To balance a stressful job, get the best out of yourself, or get fitter, there are many reasons to exercise regularly.
According to statistics, millions of people devoted themselves to their fitness program several times a week in 2021. The most popular are sports such as swimming, cycling, and jogging.
Some athletes turn to physical therapy, relaxation, and dietary supplements to support their training goals or alleviate discomfort.
CBD is also increasingly becoming the focus of athletes. Current research provides evidence that CBD oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
According to user reports, it should also have a calming and sleep-inducing effect. The potential effect, therefore, makes CBD increasingly interesting for training.
We already know that CBD:
- Counteracts severe muscle soreness
- Help you train & regenerate faster
- Is widespread in everyday training in the USA
CBD and Sports
CBD is a natural part of everyday training for many athletes in America. As a result, dietary supplements are also becoming increasingly popular. At the same time, those interested ask whether and how CBD could affect the training goals. To find an answer to this, the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) must first be discussed.
The human organism has so-called cannabinoid receptors. These are found in the cells of the immune system, the intestine, and the central nervous system, among other things, and are an essential part of the endocannabinoid system.
Researchers have not yet been able to fully clarify the role played by this system in the body. The endocannabinoid system is believed to be responsible for important regulation related to pain perception and anti-inflammatory processes. Studies have shown that CBD combines a mix of valuable ingredients. In addition to proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and essential fatty acids, the hemp plant from which CBD is extracted contains the following substances:
- Terpene
- Cannabinol
- Cannabigerol
- Flavonoids
- Cannabichromene
Cannabidiol (CBD) is particularly interesting for athletes. This is because the substance belongs to the cannabinoids and is responsible for an antispasmodic, relaxing, and anti-inflammatory effect.
What could CBD oil do for athletes?
First of all, it must be mentioned that CBD is a dietary supplement and not a drug. CBD is considered a natural remedy to which various effects are attributed based on study results. The research is not yet complete. Therefore, there are still no official recommendations for action regarding CBD oil and sport.
Does CBD help athletes fight inflammation?
Athletes with a high training workload often struggle with injuries. These include aching joints or muscle inflammation. Patients need a lot of time and patience to heal. Classic therapy relies on compression, cooling, and physiotherapy to treat sports injuries. It should make it possible to reduce inflammation and pain.
It is not uncommon for CBD intake to be recommended. It is because several scientific studies have found evidence of its anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, CBD could be used both preventively and acutely for regeneration. The potential effect is explained by CBD attaching itself to the corresponding receptors in the endocannabinoid system and increasing cell protection through its anti-inflammatory effect.
Specifically, CBD is said to be involved in the modulation of the TNF-α factor. This is needed in the context of inflammatory processes and causes fever, among other things. Another explanation is that CBD may have an inhibitory effect on NF-κB signaling. This signaling pathway is critical in the case of severe inflammation.
Does CBD help with sore muscles?
Muscle soreness is also an inflammation, but it is harmless. The typical pain occurs when the smallest muscle fiber injuries become inflamed. It happens when athletes put a lot of strain on their muscle fibers during intense training sessions.
The micro-injuries usually become noticeable after a few hours or days. The pain is very uncomfortable for those affected and can last up to 7 days. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD could help relieve typical pain. However, promises of effectiveness must not be made here. Therefore, every athlete has to find out whether CBD can help with the symptoms.
Can CBD affect recovery for athletes?
Recovery is essential for athletes so that they can work efficiently on their training goals. However, many fitness enthusiasts are impatient because training intervals are often interrupted for regeneration. Nevertheless, physical recovery phases must be planned to stress the body healthily and to be able to increase the sports units.
CBD could help support athlete recovery. Used between competitions or training sessions, it may reduce inflammation and pain.
During regeneration, however, the psychological component is often neglected. Athletes often face intense pressure from set training goals or upcoming competitions. Worrying about missed opportunities makes many athletes sleep poorly and struggle with anxiety and stress.
CBD is said to have a calming effect. According to user reports, the hemp plant extract could help find inner peace and fall asleep better. Studies have also dealt with the topic and found evidence that CBD can help people with sleep problems.
CBD oil benefits for athletes
Athletes take CBD oil for a variety of reasons. CBD is often said to help achieve exercise goals by aiding recovery and relieving pain.
According to experience reports, some athletes also use CBD oil to calm down and make it easier to fall asleep. In addition, according to competitive athletes, CBD is also used to pressure before competitions.
Experience reports, however, only provide subjective empirical values. For this reason, athletes should find out for themselves whether CBD can give them any advantages.
