At Ergomax we love optimizing body and mind. There are differing points of view, methods, supplements and combinations that may have something to contribute. Because the body functions as a system of systems, thinking in terms of systems makes for a smart paradigm.

The systems approach

Optimizing your endocrine system, or your circulatory system or musculoskeletal system, requires systems biology. Exercise influences all three systems. Learning to think in biological systems enables you to think about effective interventions affecting multiple systems at the same time.

The above-mentioned three systems are generally well known. Systems deserving of more of our attention include the gastrointestinal system and the endocannabinoid system. Given its centrality in recent scholarship, let us briefly focus on the endocannabinoid system. Learning its global operations allows you to “biohack” this system and to tap into one of nature’s biochemical treasure troves that literally forms the connection between body and mind.

What are endocannabinoids?

Endocannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system are named after the plant that led to their discovery: cannabis. After the discovery of plant cannabinoids including THC it was found that the body produces similar chemicals activating the very same receptors. The prefix endo– stands for endogenously produced.

The endocannabinoid system: What is it?

Humans and many other species have their own cannabis system. It originated in primitive animals about 600 million years ago. By contrast, the cannabis plant originated about 34 million years ago.

The ubiquity and fundamental way the system is woven into our body is still not fully understood. However, it is certain that the endocannabinoid system acts as a conductor, balancing out various aspects of our bodily functioning.

The many features of this system may be summarized as follows: relax, eat, sleep, forget and protect.

What are cannabis receptors?

Receptors are mostly cellular proteins to which a specific molecule can bind. Receptors transmit signals and thus trigger a specific biological reaction. Both internally produced (endogenous) and foreign (exogenous) substances are able to activate receptors. The endocannabinoid system has two receptors (CB1 and CB2) which exclusively bind to cannabinoids and endocannabinoids. Think of a key-and-lock mechanism: the lock is opens only if a key fits.

Endocannabinoids: Nine tips to boost their endogenous production

Below we list 9 different tips that help you increase the production of endocannabinoids. With this we go beyond simply taking CBD oil (also known as hemp oil) or cannabis oil (containing THC). The latter are fortunately not the only way to activate your endocannabinoid system. There are rather more fundamental and gentle ways that can give you a similar advantage. Try combine these tips with CBD oil for an even stronger effect.

Increase production by doing the following:

1. reduce stress
2. get plenty of exercise
3. consume sufficient “good” fats
4. include enough omega-3 fatty acids to your daily diet
5. expose yourself to cold
6. take a sunbath, without overdoing it
7. eat lots of prebiotic fibers
8. enjoy a massage
9. lose weight