Cannabinoid
oil, commonly referred to as CBD oil, is a compound derived from the cannabis
Sativa plant. It is a natural remedy for many health conditions that has been
used from the early 1940s to date with continuous research carried out in
different parts of the world on its benefits. Of its many benefits, the oil has
been found to aid in the treatment of eating disorders interestingly. Many
people who suffer from an eating disorder will tend to suffer from depression
as well. CBD oil caters to the eating disorder treatment and helps with
depressive episodes promoting healthier individuals and better quality of life.
A few studies have also confirmed the benefits of this treatment as a major
contributing factor to overall improvement in the quality of life of eating
disorder patients.
Common Eating Disorders
To
understand CBD oil's role in treatment, it is important to understand what
eating disorders are and the various types of eating disorders. There are three
main conditions associated with eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia
nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
Anorexia
is a condition where individuals deprive themselves of nutrients through
starvation. This can be a result of depression or obsession to lose weight and
remain skinny.
Binge
eating disorder is a severe condition where individuals impulsively consume a
lot of food at once to a point where they become uncomfortable.
Bulimia,
on the other hand, is a life-threatening condition where individuals attempt to
compensate for bad eating habits by inducing vomiting or taking laxatives to
flush out food and nutrients from their body systems.
All
these disorders can lead to fatality if not treated. CBD oil plays a major role
in treating such conditions and is becoming more acceptable for this use.
How CBD helps with Eating Disorders
CBD
oil contributes to the treatment of eating disorders in many ways. The most
prominent of them being its ability to relieve psychological symptoms
associated with anorexia and bulimia. In the body's endocannabinoid system,
cannabinoid receptor agonists influence the brain and change perception to
hunger and improve appetite leading to improved eating habits in the long run.
These receptors also influence the perception of satiety, which can be helpful
to individuals with binge eating disorders prompting them to eat less.
Due
to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil can help bulimia patients get
relief from the hyperacidity complications associated with excessive vomiting
and too much bile release in their system.
Like
other cannabis derivatives, CBD oil can trigger "the munchies" when
taken in larger amounts. This refers to a sudden urge to eat that comes about
due to the consumption or inhalation of some cannabis products. This can be
beneficial to patients with anorexia nervosa improving their eating habits and
leading to weight gain. This is achieved by the effect of CBD oil on sensory
brain receptors that influence smell and taste, making them amplify these senses,
leading to an individual wanting to eat more.
Clinical
trials suggest that CBD oil can help maintain healthy body weight by
influencing body processes such as homeostasis, lipogenesis, and insulin
response. Endocannabinoids and CB1R receptors are present in the pancreas,
liver, fat tissue, and other body parts. CBD oil combines with these receptors
to maintain normal body processes that break down excessive fats and control
insulin regulation. As a result, this promotes appetite and energy balance in the
body. Binge Eating disorder patients benefit greatly from this mechanism. Not
only are their cravings sorted, but excess fats consumed prior are slowly
eliminated from the body, enabling them to attain an ideal body weight over
time.
Advantages of CBD oil for Treatment of Eating
Disorders
There
are many treatments available for eating disorders. Conventional medical
treatments have been used over the years, and more recently, CBD oil or medical
cannabis is proving to add value to this cause. It is a reliable choice in
that:
·
It
is non-psychoactive and will not lead to dependence.
·
CBD
oil has no side effects to its users if taken at the correct dosage.
·
It
is an affordable form of treatment compared to some other treatment
alternatives.
·
It
is effective for treating eating disorders and caters to other underlying
ailments that are probable causes of the eating disorder; for example,
depression.
·
There
are multiple ways to administer CBD oil to a patient. These include; pills,
capsules, vapes, injectables, gummies, and oils. Bulimia patients, for instance
can use vaporized CBD to ensure its components are retained in the body and not
lost while vomiting.
·
CBD
oil is a natural treatment, unlikely to harm the body in any way if taken the
right way.
Disadvantages of CBD oil for Treatment of Eating
Disorders
Like
other medicines, there is also a flip-side to the use of CBD oil to treat
eating disorders. These include:
·
CBD
oil is not an FDA-approved drug; hence should be taken with caution.
·
There
is limited research in its use; hence, eating disorder patients with other
underlying conditions should consult with their doctor before taking up this
treatment.
·
Some
states prohibit the use of cannabis-based treatments; thus, it may not be
applicable everywhere.
How to Help Eating Disorder Patients on CBD oil
Treatment
Patients
from these conditions become reserved as a result of shame from their
deteriorating health. BED patients keep away from people while eating to avoid
judgment over how much they are eating. The first way to help them is by
accepting them for who they are and encouraging them on their goal to recover
from these disorders.
Therapy
is an additional measure that may be beneficial to them. Most of such
individuals have underlying psychological problems that trigger their behavior.
Undergoing therapy may prove to be beneficial in their wholesome recovery.
For
persons living with such patients, ensuring they take their medicine when
intended and in the correct amounts will go a long way in their recovery process.
CBD oil treatment is most effective if taken consistently, combined with
healthy habits such as good nutrition practices and regular exercise.
