Medical Marijuana Plus Healthy Diet Equals Holistic Health

Written by Chris Weatherall on Mar 19, 2018

Anyone who has experienced the life-changing effects of medical marijuana knows that this powerful medication can greatly improve one’s quality of life. What they might not know, however, is that medicinal cannabis combined with a nutritious diet and regular exercise can lead to complete holistic health and wellness.

Beginning treatment with medical cannabis often brings immediate relief from countless ailments. Patients frequently describe enormous improvements in their mood, energy levels and overall vitality. In short, they’ve been granted a new lease on life.

Medical marijuana patients can harness this positive momentum and use it to improve other areas of their lives as well. By following a healthy diet and exercise program, medical marijuana patients can take their health to the next level.

Continue reading to discover how a healthy diet, exercise and medical cannabis work symbiotically to improve the lives of patients. We’ll also take a closer look at some specific strategies that you can implement in your own life to achieve holistic, radiant health.

Medical Marijuana and Exercise: Take Runner’s High to the Next Level

Up until recently, a “runner’s high,” the name given to the intense feeling of euphoria experienced during sustained exercise, appeared to be caused by the release of endorphins in the body.

However, research has shown that exercise also causes the body to release numerous endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that our bodies produce naturally, which closely mimic the effects of the marijuana plant. This is why people often describe exercise as a natural high.

By medicating with cannabis before an exercise session, medical marijuana patients can enhance the euphoric effects of working out. In a recent interview, acclaimed ultra-marathon runner Avery Collins stated, “I use [cannabis] as a way to intensify and enhance the run. It makes the longevity of the runner’s high last longer, because technically you’re already high.”

When exercise becomes associated with positive emotions and improved mental well-being, lacing up a pair of sneakers and going for a run will feel like a treat, not a chore.

Medical Marijuana and Nutrition: Stimulation for a Healthy Appetite

It’s easy for healthy individuals to take the sensation of hunger for granted, but for those suffering from a medical condition that causes decreased appetite, experiencing the “munchies” can feel like a miracle. Combining medical marijuana and nutrition is a fantastic way to achieve better health.

The old cliché of the cannabis user sitting around eating junk food does have some truth to it. However, nutritious food can be just as satisfying while medicated with marijuana products.

If you’re looking to achieve optimal health, make sure that you have wholesome foods on hand before medicating. Consider ditching the ice cream and Doritos in favor of healthy alternatives such as fresh fruit, or hummus and veggies.

Medical Marijuana Can Help You Slim Down

We know it sounds counterintuitive, but there is growing evidence that regular cannabis use can lead to a slimmer waistline. Recent studies have shown that marijuana use has a correlation with lower levels of insulin resistance.

In other words, regular marijuana users are able to break down blood sugar more efficiently, which is helpful in preventing weight gain. In fact, The American Journal of Medicine has reported that the resting insulin levels of cannabis users are 16 percent lower than in non-users.

It All Comes Down to Using the Right Strain

The cannabis plant produces more than 100 different cannabinoids, all of which affect the body in different ways. This is why the effects of one strain of medical marijuana may be uplifting and energizing, while another may lead to a midday nap.

Sativa strains provide a more energetic and uplifting high, and pair nicely with physical activities like:

Running
Swimming
Hiking
Yoga

Indica strains typically have a more sedating effect and can:

Treat pain and sleep disorders.
Soothe post-workout joint and muscle soreness.

The science behind the various cannabinoids is fairly complex. The best way to discover the medical marijuana strain that is right for your needs is by speaking with an expert at a holistic health dispensary.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of CBD
CBD (or cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid produced by the marijuana plant that has been receiving a lot of media attention in the last few years. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high. There is, however, a growing body of research showing that CBD still has powerful medicinal qualities.

Studies have shown that treatment with CBD can help relieve the symptoms of:
- Arthritis
- Insomnia
- Anxiety disorders
- Crohn’s disease
And that’s just to name a few.

Many of CBD’s medical benefits stem from its anti-inflammatory properties. Anyone who struggles with exercise due to chronic inflammation should consider supplementing with either pure CBD oil or a medical marijuana strain high in CBD.

While it’s generally advisable to avoid more dangerous forms of exercise while under the effects of THC (mountain biking and weightlifting, for example), CBD won’t affect a user’s reaction time or coordination, and can be safely paired with these activities.

Learn More at Kind Meds

The knowledgeable staff at Kind Meds in Arizona can help you get started on the path to holistic health.

If you are interested in learning more about the relationship between diet, exercise and medical marijuana, drop in and speak to one of the expert budtenders at Kind Meds today.

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