

Eating is
one of the basic needs of human beings, therefore it is vitally important to be
sure that it is done correctly, to guarantee nutrition and survival. There is a
large number of people in the world who develop eating disorders due to mental health problems and also as a
consequence of other diseases and factors.
The use of medical cannabis to treat eating disorders is just
one of the applications that cannabis can bring to people's nutrition.
Thanks to its components, it can help
regulate the appetite of people with eating disorders such as obesity and
anorexia.
Like other
living beings, humans have an endocannabinoid system, which regulates physiological processes to
maintain homeostasis and pathological processes, such as pain perception
and cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and liver functions. Cannabis contains
phytocannabinoids, these are chemical substances that come into contact with
the receptors of the body's cells, through this intricate system. By consuming
them, they interact by getting involved in its functions and turn can alter the
perception of the environment. The
best-known cannabinoids in cannabis are CBD and THC, but this plant
contains more than 100 minor cannabinoids; It should be noted that consuming
medicinal cannabis depends on what condition the user presents, you should
always consult with a health professional before starting any medical treatment
and continue with their supervision during it; it is never advisable to
self-medicate.
It has been
shown that these molecules from the plant are useful for treating various
symptoms, pathologies, and disorders; one of them is anorexia. Anorexia is an
eating disorder characterized by self-deprivation of food and excessive weight
loss, this can be a consequence of loss of appetite, caused by another
condition, such as cancer, or derived from a distorted perception of the
personal image. This disorder leads to loss of fluids, vitamins, proteins,
minerals, and nutrients that are essential for the body to function properly,
with the loss of these elements it can even lead to death.
Currently,
many investigations are focused on discovering the relationship between the
endocannabinoid system and certain diseases. In the case of anorexia resulting
from other corporal complications, cannabis
can help as a treatment to stimulate appetite, gain weight, and prevent relapse.
THC is known to help treat this condition when it is caused by cancer,
hepatitis, or AIDS, however; there are also studies supporting the use of
cannabis to treat anorexia nervosa.
Anorexia
nervosa is caused by the distorted perception of the body, generally as a
consequence of psychological problems derived from low self-esteem, overwork,
or social pressure. CBD is used in patients with high levels of stress and
anxiety, obtaining good results to reduce these symptoms, that is
why cannabis can help treat anorexia nervosa.
Also, THC activates receptors in the brain that
refine the sense of smell and taste, thereby influencing hunger and the
experience of food. This helps people with anorexia nervosa to enjoy mealtime,
which is usually an extremely stressful time for them.
Another of
the disorders associated with eating where cannabis derivatives turn out to be
very useful is in the treatment of obesity. Obesity is a health problem that
affects the world population, causing other diseases such as diabetes, various
types of cancer, damage to muscles and skeleton, and cardiovascular diseases,
for that reason; it is imperative to combat this eating disorder.
Several
factors cause overweight and obesity, for example, increased sedentary
lifestyle, caused by changes in the population's work and transportation
dynamics. However, one of the main ones is the change in eating habits, since
now people tend to consume foods with high levels of sugar and saturated fat;
and precisely in these cases, cannabis
can help combat this type of disorder. Although popularly, the sensation of
a significant increase in hunger is usually present, which in popular slang is
known in some places as "the munchies" as the consequence of cannabis
use; this is not an effect that occurs every time.
Cannabis
can have different effects, depending on several factors: such as the dose
taken and how often, the personal reaction of each body, how it is consumed,
for example, if it is eaten, taken in an extract or is inhale, and it also
depends on the cannabis strain used.
Among its
components, cannabis has two cannabinoids that can fight obesity: CBD and THCV.
CBD can decrease appetite by helping to control anxiety and in conjunction with
a balanced diet and exercise, can promote weight loss; high sugar levels cause
dangerous diseases, such as diabetes, on the contrary, low sugar levels cause
an excessive increase in appetite, which leads to anxiety and the search for
immediate satisfaction. For this reason, people end up choosing foods that are
processed or high in sugar, such as chocolate. Instead of taking the time to
prepare a balanced meal or prefer fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, the
THCV contained in cannabis can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent
these problems, it also helps to decrease appetite by counteracting the feeling
of hunger that THC sometimes causes.
Also,
depending on the variety of cannabis chosen, the effect will be different for
the body. Sativa strains are known to increase energy levels, improve people's
spirits, stimulate creativity and motivate them to do activities; That is why
this variety of cannabis can improve the experience of people when they
exercise, promoting physical activity.
In
conclusion, how to consume medical cannabis will depend on the eating disorder
that the person presents. In the case of anorexia, THC will help stimulate the
appetite. In the case of obesity, CBD may suppress the appetite, and Sativa varieties
can make physical activity more pleasant, encouraging its performance.
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