If you are an athlete then you would understand that there are certain things regular gym-goers cannot afford to do. Eating highly processed foods, having unregulated dependence on steroids, and having protein supplements without any guidance are some of them. While the gym instructor will tell you to come to the gym every day and maintain your athletic performance, adding natural supplements to your diet can help you take your existing performance to the next level. What we are talking about here is CBD. If you visit your nearest gym quite often or follow athlete influencers from the West, you would have heard about using CBD to enhance your performance.
Many gym goers have claimed that CBD has helped them improve their recovery time after the intense training session and has provided relief for the pain that is commonly associated with the intense gym session.
Let’s give a quick rundown of what CBD is for those who are getting to know about this for the first time. CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. There are other compounds present in this plant such as THC that are popular for providing the high to the users. CBD products in India, on the other hand, don’t produce any kind of high properties like anti-inflammatory, and analgesic further makes this a well-sought-after compound for gym goers. Now let’s understand how CBD works for athletes.
Benefits of Having CBD by your side
CBD has numerous potential benefits for athletes. CBD products in India have been shown to aid in the treatment of inflammation, pain, and even anxiety and depression. This means that CBD may be able to help athletes with a variety of issues both during and after the competition.
Reduces Inflammation: Inflammation is one of the most common issues that athletes face. Though it is necessary to some extent. During a strenuous workout, for example, your muscle fibers are broken down. This results in expected and normal levels of inflammation, which the body treats with repair hormones such as IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1). Excessive and chronic inflammation can cause problems for athletes, affecting both recovery and performance. CBD has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent, by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which controls inflammation levels in the body and may aid athletes in recovering from injuries faster. CBD can also help reduce oxidative stress and minimize the damage caused by strenuous exercise or injury. This can speed up recovery and reduce the risk of tissue damage.
Helps to reduce the pain: Pain, particularly knee pain, can be a problem for athletes even if you are having proper nutrition, stretching, and recovery. Athletes may experience acute or chronic pain depending on the intensity of their training and the effectiveness of their recovery. Excessive physical stress, strains, injuries, overtraining, and under-recovery are common causes of pain. The mental strain of competing can also aggravate this pain. CBD has been proposed as an effective pain reliever, assisting athletes in feeling more at ease and less stressed before and during competition. CBD interacts with receptors in the brain’s Pain Control Centre, and it is thought to reduce inflammation and provide some pain relief. Having said that, more research is needed to confirm and better understand the benefits of CBD supplements.
Helps you sleep better: Every athlete understands the importance of sleep for recovery. This is the time when your body produces muscle-repairing hormones and compounds like testosterone and growth hormone. You will miss out on results if you do not get enough sleep. You will also have a negative impact on your mental health. CBD has been shown to improve sleep quality, which is critical for athletes who need to perform at their peak. CBD may be able to help you get to sleep and stay asleep throughout the night. CBD has been linked to higher levels of natural endocannabinoids, which regulate sleep-wake cycles. It is thought to improve sleep quality and duration, allowing athletes to get the rest they require. CBD was also found to reduce anxiety. This could be beneficial for athletes dealing with pre-competition nerves
Reduces depression and anxiety: Competition can be stressful, which can negatively impact an athlete’s performance. Athletes who are overly stressed or anxious will be unable to focus and perform at their best. CBD has been found to help reduce performance anxiety and stress levels, which may be beneficial for athletes because it affects both the physical and mental faculties required for performance. CBD has also been shown to raise serotonin levels, which can help improve mood and stress management. CBD is also thought to help lower cortisol levels, which are linked to stress. This can assist athletes in remaining calm and composed during competitions, reducing anxiety and improving performance.
Should I be worried about the side effects and risks of CBD?
As with any supplement, there is the possibility of side effects and risks. Having said that, CBD is generally well-tolerated, with few and minor side effects. The following are the most frequently reported CBD side effects:
- Dryness
- Tiredness or drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Appetite and weight fluctuations
- Nausea
- Low blood pressure
So, should I consume CBD for performance and recovery?
There are conflicting views on whether athletes should use CBD to improve their performance. While research suggests that CBD can help to reduce inflammation, anxiety, and pain while improving sleep, some sports experts believe that there is insufficient evidence to support these claims and that more research is required. Based on current research, CBD may be beneficial for reducing inflammation and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. However, because everyone’s body is different, it’s possible that CBD will have different effects for different people. Before you buy cbd products, and incorporate CBD into your nutrition and supplement programme, as always, consult with your coach, nutritionist, and doctor.
So we are saying,
CBD oil is a promising supplement for athletes. While a well-designed workout plan, a consistent meal plan based on nutritious whole foods, and adequate sleep should be the foundation of any athletic training regimen, supplements like CBD may help to give you an extra edge for recovery and performance.
