found predominantly in the nervous system and one in the immune system, Das said.
“Some cannabinoids, such as THC in marijuana or endocannabinoids can bind to          these receptors and elicit anti-inflammatory and anti-pain action,” she said.

“Our team also discovered an enzymatic pathway that converts omega-3-derived endocannabinoids into more potent anti-inflammatory molecules that predominantly   bind to the receptors found in the immune system,” Das said. “This finding demonstrates how omega-3 fatty acids can produce some of the same medicinal qualities as marijuana, but without a psychotropic effect.”   Understanding the Metabolic Effects 0f Cancer!!!

What Does Metabolism Mean.. Can You Speed It UP!!!

Your metabolism is an ever changing part of your body and while it is not something      that you can see with your bare eyes,  your metabolism can tell a lot about your health     and wellness.  Those who make endless attempts at losing weight may be able to attest       to a slower metabolism whereas some skinnier people who claim they can eat anything may state they have a high metabolism. Regardless of your body type, your metabolism changes throughout the day, week, year, and over the course of your life on earth.

With that said, there are some factors that can change your metabolism, with lifestyle being a vital component. Let’s take a look at 20 foods that can increase your metabolism and assist with your weight management and Super ~ Charge Your Health.

1. Quinoa:  is considered a super food by many authorities and there is a reason. This food contains ample carbs and protein with even more vitamins, minerals, iron, and fiber. All of these nutrients come at a small cost though, as quinoa has been continuously found to be a food that can help to boost your metabolism and help you to lose weight.  Quinoa goes best when added with chicken  and bell peppers at lunch time.  While quinoa is also a grain, it’s loaded with good sources of protein, which can help to boost muscular activity in the body. In addition, quinoa is a good source of A & B vitamins
2. Broccoli:  The humble broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that helps boost metabolism and promote weight loss. It is loaded with calcium, folate, fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. It is packed with powerful phytochemicals that play an important role in the development of a strong immune system. Eating more broccoli means your body is 30 percent better at burning fat and making broccoli a great addition to your diet when you’re trying to lose weight and stay in shape.
3. Fruit and vegetables:  Celery, Carrots and Fruit such as blueberries and strawberries    are high in fiber, which helps your body burn fat by moving this macronutrient through your digestive system faster. Also, foods that are rich in vitamin C,  such as citrus fruits  help your body burn fat quickly & boost your metabolism.                                               According to a study conducted by the researchers at Scripps Clinic, citrus fruits such       as lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit possess chemical properties that help decrease insulin levels, promoting weight loss.
4. Olive Oil: Many people actually stray from fats like olive oil because they contain high amounts of fat. However, it is these fats that are important for good health and eating more of this oil can help to boost your polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat content. The unsaturated fats in olive oil may play a metabolic role in your health and the extra boost that you get may add up over the years. Be cautious as to not over consume any oil, as this will negate the metabolic boost.   Drizzle it on your salad next time you order out.
5. Green Tea:  Green tea contains a natural stimulant called caffeine that increases the heart rate, triggering the metabolism to burn at a higher rate. Also, it stimulates the use    of fatty acids, thus avoiding fat storage. One cup of green tea contains approximately 30 milligrams of caffeine.  According to a study that was published  in the April 2010 issue    of the journal ”Physiology and Behavior,” the combination of green tea & caffeine helps improve fat oxidation and weight maintenance.                                                                      Caffeine is not only harmful when taken in moderation, but too much caffeine can cause nausea, increased blood pressure and insomnia. The green tea chemical epigallocatechin gallate, or ECGC,  helps boost your metabolism and improves brain and nervous system function. ECGC is an antioxidant that helps protect against heart disease and stroke. In addition, it helps fight cancer, promote weight loss, lower cholesterol and boost your body’s immune system.
