AngryBird's Nest - Endo-cannabinoid-enhancing foods

AngryBird;3018521 said:

I have posted this here as a learning journal for me. It is available in pdf just ask me for it


ENDO-CANNABINOID-ENHANCING FOODS

Essential fatty acids, chocolate, herbs, spices, and tea can naturally help the endo-cannabinoid system (ECS) function optimally, improve your health, and enhance the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS:

A healthy ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can enhance the activity of the endocannabinoid system. Endocannabinoids are produced from arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. Having enough arachidonic acid is essential for endocannabinoid production, but having too much may lead to down regulation of cannabinoid receptors. Excessive omega-6 intake is also pro-inflammatory.
Most western diets already contain an excess of omega-6 oils, commonly found in cooking oils such as safflower, sunflower, corn, and soy, and in animal products like meat, poultry, and eggs.

Omega-3 fatty acids are needed to balance the omega-6 intake for the endocannabinoid system to function properly. These fatty acids are much harder to come by in the diet, and are also proven to have cardiovascular and neurological health benefits. An ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 in the diet is 1:1, and the typical western diet often has a 1:10 ratio. Animal sources of omega-3 are the most potent, but the vegetarian sources tend to provide other excellent health benefits.

Sources of endocannabinoid-enhancing fatty acids:

Hemp seeds and hemp oil
Flax seeds (grind at home in a coffee grinder) and flax oil
Chia seeds
Walnuts
Sardines and anchovies
Eggs (pasture-fed or omega-3 enriched only)

CHOCOLATE

Cacao powder contains three compounds that are structurally very similar to endocannabinoids. These compounds can inhibit the breakdown of your body’s own endocannabinoids, resulting in higher endocannabinoid levels, and may have some cannabinoid activity of their own. The content of cannabinoid-like compounds in chocolate varies widely and is highest in dark chocolate and raw cacao. Other compounds in chocolate may be able to help prevent heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Look for at least 70% dark chocolate, or try adding raw cacao nibs to smoothies or cereal!
HERBS AND TEA

Numerous herbs and teas contain compounds that can enhance the endocannabinoid system. Beta-caryophyllene is a terpene found in black pepper, oregano, cinnamon, clove, cannabis, and many other herbs.
It selectively stimulates the CB2 receptor, a sought-after property in the development of treatments for inflammatory disorders. Echinacea, often used by herbalists for up to 2 weeks to stimulate the immune system during infections, also contains CB2 agonists. Camelia sinensis, commonly known as “tea,” contains a compound that prevents the breakdown of endocannabinoids, and another compound that stimulates the CB1 receptor. Turmeric, the yellow spice in curry powder, contains curcumin, which also raises endocannabinoid levels amongst numerous other health benefits.

EAT ORGANIC AND AVOID PLASTIC

Certain pesticides (e.g. chlorpyrifos and piperonyl butoxide) are known to disrupt the endocannabinoid system. It’s especially important to choose organic foods when shopping for meat, dairy, and the highest pesticide-containing produce (see EWG foodnews/). Phthalates, frequently added to plastic and tin food containers and water bottles, are known to block cannabinoid receptors and disrupt the body’s hormonal system. Choose glass or stainless steel food containers and packaging whenever possible, and never eat food that’s been heated in plastic.
FOODS TO AVOID

Processed grains- e.g white breads • Chronic alcohol consumption
Refined sugar
Trans fats
Foods fried in vegetable oil such as peanut, corn and soy oil • Pesticides (eat organic)

ACTIVITIES

ENDO-CANNABINOID-ENHANCING ACTIVITIES

Certain activities can naturally enhance the endo-cannabinoid system’s function, improve your health, increase the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis, and feel great.
STRESS-REDUCING ACTIVITIES

While chronic stress can deplete your endo-cannabinoid system, a highly tuned endo-cannabinoid system can protect you from the detrimental effects of stress. Incorporating the following activities into your day will keep your ECS well-tuned, but only if you enjoy them! Animal studies teach us that if you force yourself to exercise, your ECS will interpret the activity as stress, but freely choosing and enjoying the same activity will increase endo-cannabinoid levels.

Healer offers a number of fun, easy-to-learn mind and body exercises that Dr. Sulak has designed to specifically augment the endo-cannabinoid system and synergize with the cannabis state of consciousness. In addition to joining in with Dr. Sulak, we encourage you to explore any of the following health-promoting activities:

Social interaction
rats in social isolation produced less cannabinoid receptors, while social play and
grooming behavior increased function of the ECS.
Meditation
Yoga
Massage
Osteopathic Manipulation (OMT) • Acupuncture
Breathing exercises
Voluntary and enjoyable exercise

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