Whether you are preparing for the professional league or just want to maintain healthy body weight, regular exercise is necessary. CBD for pain relief and muscle relaxation has gained popularity among Americans in the past few years. Many experts believe that it can be used as an amazing, natural alternative to NSAIDs and other pain medications.
It’s due to the relaxing, anti-inflammatory qualities of CBD that many athletes consider it as an essential tool for sports recovery. Even many retired sports professionals such as Ryan Vandenbussche, are big fans of cannabidiol. In fact, Vandenbussche owns a 64-acre farm for growing marijuana for medical use.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the important cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant. Unlike THC, it delivers non-psychoactive effects. In other words, you won’t get high after consuming CBD. Some experts say that CBD can help counteract the mind-altering effects of THC.
There’s scientific evidence that CBD has the potential to ease pain, anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer chemotherapy side-effects.
In the United States, hemp-derived CBD (with less than 0.3 percent THC) is legal. However, the hemp must be grown by licensed growers. Anything more than 0.3 percent THC will be counted as cannabis. And, you require a medical marijuana card in New York to access it legally.
Major Benefits of Adding CBD in Fitness Journey
It Reduces Pain
There’s no doubt that CBD can help relieve pain, thus promoting wellness. It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors, thus reducing pain signals.
Studies have found that CBD can help inhibit the absorption of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that regulates pain. Additionally, it can calm overactive pain receptors in the brain. That’s why it’s often considered for managing severe illnesses, such as muscle spasms, fibromyalgia, arthritis, etc.
It Manages Inflammation
CBD delivers amazing anti-inflammatory effects whether it’s ingested or applied topically. In fact, patients with anti-inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, Crohn’s disease, etc. prefer using CBD for easing their symptoms. CBD provides ultimate relief from sore muscles, thus delivering quick recovery.
By managing inflammation, CBD can help reduce the risks of sickness, weight gain, and other related health issues. The amount of CBD you should take depends on the severity of your condition. More inflammation means more CBD. 10-20 mg of CBD works well in most cases. Talk to your medical professional for dosage-related advice.
It Eases Anxiety
Athletes often become anxious due to the pressure of performing in training sessions and competition. Research says that CBD and THC can help decrease anxiety and fear memories, thus enhancing sports performance.
You can find a wide range of CBD products, such as CBD concentrates, edibles, tinctures, topicals, etc. CBD is usually categorized as—isolates, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum. Full-spectrum extracts contain important compounds such as flavonoids and terpenes, which work together to deliver stronger medicinal effects.
It Promotes Muscle Relaxation
CBD is an amazing muscle relaxant. It works by influencing GABA-A receptors, thus calming the body and promoting muscle relaxation. Low levels of GABA can lead to cramps, muscle spasms, etc.
So, CBD can help improve joint and muscle health. According to Runner’s World, CBD with icing, stretching, etc. is commonly used for tendonitis injuries related to the knee, including iliotibial band syndrome.
It Improves Sleep
CBD’s calming effects can help boost sleep. Studies show that sleep deprivation can increase the levels of cortisol—the stress hormone, and decrease the production of glycogen and carbohydrates, which are converted into energy when you work out.
Sleep is necessary because it helps provide muscle relaxation. Roger Federer said, “If I don’t sleep 11-12 hours per day, it’s not right.”
Side-Effects of CBD
Although CBD provides various health benefits, it has various side-effects. Some of the common side-effects associated with CBD use are-
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Reduced appetite
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
Moreover, the CBD industry isn’t well-regulated in the United States. Apart from Epidiolex, there’s no other CBD-based drug approved by the FDA. Moreover, there are shops and stores selling low-quality CBD products.
According to the latest analysis by Leafreport and Canalysis, 63 percent of the CBD products tested contain higher CBD content than marketed. Researchers tested the potency of 40 products of 21 best selling CBD companies.
Moreover, CBD can interact with certain medications, thus increasing/decreasing their effectiveness. Many experts recommend not to mix CBD with medications that come with a grapefruit warning.
So, it’s good to talk to a licensed doctor before you start using CBD.
Final Thoughts
CBD is beneficial in managing pain and inflammation. So, it can help athletes with quick relief from sore muscles and pain. Science says that it works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, thus changing various functions, such as mood, memory, sleep, etc.
If you are considering adding CBD into your exercising schedule, do comprehensive research, and check the ingredients before buying any product. Beware of the companies selling products with higher CBD content than what they advertise. Start with a low dose and increase gradually. Consult with a medical marijuana doctor in New York to seek professional help.