CBD has pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties which has recently made it popular for use amongst athletes and active people.
It’s believed to aid in the recovery process when injuries occur in training and competition. However, more scientific evidence is needed to confirm the suspected benefits of CBD for athletes.
But the proof is in the pudding for the numerous athletes and active people who are already reaping the benefits of CBD. If you’re interested in seeing for yourself what CBD can do for you, check out CBDClinicals.com for more information.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psycho-active compound derived from the hemp plant. It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in your brain. This system moderates your brain activity and restores chemical balance in your brain. It is present and active in every person, even if they’ve never used cannabinoids.
Although CBD and THC are both cannabinoids, you won’t feel a ‘high’ after taking CBD because it’s not psychoactive. However, when you use CBD, it activates your endocannabinoid system and restores balance in your body.
This is especially important for athletes as strenuous activity places added stress on your body, and this system overload can be more than you’re able to handle. CBD can bring your brain and body back to a balanced state.
What are the benefits of CBD for athletes?
Athletes and active people can benefit in several ways from taking CBD, including reduction in stress, anxiety, nausea, muscle spasms, and inflammation, improved quality of sleep, pain relief, increasing appetite, and cardiovascular support.
Lowered stress and anxiety levels
Although exercise is an excellent stress-reducer in itself, athletes can still experience a lot of performance anxiety. CBD decreases the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your bloodstream. It can also help you relax and unwind before or after a big competition.
Reduced inflammation
Some studies have suggested that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce inflammation that often occurs from straining your muscles while working out. These benefits mean a quicker recovery, improved training sessions, and less stiffness and soreness in your muscles.
Fewer muscle spasms
Muscle spasms are a common ailment of athletes that are often caused by dehydration, damaged nerves, or muscle sprains. Fortunately, CBD and other cannabinoids have antispasmodic properties, so CBD supplements and oils can significantly reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of your muscle spasms.
Improved sleep quality
If you’re going to perform well as an athlete, you need to get a good night’s rest. When you’re asleep, your body recharges and refuels itself, which enhances recovery and performance. CBD will help you fall asleep without making you feel drowsy the following day.
Pain relief properties
CBD is an analgesic, so taking it can relieve the pain that’s often felt after a strenuous workout. CBD oil is the preferred pain reliever of many athletes as it can make even chronic pain from older injuries manageable enough to bear without sacrificing continued performance. It can also help reduce the pain of achy joints and sore muscles.
Increased appetite
Athletes need additional calories and a healthy diet to fuel their active lifestyle. While you certainly wouldn’t want to binge-eat chips and candy bars, CBD can increase your appetite, so you’ll consume sufficient calories. Just make sure you keep plenty of healthy snacks in your gym bag!
Reduced nausea
Occasionally, strenuous physical activity can make you feel like you want to vomit. It’s an unfortunate side effect of greatness in the athletic world. CBD can help to settle your stomach whenever it becomes quesy, and prevent some awkward and embarrassing moments in the locker room.
Cardiovascular support
While the jury is still out on this benefit, CBD is currently being researched as a potential treatment for heart disease. However, it’s already well-known that CBD lowers blood pressure and reduces inflammation, which are two key factors in heart health.
Can athletes legally take CBD?
CBD has been legalized in all fifty states and is no longer prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as of 2018. So, yes, athletes can take CBD without risking arrest or being disqualified from competitions.
However, there are still many professional sporting organizations that continue to prohibit the use of THC. If you use pure CBD products, it’s unlikely that you’ll accidentally test positive for THC, but you should always purchase CBD from a reliable source to make sure that it doesn’t contain other cannabinoids.
What are the side effects of CBD?
Of course, if you’re an athlete, you definitely wouldn’t want any unfortunate side effects to get in the way of your game. You may be relieved to learn that CBD has only a few side effects that are usually minor.
CBD can make you feel drowsy and increase your appetite. As a result, you may experience weight gain. It can also occasionally cause diarrhea, but this side effect is relatively rare.
CBD side effects are usually easy to manage. Since you live an active lifestyle, you probably don’t need to worry much about weight gain as long as you choose healthy foods. If CBD makes you feel tired, try using the oils and supplements at bedtime.
Final thoughts
If you’re an athlete or live an active lifestyle, CBD can help to relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve your performance. CBD can help you to stay on top of your game without as many muscle aches.
