CBD for sport: 4 benefits of CBD for athletes

Different sports require different regimes to enhance recovery and strengthen physical and mental capacity. Whether you are involved in simple or high-impact sports activities, you may experience muscle soreness, aching or other forms of stress in your body. A good training preparation and recovery regime is essential to improve your sporting activity and your desire to achieve better results. Most sports fanatics are always inclined to opt for natural alternatives, and CBD for sports can offer benefits to an athlete's body.

For more than a decade, CBD has become increasingly popular for its beneficial effects on human health. As a result, it is becoming increasingly accepted in the world of sport. However, there are also concerns about the legality of CBD in sport. Would a doping test be positive after ingesting CBD?

The use of CBD in sport

The fact that CBD is one of the main compounds in cannabis and hemp is confusing. Some people think that CBD has euphoric effects and can get you high after consumption. However, tetrahydrocannabinol(THC) is the other main compound in the cannabis plant responsible for the high. Although the World Anti-Doping Agency limits a long list of drugs - including THC - CBD is not one of them.

However, you should be careful when purchasing a CBD product for sports. Cannabidiol isolate and broad-spectrum CBD do not actually contain THC, while full-spectrum CBD contains varying levels of THC. So choose the right oils, muscle creams and balms with little to no THC in them so that you don't lead yourself to violate anti-doping rules. It is also essential to consider different ways of taking CBD.

● CBD oils
● CBD flowers
● CBD capsules
● CBD edibles
● CBD salves/balms

Cannabidiol can also be used to supplement your training regimen. That said, some athletes incorporate it directly into their diet, in tea and in ready-to-eat nutritional foods.

Shatter is another variety of cannabis that is very effective in sports. But what is Shatter? Like CBD and THC, shatter is derived from the cannabis plant, hemp and other cannabis solvents. It is deficient and devoid of THC, making it a perfect alternative to CBD products containing traces of THC. However, the production and processing of ecrasement is a delicate process that requires advanced technology and specialised equipment.

Studies indicate that CBD can help an athlete improve recovery, enhance performance and improve muscle function. Other benefits of taking CBD for sport include the following:

1. CBD can help relieve pain

Athletes usually engage in intense activities while trying to push their limits beyond what seems possible. And while these activities may improve performance, muscle tears, joint pain, inflammation and sprains are inevitable. Since conventional painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are addictive and have unwanted side effects, natural remedies are preferable.

Thanks to the analgesic properties of CBD, athletes have a natural and effective alternative for pain relief. Research suggests that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. While over-the-counter drugs and opioids have undesirable side effects, CBD can counteract dependence and addiction to opioids and similar substances.

2. CBD can act against inflammation

Inflammation is a significant barrier to an athlete's performance. It can exacerbate and prolong pain and sometimes turn it into a chronic disease. While a little inflammation can be beneficial to our health, acute inflammation can prevent an athlete from recovering quickly. Conventional NSAIDs have undesirable side effects, so a more natural approach to inflammation is needed.

According to studies, Cannabidiol is a powerful anti-inflammatory that could be beneficial to an athlete. CBD helps to suppress cytokine production and prevent cell proliferation. In addition, through the induction of apoptosis and T-regulatory cells, CBD may help inhibit inflammation. The systematic use of CBD against inflammation can help an athlete to lead an active and healthy life in sport.

3. CBD may help combat anxiety

Competitive sports activities can put a lot of mental pressure on an athlete. The need to impress while practising can cause anxiety and stress, which can affect performance. Fear of public speaking is another form of anxiety that affects some athletes. Studies show that CBD can help reduce anxiety triggers without serious side effects.

Depending on the environment in which they train, an athlete may vaporise CBD before training and competition. While many worry about the proper dosage to inhibit anxiety, regular microdoses of CBD can instill calm and offer relief from stress and anxiety. This calming of the mind and body can result in an increase in the athlete's performance.

4. CBD can improve relaxation and muscle gain

Muscle cramps, soreness and spasms can limit an athlete's recovery process. However, CBD is a perfect post-workout muscle relaxant. Cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system to activate and balance bodily functions, enhancing endurance and performance. Crucially, CBD for muscle recovery can also be beneficial in muscle gain. CBD can help inhibit neurotransmitters that influence GABA-A receptors, responsible for muscle relaxation. In addition, a CBD balm can be used to relax muscles. You can use it to soothe and relax your body. Another important point in recovery is sleep.

In addition to intense training and practice sessions, sleep can influence an athlete's peak performance. Although having to play with tight schedules, sports anxiety and sleep disorders can also affect an athlete. CBD can help to achieve better quality sleep and REM sleep. The sedative properties of cannabidiol may help an athlete get the recommended amount and quality of sleep for optimal recovery. Studies indicate that athletes need quality sleep for better performance and faster muscle recovery. In addition, a good night's sleep can help an athlete :

● Think more clearly and make better judged decisions
● Achieve better muscle and body repair after training
● Improve mental intensity and energy peaks
● Have faster reflexes and reactions etc.

CBD reduces cortisol levels, which can affect sleep cycles and patterns.

What should you keep in mind before trying CBD for sport?

Although CBD is legal in many countries and is not on WADA's list of banned substances, you must be careful about drug testing. It is essential to examine the regulations and legislation of the relevant authorities for particular sporting events, congregational petitions, and even the country of competition.

Stay away from cannabinoids that can put you on the wrong side of the law such as synthetic Cannabidiol and THC. According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), you should choose products that contain no traces of illegal compounds.

CBD dosage for sports

Aside from concerns that your CBD product may contain THC, it is essential to consider the right dose of Cannabidiol for optimal results. However, there is no standard dose as different amounts and qualities of CBD have varying effects. While small amounts have rather sedative effects, a higher dose of CBD can have stimulating effects. By taking this approach to CBD dosing, an athlete can dose his or her intake to achieve the desired result.

The general rule of thumb when using CBD for the first time is to start with small amounts, which can be increased gradually until the desired effects are seen. It is important to maintain consistent microdoses of CBD for best results.

Conclusion

Although these are common problems that an athlete is likely to encounter in their career, CBD offers much more than the benefits mentioned above. It is a potential natural alternative for pain relief, anxiety, inflammation, muscle recovery and mental health. Unlike conventional drugs, CBD has almost no adverse side effects. However, you should be cautious when choosing CBD for sports. Given its direct link to THC, which is illegal in any competitive sport, you should consider THC-free products. By using products such as our WELLNESS oils or our WELLNESS CBD BALM SPORT balm, you can be sure to pass your THC test. And be careful to only buy from reliable and reputable companies that have accurate third party lab test results.