In recent years, cannabidiol, also known as CBD, has been used by sportspersons as an potential workout aid. Research has shown that this non-psychoactive component of cannabis has some useful benefits. With the widespread legalization of cannabis and the removal of CBD from the banned substances list, the plethora of benefits offered by this compound is no longer a secret to the public. How can CBD help post-workout, pre-workout and recovery? Also, what effect does it have on muscles? Let’s have a look!
How Does CBD Affect Muscles?
The pain and discomfort which follows is the main reason why most people discontinue their workout routine.
Potential CBD’s properties may help the recovery process.
Some people prefer using sublingual drops while others may choose to apply the CBD over the affected body's area.
Now we will look closer to weight training. CBD is commonly used by athletes and bodybuilders who stick to a high protein diet and aim to build muscle mass.
Research has shown that the naturally occurring catabolic hormone cortisol, also known as the stress hormone is often responsible for the breakdown of muscle tissue. People who are willing to build muscle mass and muscle tone need to lower the levels of catabolic hormones in their body. Cortisol levels are naturally at their lowest while we sleep and further drop during stages of REM sleep. Lower cortisol levels trigger the process of protein synthesis which play a major role in the buildup of muscle tissue.
Adequate rest is very important for the appearance and proper functioning of the body. This is where CBD infused products comes into the picture.
The compound potentially may improve adequate rest and sleep quality and help achieve higher stages of REM sleep, thus indirectly contributing to muscle buildup.
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CBD Pre-Workout
Using CBD before workout has a number of benefits. Working out over long periods of time can be both physically and mentally exhausting.
CBD when used pre -workout may help be to endure greater levels of physical stress during workout. The onset of CBD’s effects however varies from person to person depending on the type of CBD product that you choose to take.
One of the most desirable ways of consuming CBD before workout is by adding a few drops of CBD oil to your smoothie. Also, one of the most nutritious smoothies that you can make for yourself is a mango or orange CBD smoothie. Fruits such as mango contain the compound myrcene. This compound is actually a terpene that can also be found in cannabis.
Hence, consuming CBD oil mixed with a mango smoothie potentially may enhance the effects of cannabinoids, making the experience more effective and long lasting. Moreover, citrus fruits such as oranges are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, drinking an orange smoothie with a few drops of CBD oil everyday may easing your workouts.
Furthermore, a very common question which most people ask is to take how much CBD before the workout? Well, there is no definite dosage which works the same for everyone since each person’s endocannabinoid system is unique. It is always advisable to start with smaller doses and gradually increase the dosage based on your experience.
CBD Post-Workout
Being well-rested will enable you to stay positive and energetic, thus helping you to perform well in the game. Athletes who regularly consumed CBD reported having fallen asleep with more ease and slept much deeper than those who didn’t.
One common way of consuming CBD is sublingually by keeping a few drops under your tongue before bed. Another way includes adding a few drops of CBD oil into your cup of herbal tea. Calming infusions such as Chamomile tea or Peppermint tea when mixed with CBD make great choices to help inducing sleep. Moreover, herbs such as Chamomile, Basil and Hibiscus are rich in vitamins and antioxidants and can help your body function normally.
CBD Workout Recovery
A heavy day of workout is sure to make your muscles scream! Yet, when you have that big game around the corner, it is impossible to go without a single day of training. Well, even if you aren't an athlete, but a regular fitness freak trying to stay in shape, comforting your sore muscles will require time. Sore muscles can prevent you from exercising, in turn impacting your workout routine. If you are looking for safe and natural methods of recovery CBD may be the answer.
In fact, there are different ways of consuming the compound and effects can vary depending on your method of use. Topical products such as CBD infused rubs and balms are very effective when applied to the affected region post workout. The manner in which these products affect you will also depend on the type of CBD used and the additional ingredients they contain.
A CBD pain relief rub or muscle balm may contain a combination of other organic ingredients such as eucalyptus and peppermint oil which enhance the effects of CBD.
Also, CBD products often come in different formulations. For instance, they might either contain a mixture of cannabinoids, terpenes and small amounts of THC, known as Full-spectrum CBD or contain a similar combination of ingredients, but with the THC element removed, known as Broad-spectrum CBD. A third category is the isolate, known to be the purest form of CBD. It generally comes in powder form and only consists of CBD with all other components removed.
Depending on your condition, it is important to choose a product with the right amount of CBD since the quantity of CBD present in a product can influence how your body reacts to the compound and whether or not it can help relieve pain. In some cases, people may require higher doses of CBD to help relieve pain.
Products such as the CBD muscle heated rub may help improve blood flow and heat transfer to the affected region. However, you need to remember to apply this rub at least a day after your injury and avoid using it immediately.
And as for cooling CBD sports gels they may help to anaesthetize, prevent the development of hematomas and relieve swelling. But, do not rub the damaged area on the first day after the injury!
Also, a common misconception is that most young athletes often consider themselves immune to certain joint conditions such as arthritis. However, osteoarthritis can affect individuals irrespective of their age. This condition is caused due to wear and tear of the cartilage inside joints which can cause inflammation. The joint pain that occurs as a result is very painful and can interfere with performance. It is important to prevent such conditions with natural remedies.
Hence, CBD may be a healthy lifestyle choice if incorporated into your daily workout routine. It offers a plethora of benefits when used pre-workout, post-workout and between workouts. When you decide to take CBD and the type of CBD product you choose to consume entirely depends on your ability to deal with pre and post-workout stress, pain as well as your sleep and workout routine.
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