The Benefits of Medical Marijuana On Appetite in Cancer Sufferers



by Jeremy Stevens


One of the more readily observed and accepted effects of cannabis on the body is the stimulation of desire for food. This specific impact has long been documented empirically by several civilizations for hundreds of years. Just over the last few decades have researchers been able to start distinguishing the biological process happening within our body that causes this result. This process is really a rousing of the inner cannabinoid structure by way of the intake of phytocannabinoids, mainly THC.

For many people, an elevated appetite is often a non-issue at worst, but for some people it may have benefits in dietary well being and substantially improve quality of life. The particular group of people I am talking about is consumers of medicinal marijuana for the treatment of symptoms related to cancer. Whether the patient's appetite has been reduced from their cancer or if radiation treatment is a primary culprit, arousing appetite through the intake of cannabis might be of immense assistance to those afflicted with cancer.

The Endocannabinoid System

Inside the human body exists a structure that's garnered a significant amount of research recently, the endocannabinoid system. This particular structure is like the opioid structure, which also has been under study for an extended time as well, because it flows through the entire body and provides a plethora of advantages including pain relief and mood control when activated.

The body will use this system by means of its creation of cannabinoids, and it accomplishes this easily whenever a specific need comes about that this cannabinoid system can easily complete. However, it can also be stimulated with synthesization of outside cannabinoids, or more explicitly, phytocannabinoids. Marijuana is proven to be tightly concentrated with these powerful cannabinoids with the main effective compound as THC.

Effectiveness for Cancer Sufferers

There are many scientific studies which surround the specific positive results of marijuana in cancer patients, but I wish to concentrate on a study specifically printed inside Annals of Oncology on February 2011. This research focused on adjustments to food cravings along with quality of life (QOL) with individuals that utilized medicinal marijuana versus a placebo.

The effects are somewhat unsurprising and primarily served to confirm formerly seen behavior, which is that weed is a potent booster of desire for food. Calorie intake had been mostly unaltered, but patients stated that the food they got "tasted better" and this allowed them to eat foods that were typically unfavorable before, especially meats and necessary protein. These kinds of conclusions are reported as increases in quality of life.

Furthermore, the study established that sleep and relaxation had been also elevated in marijuana users, which is also a substantial rise in QOL. However, there is little evidence explaining whether these particular increases were as a result of weed or possibly more complete nutrition because of a healthier appetite.

Yet Another Benefit of Cannabis

Cannabis has become a haven for those who are afflicted with insufficient desire for food and lack of nutrition, and the analysis in this article further backs results that can be observed through the scope of practical sense. As researchers still discuss the effects of cannabis on the human body, they are certain to uncover more rewarding innovations that will help today's medicine better address the people with debilitating conditions like cancer. I hope you will continue with me in my conversation pertaining to just what the influence of marijuana really is on society and the individuals in it.




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