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2025December 10 - : Why dogs have many seizures and the wonders of the ECS (endocannabinoid system)
~Why do dogs react more easily to CBD? Deciphering from the Brain and Physiology~
Dogs are said to be more prone to "epilepsy" and "seizure-like symptoms" than humans.
The background is not only genetic characteristics, but also the structure of the brain and the body's coordinating function, the ECS (endogenous cannabinoid system).
In this article, we will explain why dogs have more seizures and why dogs are more likely to respond to CBD from an academic perspective.
1. Why dogs are often said to have "epilepsy"
(1) Strong genetic background
Dogs have been bred by humans throughout their long history.
Therefore, it is easy to inherit not only a specific temperament and constitution, but also genetic traits that predispose to seizures.
Especially
beagle
corgi
Shelti
Jack Russell Terrier
Golden retriever
etc. are known to be breeds that are prone to seizures.
(2) The brain is sensitive to stimuli
The dog's brain is sensitive to external stimuli such as sound, light, and smell.
Emotional changes (excitement, anxiety, fear, etc.) also fluctuate more than others.
This "ease of transmission of brain excitement" can trigger seizures.
(3) Susceptible to metabolic fluctuations
Dogs may have seizures with physiological changes, such as:
hypoglycemia
Decreased liver function
Sodium-calcium imbalance
Strong stress
Lack of sleep
Especially in small and elderly dogs, it is said that these factors tend to overlap.
2. Why dogs' brains are more susceptible to CBD
From here, we will scientifically decipher the relationship between dogs and CBD.
(1) CB1 receptors are abundant in the brain
The brain has a mechanism called CB1 receptors that regulate nerve excitation.
Dogs have this CB1 receptor,
cerebellum
hippocampus
brain stem
It is especially abundant in the
This means that it is denser than humans and is more susceptible to the function of regulating excessive nervous excitation.
(2) ECS (endocannabinoid system) is sensitive
The ECS is an important system that balances our body.
It spreads throughout the body, including the brain, immune, nerves, and digestive organs.
Dogs are aware that this ECS
Sensitive to changes in the environment and physical condition
It has the characteristic of.
In other words, dogs are more likely to see changes when their ECS is in place.
On the other hand, it can be said that it is an animal that is easily affected by its physical condition if it is disturbed.
3. Why CBD is said to be easily experienced by dogs
CBD (cannabidiol) supports the body's coordination by working on the ECS.
The reasons why dogs are more likely to change are as follows.
(1) High affinity with brain receptors
Because dogs are rich in CB1 receptors,
Changes in the direction of regulating nerve function are likely to appear.
It is thought that
(2) Nerve inflammation is easily relieved
For "subclinical inflammation" caused by aging, stress, and environmental changes,
CBD is said to work in the direction of gentle adjustment.
(3) Changes are more clear in senior dogs
In older dogs,
Decreased walking speed
Slowing down of reactions
Increased anxiety
etc. are often seen.
These may be related to poor ECS function,
When adjustments are made, it may be easier to see changes in behavior.
4. Dogs are animals that are "prone to changes in their bodies as they are in their behavior"
Dogs are very clear about changes in body balance as behavior.
For example
Walk often on days when you are in good health
On bad days, your appetite decreases
Get close to what you need
You can honestly see changes such as this.
This is because the dog's ECS works sensitively,
It is thought that this is because the changes that occur in the body are easily observed as external actions.
Dogs are biologically and behaviorally,
When the balance of the body is balanced, it is easy for it to appear as a "visible change".
5. Summary
The reasons why dogs have many seizures include:
Genetic predisposition
Brain structure
Metabolic fluctuations
Emotional fluctuation
Multiple factors are involved.
Furthermore, dogs
It is an animal with a high reactivity of the ECS (endocannabinoid system),
Sometimes the changes caused by CBD are easier to see than others.
This knowledge helps you understand your dog's health,
It is very important for reading changes in behavior and physical condition.
By knowing the relationship between ECS and dogs,
You can see the depth of the animal called a dog even more.
[References]
Berendt M, Gram L. J Vet Intern Med. 1999.
Heske L, et al. J Vet Intern Med. 2014.
