CBD & Sport: Seven reasons why athletes should use cannabidiol (CBD)
The benefits of CBD go much further than just the use related to health issues. The same qualities, which lead to health restoration, make CBD an excellent choice for regular use in athletes!
Its power to reduce stress can even prevent burnout. Moreover, thanks to its ability to help with sleep, CBD can improve recovery time. Last but not least, the power of cannabidiol to suppress anxiety can lead to improved athletic performance.
Are you ready to find out how CBD could benefit you and your athletic performance?
Seven reasons why the use of CBD is highly beneficial to athletes
- CBD reduces stress
- CBD is an adaptogen
- CBD protects the central nervous system
- CBD improves sleep
- CBD promotes muscle relaxation
- CBD reduces anxiety
- CBD reduces oxidation and inflammation
Benefit No. 1: CBD reduces stress
Perhaps the most significant benefit of CBD for athletes is stress reduction. It may sound great - and it is great, by the way - but what does that mean? To answer this, we first need to take a closer look at what stress is.
We will give more space to the first benefit than to the others because they result from it.
So what is stress?
“Stress is a state of mental or emotional tension resulting from adverse or challenging circumstances.”
In 1936, a visionary endocrinologist named Hans Selye moved a step further. He described physiological stress as “a nonspecific reaction of the body to an ongoing change.”
In animal experiments, for example, Selye discovered that stress could damage the overall health of the gut and cause enlargement of the adrenal gland. The results of chronic stress came out even worse in his research - animals developed arthritis, suffered strokes, and heart attacks.
The association between sport and stress
What does stress have to do with athletes? Quite a lot!
This is because sports activities represent a form of stress, which must be overcome and managed as much as anything else.
As an athlete, you have probably been through this battle before. The best training plan carefully balances work and rest and clearly distinguishes between a great personal form and being overtrained.
Finding such an optimal point is not easy - but CBD could make it simpler. During the process of pushing to new limits, a consistent daily dose of 10 - 20 milligrams of CBD could allow athletes to break previous stress-induced limitations.
Benefit No. 2: CBD as an adaptogen
Traditional adaptogens include reishi and echinacea mushrooms. However, CBD has also joined this list of stress-reducing and performance-enhancing plant products. This is because it perfectly fits into the definition of adaptogens.
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are non-toxic plants and herbs that increase the body’s resistance to stressful situations such as injury, anxiety, or physical fatigue.
Adaptogens also protect the nervous system and neuroendocrine system from overloading. According to a 1969 study, adaptogens have tohave a stimulating nature without causing side effects.
Does that sound familiar? That is precisely what CBD can do! By activating the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a signaling network of internal substances similar to those in cannabis, CBD helps promote balance. With the ECS activation comes the kind of health and vitality when homeostasis can be well maintained.
Using adaptogens to support faster recovery
CBD and other active ingredients in cannabis can help athletes adapt better to their training schedule. Think of the metabolic condition that follows a challenging workout: body temperature is high, and cortisol levels have skyrocketed. In addition, muscle proteins have broken down, and the stored sugar in the form of glycogen is almost completely depleted. That is not exactly a picture of good balance.
When this kind of stress is processed, the body produces a larger amount of endocannabinoids, such as anandamide, to deal with the recovery process. Add some external cannabinoids, such as natural CBD, and this imbalance can be quickly fixed.
Interestingly, Hans Selye also described this recovery process, namely “a phase of resistance” to adaptation. Resistance to stressors that can help with quicker recovery and prevent burnout.
Luckily CBD helps! One study went as far as to determine whether cannabinoids were to be classified as performance-enhancing substances that should be banned in athletics. And it might be even better if CBD is used along with other adaptogens.
Although research in this area is still limited, we know that most plant adaptogens work by activating enzymes such as AMPK to regulate energy balance and upregulate fat burning. It is assumed that the combination of CBD and other adaptogens leads to synergic effects! In other words, two types of compounds might be of better help to each other.
Benefit No. 3: CBD protects the central nervous system
The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord, and it controls internal communication and perception of transmitted signals in nerves and neurons.
