Inflammation is the root of some of the most life-threatening diseases humans face. Although it is a natural process that is usually initiated by the body as part of its defense system, inflammation works best in small doses.
Constant or chronic inflammation will wreak havoc on the body, resulting in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, periodontitis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Researchers are constantly trying to find ways to combat chronic inflammation, and the results from a new study have piqued their interest. The study found that exercising causes microbes in the gastrointestinal tract to produce marijuana-like substances that can relieve pain and inflammation.
Endocannabinoids are naturally produced by the body, and they share a striking similarity to the cannabinoids produced by plants in the cannabis family. They are part of the endocannabinoid system and play a significant role in regulating functions such as pain, immunity, stress and memory.
Researchers found that regular exercise can promote the production of endocannabinoids, which then reduce chronic inflammation and its complications. Published in the journal “Gut Microbes,” the study could completely revolutionize how we treat inflammatory conditions such as heart disease, arthritis and cancer.
The study involved 78 participants who suffered from knee arthritis. University of Nottingham School of Medicine researchers divided the group in half, with 38 performing strength exercises 15 minutes a day for six weeks while 40 participants did nothing. The researchers discovered that the participants who exercised felt less pain and had increased endocannabinoid levels and lower cytokine levels. Cytokines usually indicate the presence of inflammation.
The group also had increased levels of the gut microbes that produce endocannabinoids, the researchers say, noting that the increased endocannabinoid levels were responsible for at least one-third of the anti-inflammatory effect.
The results of the study were quite surprising, said study author and University of Nottingham School of Medicine research fellow Amrita Vijay. The results gave the researchers greater insight into how physical exercise could be used to combat inflammation by helping to boost endocannabinoid levels in the body. Vijay says that the study results point to how lifestyle changes such as working out regularly can have a major influence on endocannabinoid production. With interest in cannabinoids as anti-inflammatory agents on the rise, she says, this discovery couldn’t have happened at a better time.
However, the researchers note that while exercise can be beneficial for people with inflammatory diseases, they caution against jumping into an exercise routine without first consulting a physician, especially if one has cardiovascular disease or has suffered a recent injury.
Companies such as Simply Sonoma Inc., which produce medicinal products extracted from cannabis, may be onto something considering that this study has demonstrated that our bodies can also produce therapeutic cannabis-like substances when we exercise.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Simply Sonoma Inc. are available in the company’s newsroom at https://cnw.fm/Sonoma
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