Tsou K, et al. J Comp Neurol. 1998.
McGrath S, et al. Front Vet Sci. 2018.
McGrath S, et al. JAVMA. 2019.
Bartner LR, et al. Can J Vet Res. 2018.
Vezzani A, et al. Nat Rev Neurol. 2011.
McPartland JM, et al. Eur J Pharmacol. 2006.
2025July 14 - : Dementia and CBD
Dementia and CBD: A New Perspective on Finding Hope in Progression Inhibition and BPSD
1. It's not just "forgetfulness", the real pain of dementia
When many people think of dementia, they first think of "forgetfulness".
However, in reality, what patients, families, and caregivers suffer the most is "behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD)".
For example, wandering, verbal abuse, hallucinations, anxiety, day-night reversal, refusal behavior, etc.
These are major problems that make daily life and nursing care more difficult than memory loss.
BPSD is painful for the person himself and at the same time is a factor that increases the burden on those around him, so it is essential to understand and respond to it from an early stage.
2. Even though the number of new drugs increases, the reality is that they are not meeting expectations
Donepezil, memantine, and more recently, aducanumab, and other therapeutic drugs that aim to "intervene in the disease itself" are appearing one after another.
These are intended to slow down the progression of cognitive function and are not originally expected to have an effect on BPSD (behavioral and psychological symptoms).
On the contrary, there are cases where BPSD is exacerbated by the side effects of these drugs without the person or family noticing it.
For example, changes such as "restlessness", "insomnia", and "hallucinations" were thought to be the progression of the disease, but in fact they were the effects of medication.
3. That's where CBD is attracting attention
Against this backdrop, CBD (cannabidiol) has been attracting attention in recent years.
CBD has no psychoactive effects or addiction and is highly safe, which is why research is being conducted for medical applications around the world.
In particular, clinical reports have shown improvements in symptoms such as "anxiety," "anxiety," and "hallucinations" for BPSD, suggesting that it may reduce stress among caregivers.
Randomized controlled trials are also underway overseas, and further evidence is expected to increase in the future.
4. It may also suppress the progression of dementia itself.
CBD is not only suppressing BPSD, but also has the potential to slow the progression of dementia itself.
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain are believed to cause neuronal degeneration and death, and CBD has been reported to help suppress these reactions.
Animal studies have also confirmed that CBD inhibits the accumulation of amyloid β and maintains neuroplasticity in the brain, which is involved in memory.
Human research is still limited, but it is expected to have the potential to be used as a "dementia progression inhibitor" in the future.
5. Is CBD safe? Can it be used in Japan?
Studies to date have reported that CBD is relatively safe and has fewer side effects in older adults.
However, it is not approved as a drug in Japan, and depending on the product,THC (psychoactive component)There are cases where it is contaminated, so be careful.
It is important to choose a reliable product, that the content is clearly determined, and that you consult with your doctor when using it.
6. Conclusion: As a new option to support "that person's personality"
A treatment that completely stops the progression of dementia has not yet been established.
However, there is great hope that options like CBD are emerging that have fewer side effects and may reduce the suffering of the person and their family.
While we hope that further research will progress in the future and new perspectives on dementia care will expand, it is important to first know the correct information and explore what we can do.
7. How does CBD reduce inflammation in the brain? ──Relationship with microglia
In recent years, not only amyloid β have been the cause of Alzheimer's disease, but also chronic inflammation in the brain (neuroinflammation).
Immune cells in the brain called "microglia" play a central role in this inflammation.
Normally, microglia are responsible for monitoring the brain's environment and processing foreign substances.
However, when amyloid β, tau protein abnormalities, and oxidative stress accumulate, microglia become overactive and release inflammatory substances (such as IL-1β and TNF-α), which in turn damage nerve cells.
Several basic studies have reported that CBD can reduce the excessive activation of these microglia and keep the brain's inflammatory response calm.
It has also been suggested that it may realign microglia from "excessive aggressors" to "repair agents" by promoting the production of cytokines (e.g., IL-10) that induce inflammation in a calming direction.
In this way, CBD also has the potential to be an "immunomodulator that calms the brain", and future research is expected to be not limited to just a countermeasure against BPSD, but also as a means of suppressing the progression of dementia itself.
