Homeostasis is defined as ‘any self-regulating process by which biological systems tend to maintain stability while adjusting to conditions that are optimal for survival.’

Homeostasis also involves regulating our bodily systems in regards to a roughly 24 hour cycle. For instance, our day/night circadian rhythms are regulated via melatonin. Homeostasis also helps to regulate food intake, cortisol levels, core body temperature, and the timing of other biological processes.

Put simply, homeostasis ensures our body is kept in optimal condition by orchestrating a variety of internal changes in response to internal or external changes. To learn about how CBD can help fitness and recovery, check out our CBD and Fitness page.

Consider how body temperature, hunger or stress can alter how your body functions, and how you have direct feedback loops which prompt you to sweat or eat etc. 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.

The endocannabinoid system (or ECS) is a complex physiological system present in all mammals. Recent research has highlighted the complexity of the endocannabinoid system and suggests it is involved in managing various homeostatic processes. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plant that interacts and enhances the body’s natural endocannabinoid system.

Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are found across the body but located most extensively in the central nervous system and immune system. Cannabinoids produced by our body, called “Endocannabinoids”, interact with the ECS and bind with the receptors. The two most well-known of these compounds are called 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and anandamide.

Enzymes break up endocannabinoids when they are no longer needed or if they are produced in excess. The most common of these enzymes are known as MAGL (breaks down anandamide) and FAAH (breaks down 2-AG). The homeostatic feedback loop can be maintained via endocannabinoids binding with receptors, completing their tasks and being broken down. Our body can then repeat this process until homeostasis is achieved.

The growing body of research on the endocannabinoid system suggests that the endocannabinoid system switches into gear when it senses certain imbalances in the body, for instance heightened anxiety levels, and then switches back off once order has been restored to the system.

To reach homeostasis, our bodily systems must find a balance. An example could be someone under work pressure or exam stress, where these stresses trigger the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can disrupt the body’s natural balance.  This is sending homeostasis out of balance, and so the endocannabinoid system begins to try to restore balance to the body. Taking cannabinoids, such as CBD, as a supplement can assist this process.