Endocannabinoid System
In brief
Section titled “In brief”- The ECS regulates energy and fat balance in the body
- CB1 receptors influence appetite, fat storage and energy expenditure
- High omega-6 intake keeps the ECS overactive
- Omega-3 fatty acids help restore balance
- Lifestyle (exercise, sleep, fasting) normalizes the system
What is the endocannabinoid system (ECS)?
Section titled “What is the endocannabinoid system (ECS)?”The endocannabinoid system is a biological regulatory system that helps the body maintain internal balance.
Components
Section titled “Components”| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Anandamide and 2-AG | Endogenous cannabinoids |
| CB1 receptors | Mainly in nervous system; influence appetite, mood, energy expenditure |
| CB2 receptors | Mainly in immune system; regulate inflammation and tissue repair |
| Enzymes | Form or break down cannabinoids |
How diet influences the ECS
Section titled “How diet influences the ECS”The functioning of the ECS is strongly related to the fatty acids in the diet.
Omega-6 → increased ECS activity
Section titled “Omega-6 → increased ECS activity”Linoleic acid — the main omega-6 fatty acid from seed oils (sunflower, corn, soybean oil) — is converted to arachidonic acid, the building block of endocannabinoids.
With high omega-6 intake:
- ECS activity increases
- CB1 receptors become more active
- Fat storage increases
Omega-3 → restores balance
Section titled “Omega-3 → restores balance”EPA and DHA from fish or algae work oppositely and help restore balance.
The CB1 receptor and energy storage
Section titled “The CB1 receptor and energy storage”The CB1 receptor is the main link between diet, brain and metabolism.
| Location | Effect of CB1 activation |
|---|---|
| Brain | Increases appetite, makes food more attractive |
| Liver | Stimulates fat storage |
| Adipose tissue | Decreases fat burning |
| Muscles | Lowers energy expenditure |
Result: A body that more easily stores fat.
Evolutionary background
Section titled “Evolutionary background”The ECS evolved to promote survival.
When food was abundant:
- CB1 activation stimulated appetite and fat storage
- Reserves were built for scarcity
- The system responded to external food signals (‘exostatic eating’)
ECS, lifestyle and restoring balance
Section titled “ECS, lifestyle and restoring balance”A healthy lifestyle helps normalize the ECS:
| Intervention | Effect |
|---|---|
| Limit omega-6 | Less seed oils and processed food |
| Increase omega-3 | Fatty fish or algae |
| Exercise | Strengthens ECS regulation |
| Stress reduction | Normalizes CB1 activity |
| Sufficient sleep | Supports hormonal balance |
| Natural light | Improves day-night rhythm |
| Periodic fasting | Restores CB1 sensitivity |
Summary
Section titled “Summary”Veelgestelde vragen
What is the endocannabinoid system?
The ECS is a biological regulatory system that maintains internal balance. It consists of endogenous cannabinoids (anandamide, 2-AG), receptors (CB1, CB2) and enzymes. It influences appetite, mood, energy expenditure, inflammation and tissue repair.
How does diet influence the ECS?
Omega-6 fatty acids (from seed oils) are converted to arachidonic acid, the building block of endocannabinoids. High omega-6 intake increases CB1 activity and promotes fat storage. Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish) work oppositely and restore balance.
What does the CB1 receptor do?
CB1 is the link between diet, brain and metabolism. Activation increases appetite, stimulates fat storage in liver and adipose tissue, and lowers energy expenditure in muscles. An overactive CB1 makes the body more easily store fat.
How do I restore balance of the ECS?
Limit omega-6-rich seed oils and processed food, increase omega-3 from fatty fish, exercise regularly, reduce stress, sleep enough and use periodic fasting or longer eating breaks to restore CB1 sensitivity.
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