Many people tend to get vitamin and mineral deficiencies over time due to poor diet, absorption problems, not getting enough sun, and/or other underlying conditions. These deficiencies may or may not be associated with specific symptoms, which is why most deficiencies are not addressed or taken care of right away. Causes of symptoms are often difficult to identify.

 When we think of deficiencies, we usually only associate them with vitamins or minerals, however, there is another type of deficiency that we need to learn more about. This deficiency causes symptoms like headaches, pain, mood swings, anxiety, and so much more. People that have this deficiency usually experience symptoms for much of their lives without ever knowing what the underlying problem is.

This underlying problem may very well be a cannabinoid deficiency, known as clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CED).

Discovered in 2001 by Dr. Ethan Russo, he theorized that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) was associated with neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity and immunity in addition to other physiological functions. If a dysfunction to any of those systems occurred, it could lead to a variety of health issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), PTSD, fibromyalgia and migraines, among others.
 
A study conducted in 2016 by Dr. Russ and associates found supporting evidence that those with fibromyalgia and migraines had significantly lower levels of anandamide levels (a cannabinoid that is naturally produced in the body) when testing their cerebrospinal fluid.
 
Clinical data has suggested that a combination of cannabinoid treatment and lifestyle changes can enhance the overall health of the endocannabinoid system, thus improving quality of sleep, reducing pain sensitivity and providing other health benefits.
 
Currently, Dr. Russo is working on additional studies to investigate this system further. More studies need to be conducted to understand the origin of this deficiency and how it progresses over time. Additionally, it is important to note how this deficiency can impact other bodily systems and functions.

How to support a healthy ECS:

• Consume healthy fats with your meals (avocados, olives, seeds, nuts, nut butters, nut milks, some dairy, fresh fish, meaty vegetables like mushrooms, squash, eggplant, grapeseed, olive, and coconut oils, beans, legumes, and so on!) every day. This helps nourish the ECS system and other bodily systems.

• Get enough sleep throughout the night and try to get a 15-minute nap in during the day if you have time. This helps with optimal ESC function and to regulate your body.

• Be physically active for at least 30 minutes per day. This helps regulate the ECS, digestion, mood, metabolism, oxidative stress, and immunity. It also has benefits of fat reduction and helps improve your heart and circulatory system.

• The most direct way to boost your endocannabinoid system is to take cannabidiol (CBD) oil. This cannabinoid helps nourish and maintain your ECS function directly. Consuming CBD in any form can help, but water-soluble CBD with high bioavailability is optimal. Here at Lanai Hemp we use this type of high-quality CBD because we know it imparts the natural benefits of the hemp plant optimally.

We encourage first time users to start by consulting your physician to ensure there are no drug interactions or medical issues with you taking CBD. Once your doctor approves, we recommend you start with the lowest strength tincture we offer and keep a journal to track your progress. Everyone’s body chemistry is different, and CBD is a natural product, so take your time to understand how it affects you and how you feel. We know it’s worth the effort and are here to support you at every step of your journey!