The Efficacy of Treating Cachexia with Cannabis
Cachexia is an irreversible muscle wasting syndrome that typically occurs due to the end-stages of cancer, AIDS, chronic heart failure, crohn's disease, arthritis, cystic fibrosis, chronic kidney disease and obstructive pulmonary disease. People diagnosed with cachexia do not effectively metabolize carbohydrates, protein, and fat in such a way that leads to severe muscle deterioration. It is believed that blood backs up into the liver and intestines, causing the organs to swell. The inflammation in the intestines inhibits the absorption of nutrients, contributes to anemia, nausea, weight loss, fatigue, loss of taste and appetite.
Interventions for Cachexia
As patients with cachexia become less tolerant to many medical interventions, doctors can now prescribe medical marijuana to increase the quality of life of their patients. Of course, the main focus of treating cachexia is treating the underlying condition. Before doctors will suggest a medical marijuana intervention, they will help the patient improve their diet, prescribe digestive stimulants, recommend suitable exercises, and offer emotional support.
Marijuana for Cachexia
Marijuana is known to increase appetite by stimulating cannabinoid receptors in the brain that increase ghrelin, the hormone responsible for feelings of hunger. It is common knowledge that many people “get the munchies” after taking a hit or two. Increasing appetite with cannabis is an effective treatment for people with cachexia, as it may help increase their appetite and reduce nausea. Cannabis can also be infused with CBD, a natural intestinal anti-inflammatory. A marijuana and CBD combination may lead to less distress within the intestinal walls of a patient suffering from cachexia, which may help patients to absorb more nutrients than they would have otherwise.
Unfortunately, cachexia reduces life expectancy, weakens the immune system, and makes patients less tolerable to common medical interventions such as chemotherapy. Cachexia is often an indication that the patient is in the end-stages of battling with the underlying disease. Marijuana as an intervention for cachexia can ethically improve the quality of life for patients.
ADVERTISEMENT