2025July 2, 2008 : It's not just CBD! What is the function of the ECS supported by "water"?
It's not just CBD! What is the function of the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) supported by "water"?
1. Moisture is the basic environment for ECS function
The ECS (endocannabinoid system) is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. It is involved in body temperature regulation, appetite, pain, inflammation, mood, sleep, immunity, etc.
When water is insufficient, metabolism, neurotransmission, and enzymatic reactions at the cellular level do not work well, and the ECS slows down.
2.Dehydration triggers a stress response
When you are dehydrated, cortisol (stress hormone) is secreted, and the ECS works to suppress it.
However, chronic water deprivation can also limit the ability of the ECS to regulate, which can worsen inflammation, mood disorders, and insomnia.
3. Water is also required for the synthesis of endocannabinoids
Endogenous cannabinoids (anandamide and 2-AG) are molecules derived from lipids, but enzymes are involved in their synthesis and degradation, and the water environment affects enzyme activity.
Since enzymatic reactions basically work optimally in a water-soluble environment, dehydration poses a risk of causing metabolic disorders.
4. Hydration and nervous system health
The ECS is also widely distributed in the central nervous system, and water balance also affects signaling in the brain.
Especially in the elderly, it is difficult to feel thirsty, so the regulatory mechanism involved in the ECS is likely to decline, which can cause symptoms such as constipation, insomnia, and depression.
5.Water as an environmental factor that supports the work of CBD and cannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids such as CBD support the ECS, but water is essential for absorption, transport, and action in the body.
Water-soluble CBD is especially essential for moisture to be effective. In the dehydrated state, it is not well dispersed and absorbed, making it difficult to exert its effectiveness.
Summary
Water is like the "soil" of the ECS. In a state of lack of fluids, the ECS cannot function well. In addition to diet and CBD intake to regulate the ECS, "drinking water frequently" is the basis for maintaining fundamental health.
2025June 19 - : Building a Strong Body in Summer – Heat Acclimatization, CBD, and ECS
Every summer"I can't eat because I'm tired in the summer" "I can't sleep without air conditioning"I often hear voices saying.
On the other hand, there are people who can live well in the same environment. Where does this difference come from?
The keyword is "heat acclimatization".
This time, we will talk about the mechanism by which the body gets used to heat, the relationship with the endocannabinoid system (ECS),
And we will explain how to use CBD to support you.
1. What is heat acclimatization?
Heat acclimatization is an adaptive response in which the human body changes to cope with rising temperatures.
Specifically, the following changes occur:
1.Increased sweating and easier to regulate body temperature
2.Reduced salt content in sweat and reduced mineral loss
3.Reduces the increase in heart rate and body temperature
4.Reduces the risk of heat stroke
This acclimatization occurs gradually over a few days ~ 2 weeks, and is triggered by moderately sweaty activities during the day. On the other hand, if you are only in air-conditioned rooms, heat acclimatization is less likely to occur.
2.Relationship between ECS and heat tolerance
The ECS (endogenous cannabinoid system) is a regulatory mechanism that maintains homeostasis in body temperature, stress, immunity, energy metabolism, etc.
If this ECS is working well, the following adjustments will go smoothly:
1.initiation and suppression of sweating
2.Balance adjustment of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves)
3.Suppression of inflammatory response
4.Improve the quality of sleep and recovery
In a hot environment, the body is more susceptible to stress, but if the ECS is working well, it may be able to suppress overreactions and acclimatize smoothly.
3.The importance of diet, hydration, and exercise
#食事
1. In summer, the stomach tends to weaken. Choose not only cold foods, but warm and easy to digest.
2. Minerals such as magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc are easily lost with sweat, and miso soup, natto, vegetables, seaweed, and pickled plums are useful.
#moisture
1.Frequent replenishment before feeling thirsty is the iron rule. Mineral water, reduced water, barley tea, etc. are recommended.
2.Sweet soft drinks are counterproductive. It can cause blood sugar spikes, dehydration, and sluggishness.
#exercise
1.Walking and light muscle training to encourage light sweating during the day is a shortcut to heat acclimatization.
