Eating disorders are becoming prevalent lately and can cause severe harm to our health. They can affect an individual, both mentally and physically, in all aspects of life. Mental health conditions related to moods, like anxiety, depression can often cause eating disorders. A study performed on 2400 individuals experiencing eating disorders revealed that almost 94% of them had some mood disorder. Thus, overall wellbeing is vital to treat or prevent eating disorders.
The three most common eating disorders are BED (Binge Eating Disorder), Anorexia Nervosa, and Bulimia Nervosa. However, we shall discuss anorexia nervosa and how CBD may help treat the eating disorder in this article.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa, commonly known as, anorexia is an eating disorder related to body dysmorphia or Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The feeling of finding perceived flaws in the body and limiting food intake to avoid weight gain. The sufferer becomes obsessed with non-existent flaws related to the body resulting in low self-esteem and confidence. To prevent weight gain, the sufferer may stop eating sufficient meals, practice unhealthy fasting and starving, and even start vomiting after eating. Treatment for anorexia must begin with psychological counseling and therapy accompanied by conventional medications.
CBD and Anorexia
Using CBD for treating health conditions is not something new. CBD is renowned for its therapeutic benefits like anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties. However, understanding the role of CBD in treating eating disorders can be complex. Needless to worry, we’ll try to simplify it for you. Since anorexia is a psychological disorder related to mood, the conventional treatment includes medication for anxiety and depression. The potent anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties of CBD may help eliminate stress and uplift the mood. However, it is essential to use only high-quality CBD products from renowned sources to achieve better results. Lazarus Naturals offers a wide range of CBD products made from organic hemp.
The following are the three ways CBD might help treat anorexia-
- By eliminating anxiety and depression
As mentioned earlier, CBD may be immensely efficient in treating anxiety and depression, which is pivotal in treating anorexia. CBD impacts the mood by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters. Thus by regulating the serotonin levels in the body, CBD may help treat anxiety and depression. That said, almost all broad-spectrum CBD products contain various other constituents, including THC. The problem is that THC Gummies is responsible for causing psychoactive effects on the user. Also, high amounts of THC may trigger anxiety. So, it is vital to use CBD products with THC below 0.3%. Are you wondering whether avoiding CBD products containing THC is better? The answer is no since THC present in CBD products can also contribute to treating anorexia. We’ll discuss that further in this article.
- By boosting the appetite
Both CBD and THC help treat anorexia in different ways. For instance, CBD may relieve anxiety and depression, but it cannot boost the appetite. However, THC, on the other hand, causes psychoactive effects and may even trigger anxiety when consumed in large amounts. But it can boost the appetite of the user by activating the hunger switch located in the hypothalamus. So full-spectrum (all compounds of the hemp plant) CBD products may be efficient in treating anorexia. Usually, the ideal THC content in most full-spectrum CBD products does not exceed 0.03%. That amount of THC cannot cause any adverse effects of anxiety or psychotic effects. Therefore, it is essential to buy CBD products from renowned sources and look for testing results from a third-party laboratory to ensure purity.
- By uplifting the mood
If you have ever tried marijuana, you know that it has a way of enhancing your mood. CBD products are no different, especially full-spectrum products. The CBD present in them can eliminate stress and depressing thoughts by increasing the serotonin levels. Other terpenes like borneol present in full-spectrum CBD oils can further help in enhancing the mood. THC can stimulate the neurons responsible for the reward system in the brain and increase dopamine levels. With an increased dopamine level, the user feels pleasant and joyful without any depressing thoughts. CBD can be an alternative to synthetic antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs, which do the same job of eliminating depressing thoughts.
Final Thoughts
Eating disorders are primarily psychological disorders that require therapy and expert consultation apart from medication. CBD beholds various health benefits and can help treat eating disorders and many other physical and mental health conditions, including chronic pain and depression. However, it is better to consult a doctor before using CBD. However, it is better to use only full-spectrum CBD products to treat anorexia since all the hemp plant compounds contribute to increasing the appetite. That said, start by consuming smaller doses of CBD products and gradually increase the dose.
