What is the Relationship Between the Endocannabinoid System and Hangovers?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a system of the body that has the important task of keeping us in homeostasis, which it does through a network of cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors), along with endocannabinoids – aka, cannabinoids produced by the body. When cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors, chemical reactions take place that regulate functions and processes of the body. Cannabinoid receptors exist in all bodily systems, and so are regulated through the role of the ECS.
A hangover is one of the best examples of our body being far away from homeostasis. Multiple systems of the body are negatively affected, and even operating far below their potential. So naturally, the endocannabinoid system has the difficult task of balancing these systems and processes again so that we can feel ourselves.
As you may have guessed, the best way in which we can support the ECS is by consuming cannabinoids – more specifically, phytocannabinoids, which simply refer to cannabinoids extracted from cannabis. Cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive, nontoxic cannabinoid that accounts for most of the hemp plant, is the obvious choice given all of its exceptional properties that support our bodies from head to toe.
What Can CBD Do for a Hangover?
Cannabidiol generally supports the body’s endocannabinoid system as a whole, as the cannabinoid shares an affinity for both CB1 and CB2 receptors – the two categories of cannabinoid receptors in the body that fulfill different regulatory tasks, primarily in the nervous system but also throughout the entire body. But, what have studies shown us about more specific effects of CBD that relate to a hangover?
Well, for one thing, the cannabinoid’s powerful anti-inflammatory effects can help with a lot of morning-after physical discomfort. On top of that, the cannabinoid acts as an antioxidant, which aids in the detoxification process as the body seeks to remove alcohol from the system. Note that vitamin C, one of nature’s most potent antioxidants, is commonly recommended for someone with a hangover for the same reason.
CBD also works with serotonin receptors, which can have a very positive impact on a hangover. Serotonin doesn’t just mediate mood, although that is something that can be useful since many of us wake up after a night of heavy drinking feeling irritable, anxious or even depressed. On top of that, serotonin receptors regulate nausea, one of the absolute worst symptoms of a hangover. And, serotonin is responsible for our sleep/wake cycle, which means that it may help combat the fatigue and brain fog that stops us from getting anything done the next day.
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