From down-hill bikers and road cyclists, to surfers, skiers and skaters, CBD can have a positive impact on any athlete dealing with high-impact or action sports. These sports can be a thrill to watch, and even more to play, but with the heart-racing a few sores and aches are inevitable in between. Finding some relief may be necessary to get back to game – enter CBD.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of many naturally occurring compounds in cannabis and hemp plants. Research surrounding CBD is still limited, but there are signs pointing toward effective promise in the realms of pain, inflammation and muscle soreness. Treating conditions as such can be very necessary for athletes, but especially those in the professional fields who could suffer injury or over exertion during an athletic competition. Here are just a few reasons athletes should consider CBD for an addition to their sports training and recovery regimen.
CBD For Pain & Stress Management
One of the largest benefits thought to accompany CBD is its ability to aid in relief or alleviate pain. CBD interacts directly with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body, eliminating free radicals, restoring balance and reducing inflammation. For athletes who participate in intense exercise or high-impact movements, CBD can be a great natural option for relief. As an athlete with a training schedule that must be upheld, CBD could be the perfect way to keep on track, recovering quickly after sessions and even boosting your next workout.
CBD has the ability to interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ESC. This interaction can lead to reduced pain signals reaching the brain, allowing the body to recover naturally in more comfort. Because CBD is just one of many cannabinoids found in hemp plants, the theory of the ‘entourage effect’ has arisen more and more; basically, meaning the addition of multiple cannabinoids interacting with the ECS could be even more beneficial for athletes. The best way to take advantage of the entourage effect is to utilize a full-spectrum CBD product that combines the power of multiple cannabinoids.
Similarly, CBD could be ideal for action sports athletes with repeated use because it does not create a dependency like some prescribed pain management medications can. In fact, some research suggests that CBD could actually be used to treat addiction to opioids or similar substances.
Low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, can lead to anxiety and even depression and are usually treated with prescription medications. CBD could be a natural alternative for mental health treatment, proving useful for athletes or sports enthusiast plagued by stress of the sport and competition. CBD’s ability to interact with the human body and brain can lead to stress reduction brought on by more stability. Taking CBD before a training session could up the ante of your focus. Similarly, when taken following a workout, CBD could help with the winding down process that leads to reduced recovery times.
Ideal CBD Products for Action Sport Athletes
When it comes to CBD use for athletes, there can be a variety of methods of consumption or application. Oils and tinctures are the most ideal form of sublingual consumption, entering the bloodstream immediately and producing effects quickly. Oils and tinctures are ideal for pain relief as well as mental health, stress reduction, sleep, etc.
Another great product for athletes is CBD capsules. A CBD capsule can be taken discreetly and won’t come with any “hempy” aftertaste. CBD capsules are ideal for a perfectly measured dose of CBD that could help to fuel a workout or winddown following a training session. CBD capsules are also a good option to take with you on the go, ideal for action sport athletes who may end up miles deep on a bike ride or trail run.
One more great choice for athletes, are CBD gummies. CBD gummies, like capsules, can be taken on the go and consumed just about anywhere discreetly. CBD gummies are another great choice for a perfect dose, and effects can be felt once digested and active ingredients enter the bloodstream. If you are new to CBD and looking for a good place to start, CBD gummies could be a great option for you.
Key Takeaways for Athletes
CBD is a great alternative for athletes and active people when it comes to pain relief, inflammation and even mental health. Because the compound is naturally derived it can serve as an ideal replacement for traditional medications but should be still be treated as potentially appearing on a drug test if a full-spectrum product is used.
Although CBD and THC are different and with varying effects that could both potentially benefit athletes, there is an association of one to the other, especially in the world of sports. When turning to CBD as an athlete, be sure to always turn to reliable products and companies with accurate label claims and third-party lab test results. Though all CBD products, full-spectrum induced, should have a THC threshold of 0.3% or less, always be sure to double check label claims and rely on transparent companies who operate with your care in mind. One such CBD company is Tribe CBD, crafting the highest-quality CBD products with the active lifestyle in mind.
To learn more about Tribe CBD and what products are best for athletes, click here.