Cachexia

Cachexia causes weight loss regardless of dietary intake, affecting both muscle and fat. Unlike voluntary weight loss, cachexia occurs involuntarily due to factors outside of one’s control, including altered metabolism and inflammation-induced appetite changes. Cachexia is considered a protective response of the body against disease, although it leaves individuals vulnerable to infections due to weakened immune function. Increasing calorie intake is unlikely to reverse the condition. Fortunately, cachexia is recognized as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in Mississippi, and individuals can contact a qualified Mississippi medical marijuana doctor at TruReleaf MD for help.

Cachexia can stem from various factors, including an imbalance of specific compounds in the body. The interaction and effects of these substances, as well as the underlying reasons for their presence, are important considerations. Such interactions can worsen cachexia, leading to weight loss and muscle wasting, as well as:

Mississippi has identified cachexia, among many other conditions, as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana. To obtain a Mississippi medical marijuana card, individuals can contact an experienced and licensed Mississippi medical marijuana doctor to schedule an initial appointment and take the first step.

Medical marijuana has shown great promise in recent studies for treating cachexia. Patients with cachexia need to increase their food intake by managing vomiting and nausea, and both anecdotal and empirical evidence indicates that medical cannabis is a safe and effective method to achieve this.

Dronabinol, a synthetic THC derivative, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1985 for managing wasting in HIV/AIDS patients. Studies have proven its effectiveness. Chemotherapy patients are also prescribed the medication to manage nausea and vomiting, but the high cost has been a significant barrier.

Marijuana’s ability to stimulate appetite and cause “munchies” is a commonly known effect. Additionally, it can alleviate nausea, vomiting, depression, and other symptoms of malaise that accompany cachexia.

The primary symptom to address when dealing with cachexia is a lack of appetite. By eating healthy, you may observe that nausea and vomiting decrease. The increased appetite resulting from this may allow you to return to your usual diet, preventing weight loss, muscle dystrophy, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.

Cannabis has the potential to increase your food intake, promote satiety, and prevent weight loss and muscle wasting.

Cannabis can also have positive effects on mental health. For centuries, people have self-medicated with marijuana. When you’re ill, your physical health can impact your mental well-being, leading to depression, feelings of isolation, dejection, and difficulty getting out of bed.

Chronic illness can drain your energy and leave you fatigued, leading to feelings of boredom and frustration. The resulting lack of vitality can lead to depression, causing you to lose interest in activities you once enjoyed, and negatively impacting your social life.