Using Cannabis To Manage Your Weight
Again, more research is needed with regard to the relationship between marijuana and cholesterol.; While some studies have suggested that cannabis can raise your good cholesterol levels, others, like the one published in;Diabetes Care, indicate the opposite effect.
On the other hand, studies;have;shown that marijuana can help treat diabetes and reduce abdominal fat, so we know that cannabis can aid weight loss and enhance cardiovascular health both keys to bringing bad cholesterol down.
Of course, at the end of the day, the best and simplest way to control your weight and keep your heart healthy will always be proper diet and exercise.; Fortunately, its quite possible to diet while using marijuana, as long as you follow some basic;tips to control the munchies.
If youve been diagnosed with diabetes, or are suffering from severe chronic joint pain or other complications due to your weight, medical cannabis may be able to help provide additional relief in conjunction with exercise, a healthy diet, and treatment with prescription medications.; To talk about whether medical marijuana could be right for your cardiovascular condition, call Inhale MD at 477-8886 today.
TheFreshToast.com, a U.S. lifestyle site, that contributes lifestyle content and, with their partnership with 600,000 physicians via Skipta, medical marijuana information to The GrowthOp.
Is It True That Marijuana Can Cause High Cholesterol
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It Can Relieve Your Pain
Marijuana is often used as a source of pain relief, as you can get a medical card for it to treat issues like cancer or inflammation. “German researchers found that marijuana-based remedies increased the number of people who reported a 50% or more reduction in pain relief,” says WebMD. “In a small study of 47 patients with Parkinson’s disease, Israeli researchers found a 27% improvement in pain with marijuana use.”
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Access To Marijuana Is Growing But Marijuana Benefits And Its Risks Have Not Been Carefully Studied
In many states in this country, you can legally use marijuana for a range of health benefits, including the treatment of chronic pain, anxiety, and nausea. Smoking is the fastest way to feel the effects of marijuana, which is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Yet marijuana smoke contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens found in cigarette smoke a known contributor to heart disease as well as cancer.
Marijuana cultivation and use dates back some 6,000 years. However, the cardiovascular and other health effects of cannabis aren’t well studied. That’s partly because under federal law, cannabis is a Schedule I substance, meaning it has “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” That designation places numerous restrictions on researchers, making it difficult to carry out rigorous research on marijuana.
“As a result, everything we’re told about what marijuana does or doesn’t do should be viewed with a certain amount of caution. This holds equally true for the risks as well as the benefits,” says Dr. Kenneth Mukamal, associate professor of medicine at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
How Does Cannabis Affect Your Cholesterol
There is currently little research on cannabis and cholesterol. However, there are a handful of studies that suggest it may have some effect.
A 2013 study;for the;Diabetes Care;journal compared 30 cannabis smokers cholesterol levels with 30 control subjects. Cannabis use ranged from 330 joints per day over 238 years .
The researchers found the cannabis smokers had lower HDL levels than the control subjects. However, there were no significant differences in total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, or free fatty acids. It is unclear whether the decrease in HDL levels was due to cannabis itself or the consumption method of smoking.
Furthermore, these results differ from those of a 2020 study;that looked at CBD-containing hemp oil that illustrated significant improvements in HDL level among participants.
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What Are The Cardiovascular Effects Of Cannabis
Another frequently asked question about cannabis and cardiovascular health is: can weed cause a heart attack?;
First, let’s again distinguish between the cannabinoids THC and CBD. For example, CBD oils containing trace levels of THC may have very different effects than smoking a high-THC strain of marijuana. Various studies have indicated that THC may have detrimental effects on cardiovascular health, whereas CBD could be helpful to the heart.
Goldstein added, “CBD does not appear to have the same risks for the heart as THC and in fact, appears to be somewhat cardioprotective.” To support this assertion, Goldstein cited a 2010 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in which researchers concluded that CBD has therapeutic potential in treating complications of diabetes, as well as some cardiovascular disorders. Most notably, CBD could reduce inflammation, a condition that can ultimately damage the blood vessels, arteries, and vital organs. So, if you apply CBD oil to your skin or swallow a few tablespoons, the impact could differ greatly than if you smoked a blunt.
To this point, there is some research that suggests smoking THC could directly or indirectly lead to a heart attack. One 2019 study titled “The Cardiovascular Effects of Marijuana: Are the Potential Adverse Effects Worth the High?” and published in the Journal of the Missouri State Medical Association showed that some people experienced a heart attack within an hour of smoking cannabis.
Can Using Medical Marijuana Help Lower My Cholesterol
Millions of Americans live with high cholesterol, which can increase the risk of developing heart disease, developing peripheral artery disease, or having a stroke all of which are potentially life-threatening.; Research is being conducted to determine whether patients with high cholesterol could see health benefits from using marijuana.; So far, scientists havent reached a conclusive verdict about whether Cannabis can lower cholesterol; but while more research is needed, existing studies have raised some interesting points about marijuanas potential role in the fight against high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.
