Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that cause individuals to starve themselves or binge eat in a compulsive manner. Even though it is not yet fully understood, there are many who believe the condition is caused by environmental factors as well as genetics. Research is still ongoing on whether cannabis can help treat eating disorders, but clinical trials have shown that cannabidiol (CBD), one of the most common chemical compounds found in the plant, has strong anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic properties. This article explains more about eating disorders and how medical marijuana could be used to treat them.
What Is An Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder is an illness where someone becomes obsessed with eating food and/or becoming thin. People with an eating disorder may severely restrict their food intake or they may binge eat, or overconsume food. Anybody can have an eating disorder, but it is most common in young women. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 20 women and 1 in 29 men will have an eating disorder. Anorexia is an extreme form of self-starvation that can lead to life-threatening complications. People with anorexia often weigh less than 85% of what is considered to be normal for their height. Symptoms can include low bodyfat, low bodyweight, a desire to remain thin despite not being underweight, low appetite, extreme dieting, extreme hunger, low body metabolism, low body strength/energy, low blood volume, low blood pressure, low cholesterol, low heart output, low HbA1c (glycerol, glucose, and protein levels found in the blood). Other symptoms include poor immunity from low blood volume, low blood sugar, low protein, low calories, low essential fatty acids, low thyroid hormones, low estrogen, low minerals, low vitamin intake, low essential vitamins, low zinc, low selenium, low iron, low essential minerals, low essential fatty acids, low essential amino acids, low essential vitamins, low essential minerals, low essential amino acids, and low essential fatty acids.
CBD And Eating Disorders
CBD is one of the most common compounds found in the cannabis plant. It has strong anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic properties, which is why it is sometimes prescribed by doctors. Researchers also believe that it has strong anti-oxidant properties, which can be extremely helpful for those with eating disorders. While CBD is not yet proven to help treat eating disorders, several clinical trials have shown that it has some promise. The first study was conducted in 2016 by researchers at the University of São Paulo. The participants had either anorexia or bulimia, and half of the study participants were given CBD while the other half were given a placebo. The researchers found that participants who took CBD had an increased desire to eat, which suggests that it could be a successful treatment option.
Could Medical Marijuana Help Treat Eating Disorders?
Although there are still many research gaps, it is possible that people with eating disorders could use CBD or other cannabis products to treat their condition. What makes this option so helpful is that many people with eating disorders have anxiety or other mental health issues, making it even more difficult to get help. CBD has strong anti-anxiety properties, which could help someone with eating disorders stay in treatment and feel better about their condition. It could also help someone who is not suffering from anorexia or bulimia to eat more healthfully and avoid binge-eating.
Final Words
As with any type of treatment, effectiveness will vary from person to person. Each person’s body responds in a different way to cannabis, meaning that results may be different for each individual. That being said, it is important to keep in mind that eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can cause significant distress to individuals. While the research is still relatively new, there appear to be many who believe that cannabis holds promise as a treatment for these issues. Eating disorders are very difficult to treat, but with the right help, many individuals do recover. If you think you may be suffering from an eating disorder, please seek professional help. Visit Wccannabis.co online dispensary for all your cannabis needs.
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