The world is embracing the cannabis lifestyle at a staggering pace, and since so many already enjoy this healthy practice, it’s worth discussing how you can further benefit from it by adjusting your diet to enhance the health benefits of cannabis use. Every single one of us can react differently to the many ways cannabis can stimulate the body and the mind, hence the need to consider the most common effects, some of which may not be desirable, and how you can treat or prevent them with the right supplements.
Understanding cannabis and nutrient interactions
When you’re regularly indulging in cannabis, it’s easy to focus solely on the immediate effects—the relaxation, the creativity boost, or even the munchies. But beneath the surface, there’s a lot more going on in your body that deserves some attention. One of the lesser-known aspects of cannabis use is how it can subtly influence your body’s ability to absorb and utilize certain nutrients, which in turn can affect your overall health.
Keep in mind that in case you have a health condition, whether it’s chronic or temporary, it’s best to talk to your doctor and decide together if any of these are a necessity for you, or if you could benefit from a different addition to your diet. The bottom line is that you should listen to your body and adjust your plan accordingly so that your cannabis practice remains safe and beneficial! While research exists and we know eating fruits and vegetables is the best way to stay healthy, there are specific cannabis smoker supplements you might want to consider taking.
Make Sure You Have Black Peppercorns
If you enjoy consuming the cannabis sativa plant in particular, you are already aware of the fact that some strains can contain more THC and less CBD, which in turn means that it leads to an increased feeling of that famous “high”. That, however, is not all THC can cause, as many people experience various types of anxiety, tension, as well as paranoia from consuming the cannabis sativa plant. As healing as sativa may be for many patients, and it’s known to even have a deeply soothing effect for many, the possibility of getting paranoid is not reserved for novice users smoking marijuana, as even avid cannabis consumers may experience it on occasion.
The best way to calm your mind in case you get anxious? Chew on a couple of black peppercorns! As surprising as this may seem, it makes perfect “chemical” sense, because black pepper produces organic compounds known as terpenes, which work together with cannabis to deliver relief as opposed to anxiety. You can also opt for black pepper essential oil, and it’s enough to inhale a few times in order to help reduce the negative sativa effects.
Magnesium on Your Shelf for Optimal Health
Once upon a time, we all consumed plenty of this essential mineral through our diets, but since we all live differently now, the vast majority of the population suffers from a magnesium deficiency. However, for cannabis users, the risk is slightly increased, because certain strains paired with a higher amount consumed may lead to depleted magnesium stores in your body. For marijuana smokers, this risk is also slightly increased due to the same reasons. As a result, you may experience fatigue, irregular sleeping patterns and lower sleep quality in general, increased anxiety, sluggishness, nausea and muscle cramps among other symptoms.
The best way to make sure that your body is provided with ample amounts of this mineral is to introduce magnesium supplements into your diet. In order to pick the best type for your specific condition, make sure to check with your physician and evaluate any of those symptoms to make the best choice.
Give Your Brain a Boost With Choline and Amino Acid
If you frequently feel hazy or confused after using marijuana, you know that you are not alone. Many cannabis users have the very same issue, and long-term use has already been linked with memory loss and other cognitive issues. THC affects the central nervous system, leading to memory loss and other cognitive issues. It seems that cannabinoids in the plant, such as THC, highly resemble the naturally occurring ones our body produces, and they are responsible for memory, thinking, coordination, and other complex processes in the brain. So, it’s no wonder your body gets confused when you keep introducing cannabinoids over a longer period of time.
However, while ways to diminish and remove this negative effect are being researched, you can use a choline supplement, a vitamin B group nutrient essential for proper brain function. In addition to supplementing, you can make sure that your diet is filled with foods rich in this nutrient, such as eggs, chicken liver, and cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cabbage, or cauliflower. This antioxidant and handy little nutrient is also good for relieving muscle cramps, so there are many benefits to adding it to your diet.
Milk Thistle for Your Liver in Natural Medicines
The liver is your body’s main stop for filtering all the toxins from your organism, and it’s safe to say that we all consume processed goods that overwork our livers. The environmental effects alone are enough to lead to increased stress for the liver, but processing drugs and THC is another one of its very demanding jobs that can lead to further damage. This is precisely why more medical professionals recommend strains with more CBD and less THC so that you can keep your liver safe.
