Strains, sprains, and other sports-related injuries are a problem for athletes of all kinds, from professional to amateur. A quick recovery is vital to deliver peak performance, and sports pros are often looking for ways to reduce their recovery time. However, the better approach is to reduce how often they occur. Many athletes are turning to the best CBD products on the market to protect their minds and bodies to help them reach their goals.
How Does CBD Work?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, has a unique ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system. Also known as the ECS, it’s a complex, interconnected system that helps maintain homeostasis in the body. This means it’s responsible for some crucial tasks, such as regulating mood and pain perception.
The system includes three primary components: receptors, compounds that bind to the receptors, and metabolic enzymes. When something binds to a receptor or blocks it, it can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocannabinoid system. These changes can lead to changes that impact pain, mood, appetite, digestion, sleep, and more.
Research shows CBD may communicate with the ECS by interacting with receptors. This process might benefit athletes because CBD has the potential to help them before, during, and after a big game, improving their performance and preventing injuries.
CBD For Focus
Anyone familiar with competitive sports will tell you that where their mind is before and during competition is vital to performance. Pre-game anxiety can cause some people to lose focus on their game plan. When your focus is off, injuries are more likely to occur.
Studies indicate CBD might positively affect GABA, which may help you focus before and during the sporting event. Gaba, the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating anxiety, also helps promote focus. This natural process makes it easier to keep your head in the game.
CBD For Pain
Sore muscles and joints can slow you down and make it difficult to reach your best performance. CBD may reduce inflammation, which reduces pain and makes movement easier.
CBD benefits the body by interacting with receptors. This can trigger a reduction in inflammation. Many studies over the past decade show CBD may work as a non-steroid anti-inflammatory, which could help athletes manage pain before, during, and after an intense practice, workout, or competition.
CBD for Sleep
Several factors contribute to performance, including sleep. When you get enough sleep, your body can heal and grow stronger. A lack of shut-eye also impacts decision-making ability, time management, and responsiveness.
Like focus, sleepless nights, or poor quality sleep from interruptions, can throw your game off and make it easier for injuries to happen. This isn’t only a problem for athletes during game time, but with all areas of life. You can’t accomplish your goals, whether it’s making deals in the boardroom or scoring points on the court if your sleep is off.
Studies show CBD can positively affect our internal clock. This internal clock tells the body when you should sleep, and CBD may help you get there a little faster.
CBD for Muscle Recovery And Endurance
Sore joints and muscles from the previous day’s competition or challenging workout can slow down your body’s natural recovery process and make it harder to endure future practices or games.
With CBD, you may be able to work through the fatigue to push your workout intensity up a notch. CBD has the potential to reduce inflammation, fight fatigue, and help your muscles recover faster.
The popular hemp extract might reduce inflammation by triggering pathways in the body that reduce swelling and pain. This process might boost recovery after an intense workout and help push your muscles harder.
CBD can also work with other natural compounds found in hemp to help you build muscle and promote endurance. Full-spectrum oil contains a multitude of cannabinoids and terpenes, which work together to promote the body’s natural healing abilities.
CBD is Well-Tolerated
CBD is a hot product for athletes because they don’t need a prescription to access it, and it may be safer than other alternatives. Overall, CBD is well-tolerated by most people.
Side effects are minimal, with a few reports of drowsiness, upset stomach, and diarrhea in high amounts. CBD is non-intoxicating and non-habit-forming, which is why it’s not on the list of banned substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Also known as WADA, it oversees global sports, including the Olympics.
Conclusion:
CBD has the potential to reduce athletes’ risk of injury by helping them recover faster and fight inflammation. When you feel better, perform your best, and reduce your risk of injury, you’ll find yourself on the road to recovery sooner and returning to form faster.