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Could Marijuana Soon Be Legal Across The Us
Thats because the same liver enzymes that break down statins or blood thinners also break down the compounds in marijuana, he said. Using them simultaneously with marijuana can change the effectiveness or the potency of the medications.
For example, marijuana can increase the levels of the blood thinner warfarin in the body, which can lead to excessive bleeding, according to the review. One case report published last year found that people using marijuana while on warfarin may need to reduce their dosage by as much as 30 percent. With statins, pot can boost the potency, which could lead to dangerous drops in blood pressure.
If people who are on heart-related medications do choose to use marijuana, its important that they tell their doctor and their pharmacist, so the medication dosages can be adjusted if needed.
The first step is having an open discussion with clinicians, because it does influence some parts of their care, Vaduganathan said. And certain heart health patients should avoid pot entirely.
Take This Marijuana Message To Heart
Smoking Pot May Put Users at Risk for Serious Heart Problems
May 13, 2008 — Smoking results in changes in the bloodstream that may put chronic users at risk for serious cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke.
Researchers with the National Institute on Drug Abuse say the active chemical in marijuana, THC, causes the body to overproduce a protein called ApoC-111. ApoC-111 is linked to high triglycerides because of problems with the breakdown of blood fats in the body.
The study results are published in the May 13 issue of Molecular Psychiatry.
The researchers note that marijuana’s effects from heavy, long-term use have been linked to neuorological problems such as learning difficulty and strokes.
For the study, Jean Lud Cadet, MD, with the Molecular Neuropsychiatry Branch at the National Institutes of Health Biomedical Research Council in Baltimore, and colleagues looked at blood samples from 18 regular marijuana users and 24 nonusers. They found that chronic pot smokers had significant increases in blood levels of ApoC-111. They also found an association between ApoC-111 levels and elevated levels of triglycerides.
Cadet’s team says that THC binds to cannabinoid receptors that are located in different areas of the body, including the brain, heart, and liver. They believe the chemical chronically overstimulates the receptors, leading to a steady increase in ApoC-111 levels and accumulation of triglycerides in the blood.
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Liver Cirrhosis And Cannabis
There are already studies and journals that showed evidence that the activation of certain endocannabinoid receptors can worsen patients health with cirrhosis. On the other hand, activating the different endocannabinoids can also help with liver problems, such as alleviating pain and inflammation and eventually putting positive effects on the patients towards healing and recovery.
It is clear that cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system can impact the liver from different angles and in different ways. That is why many studies should be done to explore and discover which strain and form of cannabinoids can impact the liver in a good way and which ones can cause further damage. A study on THC, in particular, and liver functions will aid future cases and decisions to improve further cannabis use and liver health for all medicinal and recreational marijuana users.
THC markers have already been studied, through the use of blood chemistry, from a healthy liver. No significant changes were noted aside from an improved liver function because of an elevated THC-Hydroxy level. This study, however, had a very limited scope and coverage because of the small size of the sample and participants; that is why further study is very much recommended.
Liver Disease And Its Causes
We all know that the liver plays an important role in our body as a part of our digestive system. The liver is also considered the largest organ inside the human body, and it does not just metabolize chemicals. It also helps in developing immunity and removing toxins from our bodies. As part of the digestive system, the liver takes part in controlling various gastrointestinal functions that help you stay healthy and functional. Damage in your liver may result in digestive issues and can even lead to problems and disorders.
Cannabis has been known to contribute to improving the way of living of many people; however, if not consumed and used properly, it can lead to issues. Marijuana and the liver are related and connected to each other because of the substances effect on liver functions. Liver problems such as FLD or fatty liver disease and cirrhosis can be brought about by drug and alcohol abuse, toxins, and an unhealthy food intake. Those issues differ from the hepatitis infections since they are mostly viral.
The signs and symptoms of a failing or a problematic liver may vary, but the most common ones are the swelling, and the yellowing of the eyes or skin, referred to as jaundice. Liver damage due to marijuana commonly includes extensive swelling of the abdomen and extremities, rases, changed color of the urine and stool output, and jaundice. Laboratory tests and blood works can greatly help in the diagnosis of liver disease.
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It Can Affect Your Developing Brain
“The brain continues to develop through adolescence and into adulthood, and those areas of the brain that control executive functioning, processing, judgment, and decision making are the last to develop,” says Dr. Randall Dwenger. “Marijuana use can impair this brain development and have a long-lasting impact on the individual’s future.”
You Can Develop Cannabis Use Disorder
“This means that these users develop such an ironclad tolerance to marijuana that they have to consume increasing amounts to feel the same euphoric sensations,” says Dr. Sal Raichbach. “This leads to decreased reactivity to dopamine, which suggests a possible correlation to the dampening of the reward system of the brain and an increase in negative emotion and addiction severity.”
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Can Cannabis Cause Fatty Liver
FLD or fatty liver disease is often a result of too much alcohol intake, poor eating habits, and unhealthy food choices. There is still not much research and studies to prove that cannabis can damage or cause fatty liver; however, we know that cannabis can be of help.
