If you’ve been reading about CBD or cannabinoids in general, you probably noticed that the phrase homeostasis pops up frequently.
If you’re anything like most of the public, it’s a phrase you wouldn’t naturally associate with cannabis…We don’t blame you. We would be the same had we not come across the endocannnabinoid system and decided to learn more about how CBD works within our body.
Before we proceed with the detail, let’s start with a homeostasis definition:
Homeostasis describes the tendency for bodily functions and systems to fluctuate and adjust in order to maintain a steady state of equilibrium. These actions are derived from feedback loops which serve as mediators to a changing external environment.
Homeostasis also involves regulating our drives and behaviours in regards to a roughly 24 hour cycle. Take for instance our day/night circadian rhythms regulated via melatonin; regulation of food intake; cortisol levels; core body temperature; and the timing of other biological processes.
Now in plain English…Homeostasis ensures our body is kept in optimal condition by orchestrating a variety of internal changes in response to internal or external changes.
Consider how body temperature, hunger or stress can alter how your bodily functions and the fact you have direct feedback loops which prompt you to sweat, eat, or do something to de-stress.
For example, our body temperature hovers around 37° C, and we have processes in place to maintain this by shivering when cold or sweating when hot.
You might be wondering why all of this is important, and what all this have to do with CBD?
Let’s dive into it…