Athletes have to be healthy and fit at all times, and they need to be 100% in their best mind and body to deliver their utmost performance. However, it is pretty challenging to sustain it, and there are times athletes feel inflammation and muscle pain due to their strenuous exercises. Others suffer from mental disorders because of stress and anxiety.

Although things get a little messy sometimes when it comes to prepping their health, there’s always a solution to everything. CBD has been gaining a lot of attention from athletes all around the world. Why? Let’s discover why athletes are starting to use CBD.

What is CBD?

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD drew scientific interest initially because of its anticonvulsant properties. Still, mounting evidence of other therapeutic effects has piqued the interest of a broader range of clinical and non-clinical populations, including athletes.

Why Do Athletes Use CBD?

Giving the best performance in whatever sports they play is essential to every athlete. Now, to do that, they should possess a healthy mind and body. However, given that they put so much into their health, it is impossible for them to feel no pain and stress. 

To answer the question above, the bread and butter of all athletes are their health. Furthermore, CBD’s health benefits to athletes attract them the most, so some are starting to use it. To better understand it, here are some health benefits of CBD.

Benefits of CBD

Athletes are prone to muscle pain and mental health issues, and the therapeutic advantage alleviates them from experiencing those illnesses. The following is a brief explanation of its health benefits. Please take note that how and when athletes use CBD affects its effects.

Relieves Pain

One of the most common uses of cannabidiol among athletes is as a pain reliever. It may be as plain as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, which are the post-workout aches that prevent you from training for a few days, or more severe, such as a sprain or a recurrence of an old injury. Athletes can use CBD for pain relief in various ways, including taking supplements, using CBD oil drops, and even using CBD-infused massage oils and balms.

Improve Concentration

Athletes can choose to use it for a variety of reasons, including improved concentration. They will remain focused on the task at hand, maintain good shape, and finish their workout feeling good. On the other hand, CBD-infused sports drinks are perfect for this because they blend in so well with training, it offers the same advantages as other sports drinks, such as increased hydration and electrolyte replacement.

Weight Management

Many athletes also use CBD because of its weight-loss properties. Some people have mentioned feeling less hungry after taking the supplement, which can be beneficial for those who need to stick to a strict diet. Athletes should concentrate on foods that nourish them and fuel their workouts by avoiding the urge to snack or consume unhealthy foods. There are CBD products that they can add to their diet as a snack replacement.

Stress Management

Athletes, like the majority of people, are vulnerable to anxiety and depression in their daily lives. If they play a professional sport or perform at a high level, they are also subjected to additional stresses. Many people say that CBD aids in getting a better night’s sleep. It aids in getting people to sleep more efficiently and helps people have a deep sleep once they do fall asleep. Athletes use CBD for managing stress as much as for relieving pain.

Helps in Recovery

Athletes use a variety of supplements to support their recovery after a workout. On the other hand, CBD is quickly becoming a common post-workout supplement because of its anti-inflammatory effects. After a body has been stressed physically, inflammation is a common part of the healing process; however, too much inflammation can cause discomfort and even contribute to long-term health issues.

Improve Muscle Growth

Athletes may be able to increase their muscle mass by taking CBD. Since this impact of CBD is particularly beneficial to the elderly, sports players can also benefit from it. It has been shown in studies to lower cortisol levels and increase protein synthesis. As a result, CBD in sports can be able to help athletes improve their performance.

How To Use CBD?

As an athlete, you put your body under more tension, causing discomfort and inflammation beyond what your body can manage. Taking CBD can be a big help for you. If you’re new to 

CBD, start with the lowest dose, and avoid taking it before a workout or sports event. You can begin to use higher doses and consider taking it before or even after physical exercise once you’re familiar with the effects. You can also try out various CBD consumption and application methods.

Effects of CBD

CBD stimulates the body to create more of its cannabinoids by interacting with specific receptors in the brain (these are already naturally produced by the human body). In a way, CBD instructs the body on how to perceive pain and inflammation, cope with anxiety, and maintain overall equilibrium.

According to some people, it does not make you feel intoxicated and has no significant psychoactive effects. Many users report feeling less stressed, more energized, and better rested due to using the product.

Risk of CBD

Although CBD is commonly thought to be harmless, it does have the potential to cause side effects. Any product can be abused in some way. Athletes can overdo it, resulting in painful side effects on their bodies. The following are a few of CBD’s side effects.

• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Liver inflammation
• Dry Mouth
• Fatigue

To eliminate the risk of experiencing these side effects, people should stop misusing CBD products. 

Takeaway

As CBD and sports laws loosen, more and more chances for CBD to help athletes in need of a solution. CBD sports products are becoming more popular as cannabidiol offers a safer alternative to chemical prescriptions. However, no matter how beneficial CBD is to anyone, a person will still be in danger if the products are misused.