6. Almonds:  are a great snack and a really tasty nut. They’re packed full of nutrients and studies have shown almonds can lower cholesterol, give you a huge boost in vitamin E and fiber, also helps  you lose weight and boost your metabolism with their low calorie content and high nutritional density. Eat a handful of almonds as a snack each day and you’ll soon start seeing the benefits.
7. Asparagus:  In one cup of chopped asparagus you can expect to get around four grams    of protein, helping boost your metabolism and making your healthy diet much tastier. Asparagus is really versatile, yet seasonal, meaning you won’t be able to enjoy it fresh       all year round. This metabolism-boosting food is great chopped, grilled or steamed.
8. Garlic:  part of the allium family (meaning it’s related to chives, shallots, onions and    the likes) lower your blood cholesterol, stimulate glutathione production and boost your immune system.  Garlic also improves your metabolism,  meaning the other good foods you eat will be digested and used efficiently.
9. Avocado:  is full of protein. You’ll get roughly 2g of protein in half an avocado.              The fruit also contains all nine of the amino acids that our body needs, including omega-3 fatty acids – meaning it’s a great source for people who aren’t a fan of fish! The protein in avocado greatly improves your metabolism for good health and weight loss.
10. Chia or (Hemp Heart) Seeds:  are very tiny black seeds that resemble small dots.            A once serving, which is a lot, contains under 150 calories, some protein, but more than ten grams of fiber.  This fiber content is almost 50 percent of your daily needs and it can certainly be a good boost to consume more chia throughout the day.                                  Perhaps the high fiber content of chia seeds is the reason behind a slight metabolic boost, but it could also be the combination of proteins as well as fiber.  Chia can be sprinkled in oatmeal and you can even make your own pudding using chia seeds and milk. Hemp Seed Hearts can be sprinkled on salads or yogurt and provides omega 3’s.
11. Spinach:  is one of those amazing, dark leafy greens that is packed full of antioxidants that protect your body against oxidative stress. Studies also having shown that spinach can help protect the brain against this stress, and even help prevent colon cancer, heart disease and bowel cancer. And To top it all off, spinach is great as a part of a balanced diet if you’re intending to improve your metabolism overall. Spinach can also help your digestive system become more efficient.
12. Red Beans: Red beans, when prepared properly (so don’t refry them!), are great for your metabolism. They’re full of resistant starch, which repairs your intestine’s lining to fight against infection, cancer and inflammation.  Red beans have also been shown as powerful metabolism boosters!
13. Whole Eggs: have not been very popular in recent years as egg whites have become    the new and healthier way to eat in the morning.  However,  raw eggs are a good health boosting food and they contain protein and valuable minerals to help boost your health  for the day.  Whole eggs taste great  and they give off a small thermic effect after eating. This thermic effect comes with most all foods, but it is higher in the metabolic boosting foods. Fried eggs taste great, but hard boiled eggs can be consumed any time and make      a fine snacking option as well.
14. Cottage Cheese & Greek Yogurt: If you’re not intolerant of dairy products, Cottage cheese is very high in sodium in each serving, but it also is very high in protein, closely comparing to lean meats in this category. Perhaps the high sodium content adds to the thermic effect of food, but cottage cheese, certainly gives a metabolic boost… due to its high protein content.  Add some fresh fruit,  berries, or even cinnamon to your cottage cheese and enjoy it as a morning meal or late day snack.                                                     Finally, think about incorporating Greek yogurt into your breakfast. You’ll get around    20g of protein per six ounces of yogurt, and it can be paired nicely with antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries, and even eaten with oats.
15. Brown Rice:  is one of the most widely consumed foods in the entire world and the     best variety for health is the brown rice. This type contains all of the nutrients and you  also gain more fiber in each serving than the white rice type. Brown rice takes longer to digest than white rice because the body needs to breakdown more of the food.                   The process of digesting all of the rice is where you get your metabolic boost and it can actually last a good while. Rice made in a rice cooker is one of the easiest and best ways    to enjoy this food.
