Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Although it is a cannabinoid, CBD does not produce the “high” typically associated with cannabis use. Instead, CBD has been shown to offer various potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving exercise recovery, and pain relief for athletes.
Here are CBD benefits for athletes and muscle recovery:
Anti-inflammatory Properties
CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. This means it can help reduce swelling and irritation caused by exercise or injury. It’s something that athletes of all levels can benefit from, as muscle injuries and inflammation are common among those who exercise regularly.
Studies have shown that CBD can be an effective treatment for many types of inflammation, particularly when applied topically or consumed orally. When applied topically, CBD can directly target inflamed muscles and joints. When taken orally, CBD enters the bloodstream and can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Pain Management
CBD has shown the potential to manage and treat pain externally and internally. With CBD known to reduce inflammation, it makes sense that it is also effective at reducing pain. Moreover, CBD can act directly on the receptors in our brain and nervous system to help block pain signals as they travel from the source of injury or inflammation. The result is effective relief from chronic pain, both physical and mental. This makes CBD an appealing treatment option for athletes and anyone dealing with chronic pain related to injury or illness.
Improved Exercise Recovery
CBD is an ergogenic aid, which means that it can improve physical performance. Anecdotally, many athletes report using CBD to speed up their recovery after exercise. Preclinical studies have shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising therapy for treating exercise-induced inflammation and muscle damage. It’s something that athletes of all levels can benefit from, as it helps to speed up muscle repair and recovery time. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Physiological Recovery Agent
In addition to being an ergogenic aid, CBD is also a physiological recovery agent. This means that it can help your body recover from the stress of exercise more quickly. CBD is an anxiolytic, which means that it can help to reduce anxiety and stress. This can also improve recovery time, as chronic stress can negatively impact the body’s ability to repair itself after intense physical activity. When used together, CBD and physical activity can help to reduce stress levels, improve exercise recovery time, and enhance overall health.
Physical Recovery Agent
Not only does CBD help your body to recover physiologically, but it can also help with physical recovery by promoting healthy sleep patterns. In one survey of people with insomnia, nearly 80% of respondents reported improved sleep quality after taking CBD.
Furthermore, people who suffer from conditions like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome may find relief from taking CBD before bedtime. Getting enough rest is crucial for athletes because it allows your muscles to repair themselves and grow stronger so that you can perform at your best when you’re awake and alert.
Cognitive Recovery Agent
As if all of these physical benefits weren’t enough, recent research has also shown that CBD may help to improve cognitive function following exercise by reducing oxidative stress in the brain. In one study on rats, those who were given a single dose of CBD immediately after exercising showed less cognitive impairment than those who did not receive any treatment.
The better recovery is something that all athletes strive for, and CBD can help to achieve this in several different ways. Whether you are dealing with inflammation or muscle damage, CBD can help alleviate pain and speed up recovery. As a result, you will be able to get back on your feet faster and feel better overall.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt about it: cannabidiol (CBD) offers a variety of potential health benefits for athletes and people interested in fitness. From its anti-inflammatory properties to its ability to promote healthy sleep patterns, there are many ways that this compound can improve your physical performance and exercise recovery. It’s important to remember that although cannabidiol is generally considered safe, it’s always best to consult your doctor before beginning any new supplement regimen—especially if you’re taking other medications or have any underlying health conditions.
Link for ‘In one survey of people with insomnia, nearly 80% of respondents reported improved sleep quality after taking CBD.’ > https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/cbd-for-sleep