2.If you get too used to the air conditioning environment, your sweating function will decline. Be conscious of exercising during the cool hours of the morning and evening.
4.How can CBD be used?
CBD is very effective against insomnia, stress, and autonomic nervous system disturbances associated with heat.
Utilization points
1.Take before sleep at night: Reduces sympathetic overactivity and supports deep sleep
2.Used when you feel excessive tension or irritability during the day
3.Helps recover from fatigue after exercise: CBD can also help restore muscles and reduce inflammation
In particular, water-soluble CBD is absorbed quickly and has good absorption efficiency when sweating and circulation are increased. In summer, water metabolism in the body is also intense, so water-soluble types are suitable.
Summary: How to build a body that can withstand summer
1.Heat acclimatization is the same as training. Resistance becomes more resistant by getting used to it little by little
2.If the ECS is functioning properly, it will be easier to acclimatize and the body will be less likely to get tired.
3.Balance of diet, water, and exercise is the basic
4.CBD is also an effective support for preventing summer fatigue as a regulator of the ECS
2025May 30 - : For those of you who thought CBD wasn't right for you
I couldn't sleep after taking CBD...?
The "voice of the body" and the real role of CBD that can be seen from each reaction
I tried CBD,
"I couldn't sleep."
"I feel like it's not working somehow."
I sometimes hear voices.
But if you change your perspective a little, there is actually an important "body reaction" hidden there.
For those of you who drink CBD at night and have "clear eyes"
I used CBD to sleep, but my mind became clearer??
This experience is actually not uncommon.
It is especially common in people who tend to have insomnia from a young age or who live a life that is not relaxed during the day.
This is not because CBD has "stimulated" you.
As a result of trying to adjust the excessive sympathetic nervous system and stress response system, the brain's wakefulness system temporarily responded.
CBD, especially with high bioactivity, can easily reach the body even in small amounts, so it may respond as "clarity" or "clarity of vision" rather than sleep.
Rather, it's a sign that CBD is starting to reach your ECS (endocannabinoid system).
Not all of a sudden, but from one drop in the morning or noon.
By starting from there, the rhythm of the autonomic nervous system is adjusted, leading to a natural night's sleep.
For those who drink at night and "didn't feel much"
In this case, it may be too early to conclude that it is not working.
If your ECS itself is slowing down due to years of stress or disrupted sleep rhythms, it may take some time for the effects of CBD to manifest as a "feeling".
This is
1) Decreased secretion of endogenous cannabinoids (anandamide and 2-AG)
2) Decreased sensitivity of CB1 receptors
It is thought that it has an effect.
The balance of the body does not return immediately.
CBD is not a "sedative" but a "regulator".
By incorporating it little by little into your daily routine, your ECS will gradually wake up.
For those who drink it during the day and feel "clearer vision" or "feel brighter"
This is just proof that CBD has reached the ECS.
When the body is freed from tension and the noise that was on the vision and emotions is easily removed,
"I can see brightness in front of me."
"I feel energized somehow."
It will be an experience.
This state is an ideal ECS state with sympathetic and parasympathetic balance.
By preparing it with CBD during the day, you can create a "foundation" for a night's sleep.
For those who drink it at noon but don't really understand.
In this case, you might be doing the following:
1) The amount of CBD is too low (it does not reach the "threshold" for reaction).
2) The sensory antenna is dull and you don't notice the change
3) Or CBD adjustment is progressing "behind the surface" and has not yet appeared on the surface
Just because you don't feel it doesn't mean it's not working.
When the ECS is starting to get in order, the body is quietly starting to change.
One day, I often suddenly realize, "Come to think of it, I'm less frustrated than before" or "I may be less tired."
Conclusion: CBD does not "work", but "prepares"
If you look too much for CBD for immediate results, it tends to be a black-and-white evaluation of "it works or doesn't work".
But CBD originally has the power to "return" and "adjust".
It's not just about sleeping,
It is involved in the balance of the entire body, such as clarity, mood stability, and autonomic nervous system switching.
Why
It is important to look at "how your body reacted" rather than "I couldn't sleep".
Your ECS may be responding quietly but surely.
And it's in that reaction that CBD really has value.