Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome

Understand how medical marijuana helps with Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome.

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Medical marijuana can help with the symptoms of cachexia. Cachexia, also known as wasting syndrome, is a condition that causes extreme weight loss and muscle loss. It's often a symptom of advanced cancer and other serious health conditions. 

Symptoms

• Unexplained weight loss

• Loss of muscle mass

• Loss of appetite

• Decreased strength

Causes 

• Changes in the way the body uses proteins, carbohydrates, and fat

• Burning calories faster than usual

• Release of cytokines

• Fluctuations in hormone and vitamin D levels

• Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

• Changes in catecholamine levels

• Malnutrition

• Tissue hypoxia

Initial Treatment

• Treatment is aimed at managing the underlying condition and improving nutrition. 

Impact

• Cachexia can be debilitating and demoralizing for the patient and their family.

• It can cause severe illness and death.

• It can increase the severity and risk of side effects from cancer treatment.

Medical marijuana can help with Cachexia / Wasting Syndrome.

How it works

• Pain: Cannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the nervous system, which can influence pain signaling pathways.

• Appetite: CB1 activation increases appetite and weight gain. 

• Inflammation: Cannabis can treat inflammation, which is a hallmark of cachexia. 

Benefits 

• Appetite: Cannabis can stimulate appetite and reduce feelings of nausea.

• Weight: Cannabis may increase body mass index.

• Mood: Cannabis may improve mood and quality of life.

• Pain: Cannabis may alleviate neuropathic pain caused by cachexia.