Medical pot can have nasty side effects

Folks prescribed medical marijuana for pain management, to ease glaucoma or to soothe nausea associated with chemo are at risk for significant negative side effects. Marijuana can have serious interactions with over 21 different drugs and moderate interactions with over 286, says Rxlist.com. It can also trigger anxiety and paranoia, according to a study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research.

Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that more than half of 1,500 students surveyed had experienced anxiety and/ or paranoia while using cannabis. Coughing fits, chest/lung discomfort and body humming (weird!) affected a subset of students 30 percent to 40 percent of the time.

Lab-based research shows THC (marijuana’s active ingredient) keeps fertilized eggs from maturing by interfering with gene expression. And, yes, smoking pot does increase the risk of serious infection with COVID-19.

If you experience pot’s negative side effects or are trying to get pregnant or just stay healthy, talk to your doctor about using Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for glaucoma and chemo nausea.

Solid food too soon

It’s recommended moms use breastfeeding exclusively for six months, then add solid food while continuing to breastfeed for 12 months or longer.

Unfortunately, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 47 percent of babies are exclusively breastfeeding at 3 months old, and about 25 percent are exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months.

That’s risky for your child’s health. Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have discovered that when babies are given solid foods at or before 3 months, it changes the mix of bacteria in their gut biome. That throws off metabolic and immune functions and increases the child’s risk of obesity, eczema, asthma and allergies to specific foods, pollen and more.

If possible, breastfeed exclusively for six months — or supplement with formula — only introducing solid food after that. Don’t use work as an excuse. Most employers MUST provide a safe, clean area to pump breast milk, which can be placed in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to 24 hours. It can be refrigerated at home for four days. Not going to use it in four days? Freeze it in 2- to 4-ounce single-serve containers. After thawing, don’t microwave or refreeze.

Email questions for Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen to youdocsdaily@sharecare. com.