CBD Edibles for Athletes Performance

CBD is a hot topic with a popularity that continues to rise. Athletes are integrating the compound to enhance their performance. As a result, they need to be stronger and faster as they put their bodies under excruciating stress in training and competition.

Exercises can put both physical and mental strain on professional athletes. With stakes higher in a competitive game, they need something to boost their performance. So, what is the reason for the growth of CBD products in sports? With scientific evidence backing the importance of CBD to improve performance, here is a quick guide on using CBD edibles for workouts.

1. Pain management

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Studies have shown that cannabinoids can help reduce pain, including stiff joints and musculoskeletal pain. After a strenuous exercise, athletes take CBD edibles to relieve pain with minimal side effects. Its analgesic properties work on all chronic pains, including muscle pain, joint pain, and nerve damage. 

Athletes are using CBD vape pen to deal with pain and inflammation after an intense workout. It has pain-relieving and anti-inflammation properties that can ease a painful sensation in athletes. While athletes can use over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen to treat pain, they are not entirely safe. In addition, these synthetic drugs can also cause long-term damage to the kidney. Therefore, athletes are turning towards better alternatives to help with pain management.

2. Can help with recovery

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Taking CBD edibles after an intense physical activity can help with recovery. Its anti-inflammatory properties can benefit athletes with body recovery. An excess of inflammation after a workout can slow down healing and affect performance. This post-workout inflammation is prevalent in athletes since the body needs to break down and rebuild.

The cannabinoid can help with muscle recovery to reduce damage to the nerves. It interacts with CBD receptors in the endocannabinoid system to reduce cytokine and chemokine production. As a result, CBD creates a potent anti-inflammatory response to enhance recovery.

3. May improve sleep quality.

Another reason for using CBD supplements is to improve sleep quality for faster muscle recovery. Sleep allows an athlete to relax and stick to training routines with motivated endurance. For example, athletes use edibles to promote sleep that results in better recovery.

CBD edibles can improve sleep quality by making it easier to go to sleep. This is because it inhibits the reuptake of the adenosine hormone, allowing it to accumulate in the brain and slow down brain activity. Since the cannabinoid binds to neurons to inhibit the release of neurotransmitters, you feel calmer and drowsier.  CBD has an anti-anxiety effect that makes it easier to fall asleep. Players are using edibles to manage performance stress and treat any anxiety-induced insomnia.

4. Can build body stamina

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CBD certainly can build and maintain body stamina in athletes. Individuals are using the supplements to build strength and energy when heading into a training session. This is because CBD can improve muscle energy to engage in high-performance activities for a long time.

When you consume CBD edibles before any exercise, it provides the mental tenacity and perseverance needed to sustain an intense workout. It increases blood circulation to the muscles that give them extra energy for the task at hand.

Does CBD have a direct effect on athlete performance?

It’s difficult to quantify whether CBD edibles directly improve athlete performance. However, the compound can improve athlete’s immunity and mental state to make them ready for a challenge. For example, the product can improve athlete focus during a game by stimulating them to stay alert.

Today, athletes in virtually all sports are incorporating CBD products into their workout routines. For example, MMA fighters are some of the leading proponents of CBD in sports for its health benefits. It helps modulate the body to get the best results from a workout or competition.

Is it legal?

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CBD is legal after the World Anti-Doping Agency removed it from its list of prohibited substances. The US Anti-Doping Agency allows CBD while restricting the use of THC in sports. Hence athletes are free to consume CBD edibles before, during, or after a competition. It doesn’t produce a positive result for prohibited drugs when testing for anti-doping.

Today, more people are consuming edibles after an exercise to achieve faster recovery and reduce pain. Whether using full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD, there is no risk of breaching state or federal laws on illegal drugs.

Is it safe?

CBD is safe to use as it doesn’t produce side effects associated with over-the-counter drugs. While NSAIDs can cause several side effects such as stroke and renal damage, CBD offers a safe alternative. In addition, the product is a naturally derived substitute without chemical additives, making it safe for anyone to use.

CBD edibles don’t contain the THC compound associated with making a person high. With less than 0.3 percent of THC, athletes can use them without worrying about sedative effects. Also, CBD edibles are not sedative and help athletes avoid opioid medication. As a rule of thumb, start with the low dose and work your way up. It’s also noteworthy that you consult your physician before using CBD products.

The Bottom Line

The popularity of CBD products has seen more athletes using them to enhance their performance. A look into its properties shows the compound can boost workouts in several ways. It can enhance efficient and faster recovery in athletes, relieve pain, and sustain body stamina. CBD edibles cannot substitute athlete performance but can be an effective supplement for the course. Its availability as a supplement can also reduce the consumption of synthetic and over-the-counter drugs for pain relief.