CBD For Athletes: Does It Maximize Athletic Recovery And Performance?
Athletes always tend to try every possible thing to take care of their bodies. Of course, they pay attention to diet, follow a strict exercise schedule and take enough time for injury recovery. All of that just to perform well in their respective sport. But ever thought of CBD?
CBD is still an area of growing interest in sports science. But athletes are already trying CBD to see if it can help them recover faster after intense training. There is a lot to know about CBD, its efficacy, safety, and legality in sports. If you want to stimulate your competitive edge, find out how CBD can help!
Before going on further, read out 5 must-have supplements for Basketball athletes!
What Is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a natural compound. It belongs to the cannabis plant and is best known for its effect on the body’s endocannabinoid system. CBD is extracted from the hemp plant.
Being non-intoxicating, it doesn’t produce the “high”. Instead, CBD has therapeutic effects on health and wellness. Additionally, it is safe and widely accepted.
How CBD differ from THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)?
While they may have a lot in common, some key differences are still here, like:
- THC produces a high, while CBD does not.
- CBD is legal, while THC’s legality depends on the state and country.
- THC is psychoactive while CBD is not.
- CBD may not show on drug tests, while THC does.
- THC is more effective in managing pain, while CBD efficiently reduces anxiety.
The Rise of CBD in Athletic Circles
CBD is widely accepted for medicinal use. Especially athletes are using it commonly. However, the physiological and cognitive effects of CBD are not yet fully understood.
The safe thing is that it is more of a plant-based product and has some properties that could boost exercise recovery. It may have anxiolytic, and pain-relieving effects. Somehow early research says CBD may improve muscle damage and tissue fiber recovery in athletes. [1] , [2]
Legal Status of CBD in Sports
In sports World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) controls prohibited substances. WADA removed CBD from its ban list. That means athletes are now allowed to use CBD. However, all other cannabinoids are still banned. So athletes must be careful with CBD products.
The legal status depends on the country and even specific sports leagues. For instance, in the US, the federal government considers CBD legal (with less than 0.3% THC). But individual states can still have their own rules.
Similarly, individual sports leagues have their own policies. The NFL, for example, allows CBD use as long as it’s THC-free, while the NHL still prohibits it entirely.
So, as an athlete, do your research before even considering CBD. If possible seek professional guidance and choose pure quality CBD.
What Are Some Ways To Consume CBD?
The market offers a range of CBD. Each form has its perks. Here are the most common ones:
1) Oil/Tinctures
CBD is originally an oil and can be swallowed as few drops under the tongue. It allows quick absorption and can be added to food or beverages.
2) Capsules
It is a discreet way, similar to taking oral supplements. Each capsule is a specific dose of CBD, for easier to track consumption.
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3) Edibles
CBD also comes in snacks like gummies, chocolates and candies. It hides the natural hemp taste but it takes a long time to show its effects.
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4) Topical
Creams, lotions, balms, and salves having CBD are for direct use on the skin. Topicals are good relief for localized muscle soreness.
5) Vape Products
Vape oils, e-liquids, and vape pens are the fastest methods of CBD inhalation. This way CBD enters the bloodstream quickly via the lungs, resulting in rapid effects.
6) Patches
Transdermal CBD patches adhere to the skin. It delivers a steady dose of CBD over an extended period. Patches are suitable for long-lasting CBD effects.
7) Isolate
CBD isolate is devoid of THC. It is a pure form of CBD. Basically, it is a crystalline powder good for use in food and drinks.
8) Concentrates
CBD concentrates include wax, shatter, and dabs. These products are consumed by dabbing and show immediate effects.
9) CBD-Infused Beverages
Teas, coffees, water, and energy drinks are a hydrating way to have CBD. These beverages combine the benefits of CBD with enjoyable drink options.
10) CBD-Infused Skincare Products
CBD can be present in serums, creams, masks, and bath bombs. They nourish and rejuvenate the skin. These products relieve skin from inflammation, acne, aging, and dryness.
Benefits of Using CBD for Athletes
CBD comes with huge benefits and for athletes, it is no less than magic. CBD can be advantageous for athletes. This means you need CBD right before and after the match.
Manage Inflammation
Due to excessive training and the final day session, inflammations are common in an athletic body. These inflammations are required as well because, without these swelling, your repair hormone cannot perform its action.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury and intense physical activity, but excessive or prolonged inflammation can hinder recovery and performance. CBD has anti-inflammatory agents that help in quick recovery.
How CBD Helps In Managing Inflammation?
It is still a question that needs further exploration. However, as per the present knowledge, CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for athletes. In particular, it acts on the endocannabinoid system thereby modulating the body’s immune response. This way CBD could reduce oxidative stress and support the healing process.
Reduce Pain
Despite all the efforts to manage healthy nutrition and resting hours, athletes still suffer from pain, especially knee pain. Pain can be acute or chronic, owing to the intensity of specific training. The pain can be the result of the mental and physical stress from the game.
