CBD Oils for Muscle Recovery

Does it live up to the hype??

 

Athletes are constantly pushing their bodies to the limits and this puts a lot of stress on their bodies. Although this is necessary in order for athletes to improve their performances, physical trauma and prolonged wear and tear may also lead to injuries and pain. Although current methods of pain management have proven to work, they also come with many side-effects.

What is CBD?

First off, cannabinoids already exist in your body. They exist in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that modulates the activity of neurons. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plant. CBD is not psychoactive, unlike the other well-known chemical compound found in the cannabis plant, THC.


CBD has a wide range of benefits — many of which are backed by scientific research. Pharmaceutical products and supplements containing CBD are being used by cancer patients to reduce side-effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, by children with rare forms of epilepsy (such as Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome), and by millions of people around the world for symptoms like anxiety, pain, inflammation, and insomnia.

How does CBD work in your body?

Within the nervous systems of all mammals, including humans, two endocannabinoids (2-AG and EAE) are produced and released into the synapse. They bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors and act to inhibit the release of certain neurotransmitters. For instance, when CBD is used to treat epilepsy, it may reduce seizure activity by – in part – reducing the buildup of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter.

CB1 receptors are found throughout the brain, spinal cord, and other tissues. Whilst CB2 is found in immune system tissues as well as in the brain. CBD binding to CB1 receptors has a greater effect on the central nervous system, and CBD binding to CB2 receptors has a greater effect on reducing inflammation.

Benefits of CBD on recovery

  • Help with Inflammation
  • Aid with injury recovery
  • Aids with pain and have no side effects (unlike most modern pain-killers)
  • Help athletes sleep better
  • (Stamina)

When athletes work out, they are essentially causing microscopic damage to muscle fibers. Those muscles then become inflamed, which trigger the body to respond and repair, causing muscle soreness or stiffness. Too much of this inflammation may cause athletes to become fatigued and at higher risk of injury.

Here’s where CBD comes in. According to a 2018 review of 132 original studies published in Frontiers in Neurology, CBD can in fact, reduce inflammation in the body and help improve pain and mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis. The review study’s authors wrote – “It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiemetic, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective.”

Due to its effect on inflammation, CBD is suggested to be a powerful pain-killer — backed by both anecdotal and scientific research. This effect may allow CBD to offer symptomatic support for muscle injuries like strains. With less pain, athletes will find it easier to get themselves back into action faster. Neurons in the central nervous system fire at an increased rate in response to injuries inside our bodies.  When activated by CBD, the endocannabinoid receptors help reduce the rate at which these neurons fire,  reducing discomfort and our overall sensation of pain. CBD works similarly to traditional pain relievers, but, without the risk of withdrawal, digestive issues, and other potentially dangerous side effects. Because of this, when a sprain or other injury occurs, turning to CBD may be a great first alternative to popping a few pills.

Some of the most important aspects of muscle recovery happen while we sleep. This is when most of the recovery processes in our body become active.

 

better-sleep-opt

Getting better sleep and more of it is one of the most effective ways an athlete can achieve greater training gains. Athletes who consume CBD report greater ease in falling asleep and even reported better quality of sleep throughout the night. By binding to the same receptors that adenosine would bind to, CBD may inhibit adenosine reuptake, which helps it accumulate more quickly and makes you feel calmer and helps induce sleep quicker.

Research has been ongoing into the effects of CBD on stamina and although there is no definitive proof as yet, signs are positive. The “runner’s high” that many of us associate with being able to go farther, for longer periods of time, is essential for athletes who require large amounts of stamina, such as long-distance runners. To achieve this boost, many athletes turn to energy bars, caffeine, and other supplements. Recent studies have shown, however, that this “runner’s high”, or rather,  the release of endorphins might have more to do with the endocannabinoid system than we ever could have imagined. A recent study found that without an intact and activated endocannabinoid system, a “true” runner’s high, maybe unobtainable. This means that CBD could actually be the missing link to increased endurance and stamina that many athletes spend their entire careers trying to achieve.

 

When to use CBD

Today, CBD comes in many different forms like sprays, balms and oils. (All of which can be found right here on CBD Box Delivery)The exact amount of CBD needed varies from athlete to athlete. This makes it difficult to prescribe exactly how much an individual would need. The best method to use is trial and error. Start with the recommended dosage and adjust until you feel the desired effects. The good news is that it’s impossible to overdose on CBD.

Now, most people think about utilizing the muscle recovery properties of CBD as a post-workout supplement addition to their regimen. However, some have discovered that taking CBD before they hit the court, the gym, field, or pool gives a natural boost to their performance and improves concentration. This pre-workout dose also provides a base for their post-exercise CBD, if you choose to take some then as well. When you take your CBD pre-workout dose, make sure that you leave enough time for the compound to stimulate the native Cannabidiols in your system.

Some well-known athletes making use of CBD:

Nate Diaz | Mike Tyson