As the cannabis ban gets lifted for major sports leagues across the board, athletes and their CBD use is becoming widely more relevant. From Megan Rapinoe to Rob Gronkowski, current and former players are teaming up with CBD brands to promote its positive effects. Specifically for pain relief and muscle recovery that athletes endure to be in their prime, and even after. So, how does cannabidiol or CBD provide comfort for those who are physically active, professionally or personally? Let’s dive into the world of athletes, CBD and how natural benefits are aiding common conditions associated with sport related wear-and-tear.
The Basics of CBD
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in hemp plants. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t deliver a ‘high’ or ‘buzz’ you may associate with cannabis. But, what it does still deliver is beneficial medical or recreational effects like soothing pain, calming anxiety, and reducing inflammation.
Combined with a push for organic lifestyles and natural ways of healing, CBD use has begun to rise even amongst prominent athletes, and celebrities. Especially, as an alternative to using prescribed pain medication, considering the rising opioid addiction crisis that many countries are facing.
With the advancements in the CBD industry, there’s now a wide range of methods to conveniently ingest or use the compound. And, typically, without any harsh or even noticeable side effects. From tinctures, to drinks, gummy-like vitamins, and infused topicals…athletes and others alike are adding CBD into their daily regimens and routines.
But this is just the ‘basics’ of CBD. What seems like ‘just a plant’ is being discovered to accomplish much more, medically. Through CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system, central nervous system, and wiring of the brain – research is now proving what many athletes discovered in their own personal exploration. That CBD is a legitimate, natural source of relief for common symptoms they suffer due to additional movement and activity.
Next, we’ll see just how CBD works for athletes in treating their most common ailments.
CBD For Athletes
Athletes or those who workout or train regularly are often putting extra strain on their muscles and bodies in general. This strain can cause a number of issues, not only physically but mentally too. From pain relief to anxiety relief, CBD is able to internally and externally address a number of common issues. Let’s find out exactly how, now.
Pain Relief
Musculoskeletal pain and nerve pain are just a part of the ‘job’ for many athletes and active people. With research showing that standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) can cause damage over time, many are seeking alternatives for these over-the-counter options. Not to mention, most pain pills tend to just ‘mask’ the pain rather than target directly. On the flip side, CBD interacts with a number of receptors found in the body that are responsible for signaling feelings, including pain. From early research, advocates of CBD are finding that this relationship eases the amount of pain felt, overall. Ultimately providing relief that’s more natural and less addictive than prescription pain medications, too.
Reducing Inflammation
Many studies have already confirmed that CBD is naturally anti-inflammatory. This is why the compound is being found to help a number of conditions that are associated with inflammation, including stiff and painful joints from over-exerting through sports or exercise. Inflammation is felt when an inflammatory response is caused by the body’s signaling molecules called ‘eicosanoids’. CBD is able to directly reduce inflammation by inhibiting a specific eicosanoid enzyme known as COX2. To put into perspective, ibuprofen like Advil and aspirin both directly target COX2 as their process to promote relief. To add, CBD is also showing positive effects on cytokines which are involved in increasing inflammation internally, too. CBD works against the effects of cytokines, consequently decreasing inflammation that is felt.
Rest & recovery
A restful night of sleep is high priority for athletes who need to be in optimal shape and condition for their game or sport. The body typically requires 8 hours of sleep to be fully re-charged, and to heal properly from strenuous use of the body or workouts. But many struggle to achieve a full night of uninterrupted rest, which CBD is addressing for some. A variety of conditions from insomnia, to pain and anxiety can cause problems falling or staying asleep. Where CBD can address each of those issues on a different front. Indirectly, one study showed sleep improvements for the majority of participants (66.7%) who suffered from anxiety. Other researchers are focusing on CBD’s effect on the sleep/wake cycle through its interaction with receptors in the brain. So far, findings are limited but we do know that CBD improves complex sleep issues like REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep behavior disorder, where nightmares and movement during sleeping occurs.
Stress & anxiety relief
Career pressures or the requirement to always ‘win’ can be a source of stress and anxiety for many athletes. When your mind is clear of stressful or anxious thoughts, you’re also more able to focus on the task (or game) at hand. Even more, anxiety and depression are known as ‘motivational’ disorders and can conversely affect the motivation of an athlete to put forth their best efforts. CBD is quickly compiling research on its anxiolytic or anti-anxiety effects, along with relieving stress and depression. It does so, again by affecting the neurotransmitters and receptors that are responsible for regulating moods. Like serotonin, which at ideal levels provides optimal feelings of well-being. Whether it’s treating jitters prior to a big game or match, or calming nerves after a loss – CBD is a natural alternative for relief, that doesn’t come with a hangover or negative consequences, body or health wise.
Get Active with CBD
After years of being stigmatized as a ‘lazy’ substance, CBD is changing attitudes towards cannabis and its use. Through non-psychoactive effects, CBD is able to stimulate athletes and those who are active with motivation, optimal energy, ideal rest and aid in recovery, too. Whether you’re looking to wind-down, or rev-up, there’s a CBD dose and Natures Pure CBD product that will work for you.