16. Dark Chocolate:  is still considered a sweet food, but the good news is that it contains nutrients that may help with your brain functioning,  cholesterol,  blood pressure, as well  as your metabolism.  Dark chocolate, with at least 85 percent cacao content, can certainly cause a quick thermic effect following a light snacking. It is important to not over-indulge this food, as it can cause weight gain in a hurry.                                                                             A small serving size of dark chocolate (unlike its cousin milk chocolate) is a good way to enjoy this, as eating the chocolate is more satisfying than drinking it.
17. Low-Fat Milk:  is food for your health and especially for your bones. Milk contains   high amounts of calcium, vitamin D, protein, and sometimes potassium if it is fortified. The combination of the nutrients as well as the little amount of fat in milk makes this a good option for your metabolism as well. Milk may also add a slight thermic effect after consuming it, which can help you to lose weight. Many people who attempt weight loss drink milk before a meal as a way to boost metabolism and to curb appetite.                    Ways to Enjoy: A glass drank straight up is a good choice.
18. Water: It might sound off, but water is actually a great thing for boosting your metabolism. Sure it’s just water, but it’s essential for our good health. Remember:          your bone is 20% water, your brain is 75% water and we need around eight glasses             of the stuff each day.
19. Coffee:  should be a no brainer when it comes to boosting metabolism. Coffee has      long been shown to benefit brain health as well as improve certain aspects in daily life.  The thermic effect of coffee is not necessarily from caffeine, but it is a plus.                   Coffee contains many compounds that boost enzymes in the body, which is why you feel great after having your cup in the morning. A black cup of coffee is the best way to enjoy this, but adding a slight creamer to it may help to boost metabolism as well.
20. Hot Peppers & Red Onions:  Peppers contain a chemical compound called capsaicin that gives your metabolism a boost and increases your heart rate. Capsaicin will increase your body’s internal temperature, thus helping you burn more calories.  Also,  it helps to promote weight loss. According to a study from Laval University in Quebec, men who ate snacks that contain red pepper and drank coffee burned nearly 1,000 more calories a day than their control group counterparts. Red Onions are a good source of the antioxidant quercetin. Quercetin may help increase energy expenditure, or calorie burn, in your body while also reducing inflammation, says Laura K. Stewart, lead author for a 2008 study published in the journal “Metabolism.”
21. Salmon:  As well as being delicious, salmon is low in saturated fat and packed full of protein. It also contains loads of omega-3 fatty acids, which help your body maintain good health and gives you cells the nutrients they need to reproduce and stay strong. Omega-3 fatty acids help keep your heart in shape and your bad cholesterol down, helping your metabolism stay strong and efficient.
22. Lean-Protein Foods:  Lean-protein foods such as lean chicken, turkey, nuts, lentils & grains help to run metabolism at full speed.  These foods help you build lean muscle tissue and lose fat.  They provide a feeling of fullness for a long time.  High-protein foods such as beef contain essential amino acids that help increase energy expenditure and metabolism. A high-protein diet also prevents weight gain after weight loss.
23. Oatmeal:  Love a bowl of porridge in the morning?                                                                Well you’re doing wonders for your metabolism! Oatmeal is extremely healthy, as long as you’re not eating  the pre-packaged products you can buy from the supermarket. Prepare your own oatmeal and mix it with blueberries and other fruits,  and you’ll fill yourself up, get the soluble fiber you need to keep your digestive system working, and also boost your metabolism at the same time.
24. Gluten Free Whole Grain:  Don’t forget about whole grain. It’s time to ditch all the products made of bleached flour and to go for whole grain products that are full of fiber, and able to slow down the release of sugar into the blood. Whole grains are amazing for your immune system too,  allowing your cells,  to properly use the nutrients provided to them.
25. Legumes:  Like red beans, legumes will pack a good amount of protein, helping boost your metabolism and give your cells the resources they need. In a half cup of legumes you can expect up to 10grams of protein.

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