However, adding a milk thistle supplement to your diet can help protect your liver from cancer, as well. It comes from the plant of the same name, which is known to help reduce inflammation in your liver, protect it from the harmful effects of many toxins, and help heal any existing damage. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before adding milk thistle to your diet.
Before you hit the pharmacy, the key is to be mindful of your cannabis practice. It seems medical marijuana can either be a hindrance or a healing tool for your lifestyle, and it all depends on how you use it. Make sure that you choose the best strains for your purpose, and monitor your body’s reactions so that you can adapt and stay healthy.
Supplements for lung health
While smoking cannabis may be the popular choice for many, it’s no secret that inhaling any kind of smoke can be tough on the lungs over time. Whether you’re a casual smoker or a daily toker, it’s worth considering supplements that can help keep the lungs healthy. Luckily there are a few natural options that can support lung health and help counteract some of the effects of smoke inhalation.
N-acetyl cysteine (Nac)
N-Acetyl Cysteine, also known as NAC, is an antioxidant that has been shown to support lung health by reducing inflammation and mucus. NAC replenishes glutathione, one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants that helps detoxify the lungs. This is especially good for cannabis smokers as it breaks down mucus in the lungs and reduces oxidative stress from smoke.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not just for your immune system—it’s also an antioxidant that can protect your lungs from smoke damage. Regular supplementation with vitamin C may reduce the risk of lung problems and overall respiratory health. Vitamin C also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated lung tissue.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s been studied for its ability to reduce inflammation in the lungs and protect against oxidative damage. For cannabis smokers, quercetin can be added to your supplement routine if you’re concerned about the long term effects of smoke on the lungs.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, flaxseed and chia seeds are well known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. They can reduce lung inflammation and may protect against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung conditions. For those who smoke cannabis, adding an omega-3 supplement to your diet may help support lung function and reduce inflammation related issues.
Herbal supplements
Some herbs have been used for centuries to support lung health and respiratory function. For example mullein has been used to soothe the respiratory tract and clear mucus from the lungs. Thyme and eucalyptus are known for their expectorant properties to clear the airways and reduce congestion.
Looking after your lungs
While these supplements can support lung health they’re not a magic bullet. You still need to consider how often and how you consume cannabis. If you’re a daily smoker think about incorporating other methods of consumption such as vaping, edibles or tinctures which can be less harsh on the lungs. And of course staying hydrated,
exercising regularly and practicing deep breathing exercises can all help healthier lungs.
It’s not just about popping a supplement, though. While adding more magnesium to your diet can certainly help—think leafy greens, nuts, and seeds—it’s also important to look at the bigger picture. Regular cannabis use might mean you need to be a bit more vigilant about your overall nutrient intake, ensuring that your body has everything it needs to function at its best.
Another nutrient that could take a hit is vitamin D, the so-called “sunshine vitamin.” If you’re spending more time indoors enjoying your cannabis than you are outside soaking up the rays, your vitamin D levels could start to dip. This vitamin is crucial for bone health, immune function, and even your mood—so keeping it in check is key. You might want to consider a vitamin D supplement, especially during the colder months when sunlight is in short supply.
Calcium, too, plays a critical role here, especially in terms of bone health. Cannabis has been shown to influence calcium levels in some users, which means paying attention to your intake of calcium-rich foods like dairy or fortified plant-based alternatives can make a big difference.
And let’s not forget the B vitamins. These are your body’s workhorses, involved in everything from energy production to keeping your nervous system humming. If you’re finding that cannabis sometimes leaves you feeling a bit drained or foggy, it could be worth looking at your B vitamin levels. Foods like whole grains, meats, and leafy greens are great sources, but a B-complex supplement might be an easy way to ensure you’re covered.
In essence, enjoying cannabis doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your nutrition. By being mindful of how your body interacts with these nutrients, you can make sure that your cannabis lifestyle is not just enjoyable, but also healthy. Regular blood tests, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in these key nutrients will help keep everything in check. After all, the goal is to enjoy the benefits of cannabis while keeping your body in top form.
Luke Douglas is a fitness and health blogger at and a great fan of the gym and a healthy diet. He follows the trends in fitness, gym, and healthy life and loves to share his knowledge through useful and informative articles.
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