CBD's role in the homeostasis process


Cannabidiol is just the first step in a new direction that looks at the importance of homeostasis in a new light. But before we go any further, let's look into the homeostasis process and its role in human bodies.  

Homeostasis is a process controlling various conditions in our bodies, such as body temperature, water content, carbon dioxide level or blood sugar level, to provide constant internal environment balance. Below is the Wikipedia definition of damage to human body caused by homeostasis process failure:

An inability to maintain homeostasis may lead to death or a disease, a condition known as homeostatic imbalance. For instance, heart failure may occur when negative feedback mechanisms become overwhelmed and destructive positive feedback mechanisms take over. Other diseases which result from a homeostatic imbalance include diabetes, dehydration, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, gout and any disease caused by the presence of a toxin in the bloodstream. Medical intervention can help restore homeostasis and possibly prevent permanent damage to the organs.

As you can see, the homeostasis process is essential for our survival. How does the CBD fit in?

The Endocannabinoid system has existed in almost every living organism from humans to animals and even some insects for millions of years. This universal system’s overall function is to regulate homeostasis within the body.

CBD or cannabidiol is created through the endocannabinoid system, making it one of the most naturally occurring chemicals within the human body. If you were breastfed as a child, that was most likely the last time you consumed CBD. CBD provides communication between varying types of cells within our bodies. These communications regulate certain cells to act in defense of the body. For example, if you are injured, CBD helps instruct cells on how to handle the injury.

Cannabidiol has shown that it affects the expression of genes involved in zinc homeostasis (zinc is a neurotoxin found in our body; zinc homeostasis plays a critical role in normal functioning of the brain and central nervous system) and suggest that the regulation of zinc levels could have an important role through which CBD may apply its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

This study found a direct interaction between VDAC1 (a protein involved in cell metabolism that is the major calcium ion transport channel and is implicated in cancer and Parkinson’s Disease) and cannabidiol, in which CBD markedly decreases the channel conductance. The interference of VDAC1 by CBD may be responsible for the immunosuppressive and anticancer effects of CBD.

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  • John Yoda
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