The human body has a well understood and acknowledged ‘primary’ immune system (PIS) for protection from ‘non self’ or foreign pathogens that can cause damage. There is, however, a 2nd immune system that has been overlooked and, well, turned-off, but nevertheless available. It was only recently ‘discovered’ in the 1980’s. It is still not taught about in medical colleges, but it is a well recognized fact among researchers and practitioners.
It is called the Endo Cannabinoid System (ECS). It has been around since the beginning of time, but for recent decades if not centuries, non active. Why? Because the necessary compounds or nutrients needed to activate it and keep it running—like gasoline for an engine of a vehicle— have been deficient or not available. The fuel is called a Cannabinoid. There are two forms: 1) an internally produced Cannabinoid, called Endocannabinoid and 2) a phytocannabinoid, a naturally occurring concentrated chemical compound present in resin in the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. Either can activate the ECS system via what are called Cannabinoid receptors located throughout the human body.
These Cannabinoid receptors are referred to as CB1 and CB2, and they are activated by Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is the most available Cannabinoid available in the cannabis plant and it is a key activator of the ECS today!
Basically, these receptors play a specific role in physiological processes such as appetite, perception of pain, memory and your mood. The CB1 receptor is expressed in the brain (e.g., the central nervous system), but also in the lungs, liver and kidneys. The CB2 receptor is primarily expressed in the immune system and the cells in red bone marrow (the core of your bones). However, they are more commonly thought of as stem cells – building blocks for all other cells in the human body (think transplants, cancer and immune system treatments). Finally, they can also be found in the pelvis, femur and sternum of adults and in the umbilical cord of newborns.
Finally, these two immune systems, the PIM and the ECS, overlap in their ability to protect the body from invasion and enhance the overall health of the body. In addition, given the added ability of the ECS to improve homeostasis, the overall balance of all functions in the body are enhanced, and provide overall greater performance of the body to remain healthy, fight off disease and any other foreign invasion. When both systems are working, the shield of protection is increased by a magnitude, not just doubled; together they insure a truly better and much higher level of health, wellbeing and quality of life for those affected.