It is simple: when there are more stimuli in the body, the CNS is more active, and vice versa. Sports that involve movement against the resistance (power training) are very challenging for the CNS. Perform it long enough, and the initial kick of the system’s excitatory input begins to run down. With this loss of firepower comes less effective muscle contraction, resulting in reduced strength.
Athletes with a burnout syndrome of the CNS are slower and lift less under the same stress factor. If the recovery process is ignored, the muscles can have faulty responses to standard neural signals. That is not what you want, of course!
But now the positive news: CBD is the best friend of neurotransmissions. It can help with synchronizing the nerve signalization and balance presynaptic and postsynaptic neurotransmitters. CBD can also help nerves to preserve their myelin sheaths.
In fact, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) directly supports the health of neurons. However, all this happens after taking CBD, which over and over again turns out to be useful for strengthening and reviving the ECS.
When used prior training, could CBD protect CNS against excessive load? While this has not yet been proven, many power athletes use CBD because it helps them prevent shaking, which sometimes comes with lifting weights in order to create maximum performance.
CBD can even help the weary nervous system to recover and improve its flexibility. Why? CBD supports endocannabinoids in their role as key modulators of synaptic plasticity in the nervous system.
Benefit No. 4: CBD improves sleep
One of the first and most noticeable effects new users observe is that CBD helps them sleep better. In fact, it is not unusual that already the first dose will lead to calmer sleep.
A cross-sectional study of cannabidiol users supports these preliminary reports. The study concluded that “consumers use CBD as a specific therapy for various health problems - including sleep disorders.”
According to the study, it actually works: “almost 36% of respondents said CBD helped them with their health problems very well.”
Since intensive athletic routines are not always the best for sleep, this benefit is very promising for athletes.
CBD can also reduce levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which could otherwise interfere with regular sleep cycles.
Many elite athletes sleep a lot. More sleep = more time for recovering tired muscles! For example, Roger Federer once said: “If I do not sleep eleven to twelve hours a day, it is not enough.”
If you do not have enough sleep, do not worry, CBD can help you. However, when you are active during the day, unlike conventional sleep remedies, CBD does not activate any receptor system enough to induce drowsiness instantly.
For example, after taking 10 mg of CBD at night, you will likely be much sleepier than taking the same dose early in the day. Let’s take a look at the reason.
Another fantastic fact: the endocannabinoid system reacts to light. What does that mean? This means that the functions of the system vary depending on the parts of a day. The production of endocannabinoids is generally higher during the morning hours and decreases towards the evening.
In recent years, it has become clear that it is crucial to have a healthy circadian rhythm. Ignoring the natural state, as in night shifts or excessive exposure to blue light, is harmful to humans.
But this is a topic that goes beyond the scope of this article. However, relevant is the fact that many athletes suffer from sleeping disorders. These athletes can be lethargic when they should be full of energy (and vice versa), leading them to excessive coffee drinking or taking other stimulants. Dependence on such substances can lead to additional stress caused to the adrenal glands. It also can trouble the nervous system.
It is great that there is this holistic option. Regular use of CBD can promote a certain kind of energy balance that works with a person’s environmental needs – not against them. If an athlete experiences sleeping difficulties, they can take 10 - 20 milligrams of CBD an hour or two before bedtime.
Benefit No. 5: CBD promotes muscle relaxation
Athletes know that the familiar feeling, which occurs after hard training, has already been described in books. When sugars are burnt in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic regimen), with an increased effort, lactate is formed in the muscles. Then it is not easy to perform even the simplest activities, such as walking up the stairs.
At this point, a challenging stage comes along - recovery.
Fortunately, CBD is a powerful muscle relaxant. This is because the compound appears to help GABA (the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter of the nervous system) work better by affecting GABA-A receptors. In other words, CBD can promote muscle relaxation by taking effects on the system that soothes the body.
On the contrary, low levels of GABA have been associated with muscle cramps, stiffness, and even with addictive substances. A meticulous athlete sure want to avoid such things!
