Cannabis has grown considerably in the medical world as new uses of the natural herb are being researched and confirmed. This has fostered the opening of new legal markets for medical marijuana in different regions. It has also helped in increasing the acceptance of cannabis among the populace as many who were initially opposed to the idea of cannabis are now embracing it.
Based on anecdotal reports and extensive studies, cannabis has been found to be useful in dealing with some chronic conditions like depression, insomnia, inflammations, obesity, and so on.
A closer look at inflammation and obesity
Many chronic related conditions are in one way or another related to inflammation. Obesity is no exception to this trend. The condition also comes with different co-morbidities. This is why when physicians prescribe drugs for obesity, the goal of the therapy is to treat the accompanying co-morbidities. These co-morbidities include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol level, and high blood glucose.
Inflammation is implicated for the co-morbidities that accompany obesity which means it plays a huge role in the development of the condition. Inflammation one of the root causes of high blood pressure and equally promotes the risk of high cholesterol and high blood pressure. A further look into obesity also shows that cytokines which are substances secreted by immune cells have a role to play in the development of obesity. They cause insulin resistance and other health problems which serve as precursors for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is known to often lead to obesity.
Obesity does not develop suddenly as it is a product of consistent lifestyle habits. These habits include indulging constantly in a diet high in sugar and processed foods which help to elevate the blood sugar level. With increased glucose levels in the body system, the body responds by increasing the amount of insulin produced in order to remove glucose from the bloodstream.
The unhealthy cycle of obesity
Production of an increased amount of insulin is the body’s response mechanism to prevent a high level of sugar which comes from regular consumption of processed foods. Eventually, the body becomes desensitized to insulin which in turn reduces the ability of the body to respond to the effects of insulin. Invariably, the blood sugar level in the body becomes high, leads to inflammation, and ultimately produces more insulin resistance. This unhealthy cycle continues and the final product is high blood sugar which in turn causes obesity.
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This unhealthy cycle also involved the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS works through the unique relationship between endocannabinoids which directly or indirectly affect cannabinoid receptors in the body. The operation of the ECS can promote overeating of processed foods and low nutrient foods which increased the number of endocannabinoids. With increased appetite and more overeating, the unhealthy cycle continues with high blood sugar and insulin resistance.
Cannabis, inflammation, and obesity
Studies have shown a unique relationship exists between cannabinoids, inflammation, and obesity. These unique effects of cannabinoids in the body system have been generally used for medical marijuana. CBD is one of the important cannabinoids in the matrix of cannabis plants and it is effective for reducing inflammation. The cannabinoid has a patent in the US government for its anti-inflammatory activity which shows how much research has been done on the cannabinoid. CBD also works effectively for reducing cholesterol levels and in turn reducing blood sugar. This shows that CBD is useful in reducing the onset of obesity and its co-morbidities.
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The implication of ECS in the development of obesity might also prove useful for the effectiveness of CBD in dealing with obesity. CBD interacts with the ECS directly or indirectly to facilitate different responses all over the body. This effect is utilized by CBD to promote the reduction of inflammation throughout the body. CBD is also important to facilitate the reduction of disorderly consumption of processed foods. By reducing the unhealthy consumption of processed foods, CBD, therefore, reduces the development of inflammation and ultimately obesity.
How can cannabis break the cycle?
The common steps outside of the use of cannabis that is used to deal with obesity majorly have to do with lifestyle changes. One major step that is pivotal is a change of eating habits in order to stop the unhealthy cycle and ensure that insulin is effective in removing glucose from the bloodstream. Developing a strong anti-inflammatory food plan and sticking to it is also important to deal with the unhealthy cycle of obesity.
Cannabis through the action of CBD can be very beneficial for the reduction of obesity and its co-morbidities. This is why it is important to incorporate cannabis strains that have high CBD content into the nutrition of such patients. For patients that may have issues with smoking cannabis, there are other forms of consumption that will ensure the target cannabinoid is available for the required effect. CBD already exists in different product forms such as oils, tinctures, topical creams, and transdermal patches.
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It is also important to ensure that one consults a nutritionist with proper knowledge about the role of the ECS in promoting obesity. Such a professional will be well equipped to provide the patient with advice on which cannabis strains to use to stop food addiction and correct the ECS dysfunction. Such professionals are present in some cannabis dispensaries where they offer important medical and nutritional advice to patients.
Bottom line
The relationship between inflammation and obesity springs up from a cycle of events that include high blood pressure, high cholesterol level, and high blood sugar. This unhealthy cycle is also increased by cytokines secreted by immune cells which promotes insulin resistance. Dealing with inflammation is pivotal to controlling obesity and this is where cannabis can help to break the cycle. CBD is very effective in reducing inflammations in the body which in turn makes it useful for dealing with obesity.
This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.