In recent studies, cannabis has been eyed as a potential healing substance for both AFLD or alcoholic fatty liver disease and NAFLD or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Cannabis was proven to promote fibrosis or the development of fibrous connective tissue as an aid to damage. Additionally, because of the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis, they are also helpful in treating inflammation.
How To Lower Cholesterol
Some people have naturally higher cholesterol levels than others. Age, ethnicity, and genetics all play a role. However, many of the factors that influence cholesterol levels relate to lifestyle, and, therefore, individuals can alter them.
Some of the best ways to lower cholesterol include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Engaging in regular physical exercise to maintain a healthy body weightand increase HDL
- Not smoking
If an individual cannot control their cholesterol by making these lifestyle adjustments, their doctor may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication. Some of the most common cholesterol drugs are called statins, including:
- Simvastatin
- Pravastatin
- Rosuvastatin
Although these medications have demonstrated their efficacy in robust clinical trials, unpleasant side effects can still occur. Therefore, some people are looking for more natural alternatives and may be wondering whether cannabis or CBD could help.
So, how does cannabis affect cholesterol? Lets take a look.
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Cannabis Effect On Cholesterol In Patients With Diabetes
A study that looked at the effects of two cannabinoids, CBD and tetrahydrocannabivarin, THCV, in patients with Type 2 diabetes found that, compared with placebo, THCV significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose, , although plasma HDL, the good blood-scouring cholesterol, was unaffected.
In the double-blind study, 62 patients were randomized into several different treatment groups and given different combinations of CBD or THCV for 13 weeks. The authors concluded that THCV could be good therapy for people struggling to get control of their blood sugar, but they didnt connect either of the cannabinoids to improved cholesterol levels.;
A 2012 studyinvestigating the link between diabetes and marijuana use found that all marijuana users had a higher prevalence of serum HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides compared to non-users. The study looked at four groups, non-marijuana users, past users, light current users and heavy current users .
The cross-sectional study depended on self-reported data from participants, which can be subject to recall bias, and it couldnt rule out whether the people who use marijuana had different cholesterol levels than non-users because theyre younger, or other factors that could explain the association. Its definition of heavy use is also pretty low, at more than five times a month.
Can Cannabis Help Control Cholesterol? was last modified: May 25th, 2021 by Kelly Rush
Weed And Blood Pressure Medication
You might also be wondering, what if you’re smoking weed while taking blood pressure medication? Will there be an adverse reaction? If you are smoking THC-rich cannabis and taking medication for high blood pressure, the answer is that there could be.
Goldstein explained,;”Smoking cannabis can be harmful for those with heart disease or hypertension since the smoke contains carbon monoxide. This gas binds to the hemoglobin in red blood cells, displacing oxygen off of the red blood cells which results in less oxygen going to the body’s tissues, including the heart. People with heart disease or high blood pressure should avoid smoking.”
Instead, Goldstein recommends other methods of cannabis use, such as sublingual tinctures or edibles, which she says are safe to use if someone is on blood pressure medication. Further, Bone stressed that people who use cannabis and are on blood pressure medications need to be mindful of the possibility of an interaction with other prescription medications. This means monitoring blood pressure and reporting any dizziness to your doctor, who can adjust your dosages accordingly.;
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Cannabis To Promote Less Drinking
Indeed, cannabis or marijuana can help you decrease alcohol intake provided that you still have a healthy liver, and the cannabis intake is done more orally. This is because cannabis, when ingested, can release compounds into the digestive tract with effects that can help you restrain alcohol until it is fully metabolized and absorbed into your bloodstream.
It Could Increase Your Cardiovascular Risk
“Marijuana has been shown to cause a fast heartbeat and elevated blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people with heart disease,” says Dr. Sanul Corrielus. “It may also aggravate other pre-existing heart conditions in long-term users and those who are olderplacing them at greater risk of a cardiovascular event,” says Dr. Norris.;
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Liver And Marijuana The Basics
Our liver works in many ways, and its main function is to regulate the chemical levels in the blood circulation and eventually filter out any harmful toxins in your body. With the consistent rise in the use of medicinal cannabis and the legalization of cannabis in many countries, it is clear that there are many people who turn to the use of both medicinal and recreational cannabis.
Because of the recent legalizations, many medical practitioners have included cannabis or marijuana in their prescription medicines for people who do not work well with conventional treatments or pharmaceuticals. Of course, with the countless benefits that cannabis can offer, there are still downsides and side effects. Cannabis has been long proven to be a good source of anti-oxidant with very effective anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. However, all substances, including cannabinoids, are metabolized by the liver, similar to all other medicines. There is a chance that cannabis or marijuana can negatively interact with other medicines and might have an effect on your liver, even if not directly.
It is a good point to ponder that the health benefits and therapeutic effects of cannabis can truly outweigh the bad and side effects. However, you have to understand that too much of everything is not recommended, especially if the substance you are taking might take a toll or have an effect on your body.