CBD for athletes has the ability to reduce pain. Furthermore, it has been studied for its analgesic properties and pain relief applications without the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
How CBD Helps In Reducing Pain?
Again the acting principle of CBD on pain receptors is unknown. But we can say that CBD interacts with the neurotransmitter systems and creates pain-relieving effects.
CBD influences the body’s pain perception and inflammatory pathways and offers athletes a natural alternative for managing pain. This is a valuable non-pharmacological pain management strategy. It still needs scientific evidence for a good understanding of the effects resulting from CBD supplements.
Read What Lauren Jackson (Basketball Star) Has To Say About Using CBD For Relieving Knee Pain!
Improve Sleep
Sleep is the ultimate recovery and the athletes are well aware of it. Quality sleep can assure excellent athletic performance and recovery. Most of the times athletes suffers from insomnia either due to the game stress or the disruptive sleep patterns due to intensive exercise and training.
Therefore CBD is effective for sleep improvement. It can be a good addition to sleep initiation, uninterrupted sleep, and reducing symptoms of insomnia and nightmares. Athletes often face challenges in achieving adequate and restorative sleep. This demands the sleep-enhancing effects of CBD.
How CBD Helps In Improving Sleep?
CBD can aid in sleep regulation by increasing the natural levels of the endocannabinoids that improve the length of a sound sleep. More endocannabinoids mean better relaxation of nerves and regulation of sleep-wake cycles. Athletes who consume CBD can have the proper rest that their bodies need.
For Restful Sleep, Check The 7 Sleep Hacks That Pro Athletes Follow!
Relieve Stress and Anxiety
Athletes frequently experience high levels of stress and anxiety. All credit goes to the demands of training, competition, and performance expectations. CBD has anxiolytic properties and can potentially offer athletes a natural option for soothing nerves.
Consume Calm Yootropics To Release Stress!
How CBD Helps in Relieving Stress and Anxiety?
As earlier we say that CBD can help in good sleep. That’s how it promotes calming effects and soothes the nerves to deal with mental stress and anxiety. CBD straight-up goes into the brain regions involved in regulating stress responses, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Therefore it helps in promoting a more resilient mental state.
Related Post: Learn 10 Secrets To Mastering Stress Management!
Enhance Focus and Mental Clarity
Mental peace is the demand of the game. Quick moves and decision-making on the spot decide the result of the game. Athletes should be calm enough to handle the situation on the field. Of course, CBD can enhance focus and cognitive function.
Take Focus Yootropics To Concentrate On The Game Day!
How CBD Helps in Enhancing Focus and Mental Clarity?
CBD promotes a balanced and alert mental state by interacting with the brain receptors. It reduces stress and supports athletes in maintaining cognitive performance. Additionally, its anxiolytic effects reduce performance-related distractions, allowing athletes to maintain concentration and decision-making abilities on the court.
Also Read: 10 Reasons Why Basketball Is Healthy!
Are There Any Risks And Side Effects Of CBD For Athletes?
Generally, CBD is a promising supplement in the journey of any athlete. But as with any other supplement, it also has a few health risks and side effects.
Below are a few of the reported risks:
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Liver enzyme changes
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Nausea
- Low blood pressure
Bad Impact of CBD as an Athletic Performance Enhancer
Despite the few basic side effects, athletes still use CBD. But they have to be more careful with the use of CBD because they have to maintain their shining image and pass the athletic drug testing.
CBD is NOT listed on the WADA and thus can be used during competition. But THC is still illegal and can give athletes a hard time because sometimes it is present in the CBD.
Frankly speaking, if you still have to take a CBD supplement, make sure to buy it from the trustee vendor and one that is pure without THC contamination.
Plus CBD, Also Take Brain Yootropics Supplements To Boost Your Sports Performance!
Is CBD An Effective Option For Athletic Recovery And Performance?
There are mixed approaches on whether CBD works for athletes in performance improvement or not. While literature says that CBD can be effective in reducing inflammation, and anxiety, some sports experts still believe that CBD needs more evidence and ongoing research to make it potent for athletes.
As per the existing research, CBD could be good for athletic recovery and performance. However, being a popular supplement CBD does not necessarily have to increase your body performance. Moreover, CBD has different impacts on different people.
Like always, go and have a good talk with your coach, dietician, and healthcare professional before taking CBD supplements.
Related Post: Does Pre-Game Sex Improve Basketball And Sports Performance?
Ending Remarks
CBD oil is a useful supplement for enhancing athletic edge. Remember that CBD could push your performance to the next level but it is not a magic potion.
The thing that always works positively is good food and sleep. Make sure to find out if CBD is right for your body or not. If it works for you, please learn how to use it safely and effectively.
While making changes to your athletic program, build an action plan that includes physical training, nutritious foods, restful sleep hours, and CBD can also be part of it. Who knows it might give you a quick recovery and a performance boost.
Jump to our trustworthy sports nutrition partner Activ Nutrition and visit their shop to get high-quality and flavorful CBD. You can also find performance-boosting and injury-recovery supplements there.
