In this article you will learn about the many ways CBD can improve your athletic performance, deal with issues such as anxiety, and feel your best! If you haven’t tried CBD for these issues, maybe it's time you did!
What is CBD?
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a compound found in the hemp plant. It is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the "high" associated with marijuana. CBD has been shown to have a number of potential health benefits, including pain relief, inflammation reduction, and anxiety relief. It's also non-addictive with minimal side effects according to the World Health Organization Study on CBD.
How can CBD help with sports injuries?
Whether you're a weekend warrior or elite athlete, we all face common problems like fatigue, swelling, pain, joint problems, soreness and trouble sleeping. The good news is that CBD, or cannabidiol, can be very helpful for athletes. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound that has been shown to have many potential benefits for athletes, such as reducing inflammation, improving sleep, and reducing pain CBD is also not psychoactive, meaning it does not have issues associated with THC , another major chemical found in marijuana.
Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural process that helps the body heal from injury, but it can also be a major source of pain and discomfort for athletes. CBD products has been shown to reduce inflammation in humans, and it may be especially helpful for those who suffer from chronic pain or injuries.
Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of cytokines and other inflammatory molecules.
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Neuroimmunology found that CBD reduced inflammation and promoted the regeneration of nerve cells in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Another study published in the European Journal of Pain in 2016 found that CBD reduced pain and inflammation in rats with osteoarthritis.
While there is not yet enough research on humans, experiences are positive, and combined with the safety and non-addictive nature of CBD per authorities such as the World Health Organization, CBD’s potential is encouraging.
Improve Sleep
Sleep is important for restoration, and athletes who do not get enough sleep are much more likely to get injured and less likely to perform at their first-rate level. People often ask “What is the best CBD oil for sleep” as it has been shown to improve sleep quality, and it may be especially beneficial for athletes who've trouble drowsing due to strain or pain. Also helpful to know is the right CBD oil dosage for sleep. Finding the right dosage, using CBD regularly, and long enough (at least 3-4 weeks) allows your body to acclimate to its benefits.
Reduce Pain
Pain is a common hassle for athletes due intense training and competition, or overexertion for the weekend warrior. CBD oil has been proven to reduce aches, and it could be especially useful for athletes who suffer from persistent pain or injuries. Studies suggest that CBD products may additionally reduce anxiety and decrease muscle tension. As an antioxidant, CBD may shield towards oxidative damage, lowering the chance of future aches and pains.
Improve Focus and Concentration
CBD can potentially improve focus and concentration. As a natural mood regulator, it can improve motivation, energy levels, reduce stress and anxiety. This can also help in improving focus by creating a relaxed and mindful state, allowing the user to be in the moment and take advantage of their full potential. The best CBD gummies for anxiety can help people to considerably reduce anxiety through the Endocannabinoid System that regulates many of our bodily functions. Also consider products that use Terpenes, and ingredients such as lion's mane, ginger and Vitamin B12 to enhance focus and concentration.
Increased Endurance
Studies have shown that taking CBD can lead to improved stamina in athletes. The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD can reduce irritation in muscle groups and assist athletes to maximize their overall performance with the aid of increasing their stamina and persistence. There is increasing hype around the positive effects of CBD on improved athletic performance, including improved endurance for athletes. Check out this article in Surfer Magazine to get their insights on the subject.
Reduce Stress
CBD can also help to reduce stress, which can impair your athletic performance and productivity at work. Stress can cause muscle tension, horrific sleep, and decreased motivation. CBD gummies can assist in reducing stress by binding to receptors inside the brain which can be involved in regulating mood and tension.
Overall, CBD is a promising compound that can reduce stress.
Injury Prevention and Recovery
CBD can help athletes recover faster by reducing inflammation and pain after workouts and helping prevent further injuries. The anti-inflammatory property of CBD oil can reduce swelling and pain in muscle tissues and tendons, helping athletes recover quicker. Additionally, CBD can help in reducing pain, making it easier to stay energetic and able to get better after an injury.
Protects the Nervous System
CBD can also help to protect the nervous system from damage caused by sports injuries. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common sports injury, and it can lead to long-term cognitive and neurological deficits. CBD has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, which means it can help to protect the brain from damage caused by TBI and other types of sports injuries.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that CBD reduced brain damage and improved neurological function in a mouse model of TBI. Another study published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism in 2016 found that CBD reduced brain damage and improved cognitive function in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia. Further research is warranted, but the initial indications of CBD’s benefits on the nervous system are promising!
Enhanced Immune System
Poor immune system health can lead to more frequent illnesses in athletes. CBD has been found to help boost the immune system, making athletes more resistant to many illnesses. Research shows that it may be able to act as an immune modulator, making it an attractive option within the realm of herbal and self-care treatments. By reducing inflammation, CBD helps restore balance within the body, enhancing the body’s own immunity, helping to protect it from certain illnesses and conditions.
Here are some tips for using CBD as an athlete:
- Start with a reasonable dose and gradually increase it until you discover the dose that provides relief from your symptoms.
- Choose high quality products that are lab tested for safety, made of high quality hemp, produced in GMP certified laboratories, use natural ingredients, and are high potency so they actually work!
- Consider which format will be most helpful for you. If you have targeted areas of pain, consider using CBD for Knee Pain to include topicals such as a CBD Freeze Gel or a CBD Roll on Stick. If you have general inflammation, muscle soreness, anxiety or trouble sleeping, consider CBD Oils and gummies.
- If you are an elite athlete and drug testing is a concern, read our blog article “What Every Athlete Should Know About CBD and Drug Testing”. Note that many Agencies DO ALLOW CBD, including the NFL, NBA, MLB and Olympics among many others.
Conclusion
CBD products can help athletes optimize their performance and healing in a number of ways. It can lessen inflammation, muscle pain, protect the nervous system, enhance the immune system, reduce anxiety, improve recovery time, and improve sleep.
With so many potential benefits, there's little surprise that many athletes are turning to CBD as a way to enhance their performance and speed up their recovery. CBD is a safe and powerful way to improve athletic overall performance. If you haven’t tried CBD, maybe it's time you do! Be sure to visit Yellow Athletic to learn more in our learning hub, to sign up for recovery tips from Dr. Morgan and check out our All-Star Products.
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