Why Do You Get the Munchies After Smoking?
The phenomenon of 'the munchies' is a well-known side effect after consuming cannabis. While it is widely discussed, the underlying mechanisms are not as straightforward as they seem. This article delves into how certain substances and dietary oils can trigger the same responses in the brain as cannabis, leading to carbohydrate cravings.
The Role of Cannabinoid Receptors and Carbohydrate Cravings
The root of the 'munchies' can be traced back to the activation of cannabinoid receptors in the brain. These receptors, when triggered, make us want to snack on carbohydrate-rich foods. However, the way these receptors are activated is not limited to cannabis. Seed oils such as soybean, canola, maize, and cottonseed oils also contain compounds that can trigger these receptors, though these oils are not traditional human foods until quite recently.
Back in the early 20th century, soybean oil was considered suitable only for paint production. Canola was used in sea-going steam engine lubrication, corn oil found its way into folk food processes, and cottonseed oil lubricated the industrial revolution before the discovery of petroleum. Yet, these oils are now commonly consumed foods, and they can elicit the same cravings as cannabis does.
While seed oils may not be illegal, they certainly fall into a category that is tricky to call 'food'. However, the effect on the body is strikingly similar to that of publicly illicit substances such as cannabis.
Health Risks and Health Recommendations
It is worth noting that smoking, a major route for consuming cannabis, has significant health risks. It can lead to cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Thus, it is highly advisable to reduce smoking and incorporate daily exercise into your routine, such as going for a walk, to maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle.
So, what can you do to avoid the 'munchies'? Quitting smoking can help stabilize your appetite. Additionally, having cheese handy and avoiding flours can be beneficial. Cheese is a great snack that can satisfy your urge without triggering the same carbohydrate cravings as other foods.
Avoiding the Particulate Burden on the Immune System
Moreover, smoking introduces a particulate burden to the immune system, which can be detrimental to health. Therefore, it is important to avoid this burden and invest in healthier alternatives, such as homemade brownies or gummies. These options can be prepared using a mortar and pestle and sifting flour through pantyhose for an authentic homemade taste.
Understanding and Mitigating the Munchies
The 'munchies' are not just a result of the direct effects of cannabis, but also due to the body's adaptation to the lack of other substances that would normally suppress appetite. As individuals build a tolerance towards cannabis, their brain down-regulates its own natural production of endogenous cannabinoids, significantly diminishing the 'munchies' phenomenon. This can lead ex-smokers to compensate by snacking more to satisfy their appetite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 'munchies' can be a result of both cannabis and certain dietary oils, both of which trigger the same receptors in the brain that regulate appetite. Understanding this mechanism can help individuals make healthier choices, such as reducing smoking, incorporating daily exercise, and avoiding unhealthy snacks.