Did you know that there are many people who are actually trying to gain weight or find an appetite stimulant ? It is quite the opposite problem to those who want to lose weight but just as serious. Lots of drugs can have side effects of a loss of appetite and there are illnesses which cause weight loss.. so it’s a big issue for some and one that cannabis could possibly help solve.
We are all aware of “the munchies” which take hold of you when you use cannabis. You find yourself needing to snack which for someone on a fat loss diet is a problem. However, what about those who are lacking an appetite, this hunger is a blessing!
But how can cannabis positively impact your appetite and diet?
Cannabis’ effects on the appetite has been researched for years and is still ongoing with positive data emerging almost every year.
This article will break down the 6 main ways in which cannabis can be an appetite stimulant and overall improve your experience with food.
How Cannabis Can Impact Your Appetite and Diet
1. The Body’s Endocannabinoid System Helps Control Appetite
When cannabis is consumed, THC attaches to different receptors throughout the body’s endocannabinoid system, this process allows cannabis to stimulate appetite and can even affect related senses like taste and smell.
2. Cannabis Makes Your Brain Think You’re hungry
The hunger hormone also known as Ghrelin, tells your brain when you’re hungry. A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry discovered that large amounts of Ghrelin are released when THC interacts with your body’s own endocannabinoid receptors in the hypothalamus (a vital portion of the brain).
Other, studies have uncovered that the receptor CB1 which naturally occurs in the body is stimulated when one consumes cannabis thus promoting the release of the hunger-promoting hormones.
These hormones can help aid those who suffer from nausea or loss of appetite whether it be naturally occurring or as a side effect of other treatments.
3. Cannabis Increases the Flavor in Food
When you suffer from a disease your medication can sometimes alter the taste of food, this is a common side effect in over 250 prescription drugs. An example of this alteration is giving food a metallic taste, which leaves patients feeling less interested in eating.
A study published in the Annals of Oncology, uncovered that 73% of advanced cancer patients who ingested THC every day reported an increased appreciation for their food.
4. Cannabis Boost Your Sense of Smell
THC latches on the receptors in the brain’s olfactory bulb, which increases one’s sense of smell a study published in Nature Neuroscience found. They took two groups of mice, one group was given THC and other group received no THC. Those on THC sniffed scented oils longer and ate more than those who were not given the THC.
5. Happiness in Great Foods
A study published in the Journal of Neuropharmacology found your brain releases dopamine also known as the “happy chemical” when you consume appetizing food. Cannabis is known to increase the flavor of almost all foods thus anything you eat will cause the production of dopamine keeping you in an upbeat mood.
6. Sweeten Things Up
A Japanese research team in 2010 did a study where they discovered the chemicals in cannabinoids can actually enhance your taste for sweets. The study showed that cannabinoids can do this by acting on taste receptor cells. These are the cells that sit right below your taste buds and pass signals along to the brain.
Enhance Your Eating
Regardless of what decreases your appetite, cannabis is sure to not only help increase your overall hunger but also enhance both your culinary sensations and dining experience on multiple levels. As a positive and natural appetite stimulant, it can certainly be the key to those looking for a solution to weight gain!
What do you think of using cannabis as a way to enhance appetite?
Share your thoughts below!
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