CBD can also help active users avoid muscle and problems with joints. CBD is commonly linked with muscle stretching and ice treatment of knee injuries, for example.
If you want these benefits to serve you well, try taking moderate amounts (10– 20 mg) of CBD every day. Ointments and creams containing CBD applied directly to the areas can also help with the reduction of inflammation.
Just bear in mind that the strength of CBD preparations for external use varies greatly.
Benefit No. 6: CBD reduces anxiety
The benefits of CBD to help with anxiety are among the most well-known effects. It seems suitable for chronic anxiety, acute anxiety, and everything in between these two conditions. Even those who need relief from stage fright can benefit from CBD!
This sure could also be beneficial for athletes. Nervousness about training or competition pressure can be a notable burden. The same study, which recommended banning THC as a performance-enhancing product, praised CBD for its effectiveness in reducing anxiety after oral administration of CBD. This could “enhance athletic performance” without any negative psychological effects.
However, it is vital to take a full spectrum CBD product that is often more effective than CBD isolate. This is because full spectrum hemp extracts contain valuable compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids, for together they boost already impressive effects of CBD.
In order to relieve anxiety, there is no need for large amounts of CBD. Many athletes have seen great results in administering small but consistent microdoses.
If CBD is administered correctly (such as using a vaporizer), it can be taken even before tough training or competition. A dose in the range of 3 to 10 milligrams is usually sufficient to achieve a feeling of calmness and good mental balance.
Benefit No. 7: CBD reduces inflammation and oxidation
Inflammation is a potential barrier to optimal health for all of us. While the occurrence of tiny inflammation is actually beneficial, chronic conditions can lead to pain, illness, and weight gain.
None of these things are good for athletes. Inflammation is one of the biggest obstacles for them, being in the way of a quick recovery. Some turn to conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and other symptoms, but this is not sustainable in the long run.
Something more holistic is needed, and that is CBD. According to a 2010 study, cannabinoids are “powerful anti-inflammatory agents, which demonstrate their effects by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, suppressing the production of cytokines, and inducing T-regulating lymphocytes.”
Basically, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD are complex enough to ensure that a person takes notice of only a small amount of adaptogenic inflammations. Consistent use of even small doses of CBD may be sufficient to change this.
Athletes can avoid one more type of stress: oxidative stress. Everyone knows that a sufficient intake of antioxidants is essential. But did you know that a better way is to prevent the accumulation of oxidants in the first place?
To do this, an internal antioxidant called glutathione is required. Studies in rodents suggest that CBD may increase levels of this amazing substance, thus reducing oxidative stress even more effectively than vitamin C or E. It is interesting that other adaptogens (such as milk thistle and ashwagandha) may support glutathione production.
With less oxidation comes less muscle pain, better immune function, regulation of cellular recycling, and other benefits. Glutathione can also promote insulin sensitivity, which can improve the body’s use of carbohydrates more effectively. Only the best for all sports enthusiasts!
The more demanding the training routine is, the more inflammation can occur, and the more CBD athletes will eventually need. In general, 10 - 20 mg of CBD is an ideal dose, but more might be required to help you get through even the toughest training.
However, it is essential to increase the dose of CBD gradually and avoid drastic changes. This is because the pharmacological effect of CBD is two-phased – after reaching a specific dose, it begins to decrease slightly.
Moderated increase of dosage and frequency of use ensures that the optimal dose is not exceeded. Diversification of CBD intake may also be considered. If 20 mg of CBD oil per day is not enough to reduce inflammation, it is possible to try using CBD ointments, patches, or a vape pen, for example.
Professional athletes happen to understand
A small but growing number of athletes already use CBD. Former professional cyclist Floyd Landis has quit opioids. Golfer Bubba Watson promotes CBD despite PGA-tour warnings. On his YouTube channel, a record holder among strongmen Eddy Hall highlights the effects of CBD while used during recovery.
You will also find a lot of UFC fighters who are starting to use CBD for recovery purposes. Some even are sponsored by major CBD companies.
As you can see, many different types of athletes, who use CBD, are almost as diverse as the benefits of CBD. Will others join?
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