CBD And Sports Performance: Can CBD Help Manage Pain And Enhance Athletic Performance?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an essential compound in the cannabis sativa plant, a part of marijuana. The plant consists of over 100 different compounds, but tetrahydrocannabinol(THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are the essential chemicals found in the cannabis plant. CBD offers many potential benefits as tetrahydrocannabinol. Some of the research results show the potential benefits of using CBD is good for relieving pain.

According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, it is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with potential tissue damage. Severe pain can affect an individual’s life at different levels. When it comes to professional athletes, pain is one of the main problems that interfere with a person’s sports performance. Most athletes deal with different types of pain, including neuropathic pain, joint pain, muscle soreness, inflammation, etc. Here comes the significance of CBD products widely used to treat different health conditions. What makes CBD unique from THC? The article explores the relationship between CBD and sports performance, its efficacy in managing pain, how CBD enhances athletic performance, etc.  

What is CBD?

CBD is an active compound extracted from the cannabis sativa plant. The chemical is widely used as a supplement to reduce symptoms of several health conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, muscle disorder, Parkinson’s disease, etc. Like CBD, Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is also an active ingredient in cannabis. What makes CBD different from THC is that it doesn’t have the ‘high’ side effects as THC. CBD is available in different forms, including capsules, vaporizers, tinctures, food items, beauty products, etc. There are scientific studies about CBD and its potential benefits are still ongoing. Some researchers claim that CBD shows promising effects on certain health conditions.

What are the health benefits of using Cannabidiol?

There is scientific research proves the potential benefits of using cannabidiol. It is a proven treatment for certain types of epilepsy. Some studies show the positive result of CBD in anxiety disorders. Let’s check some of the potential health benefits of using CBD and how it works on the body.

• Helps in pain management

CBD has wide popularity in the market because of an effective product to treat and manage pain. Pain management is closely associated with the working of the Endocannabinoid system. It is a specialized system in the body that helps to control certain functions in the body such as sleep, appetite, the immune system, and pain response. These neurotransmitters bind to cannabinoid receptors in the body’s nervous system. The pain can be managed by impacting this receptor activity.  

Help to reduce Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer becomes a common disease nowadays. According to Alzheimer’s Association, around 14 million Americans will be diagnosed with the disease in 2050. There are some clinical studies that show that CBD products are useful to protect brain health from diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.  CBD is not only good for protecting cells but also helps to generate new ones. CBD supplements prevent free radical damage, reduce inflammation and protect brain health from several diseases.

Good for heart health and blood pressure

Research published by the American Society for Clinical Investigation states that CBD is a natural treatment to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure can increase the developing risks of coronary artery diseases such as stroke and heart attack. But using CBD products can reduce systolic blood pressure and stroke volume and thereby avoid cardiovascular problems are also possible. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of CBD oil help to reduce heart-related illness.

Improves sleeping quality and anxiety-related problems

CBD is an excellent option to improve sleeping quality and anxiety-related problems. It can act on the brain’s receptors of serotonin and helps to control your mood and social behavior. It functions as anti-depressants in the body. Clinical studies have proven the efficacy of CBD to reduce anxiety and some of the symptoms related to the condition. 

Is CBD legal?

Yes. CBD is legal in the united states since 2018. The Agriculture Improvement Act removed hemp from the federal controlled Substances Act, legalizing CBD that comes from hemp. Few states are still not approved of the use of CBD, and they didn’t remove hemp from their state’s controlled substance acts. When considering the safety concerns of CBD, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved only one cannabinoid, Epidiolex. The medicine is beneficial for improving seizure disorders. 

What are the benefits of using CBD for athletes?

The use of CBD among athletes is becoming frequent nowadays. The legalization and commercialization of CBD products increase its intake among sports professionals. Different health benefits make CBD unique from other supplements. The beneficial properties of CBD, such as antidepressants, anxiolytics, anti-inflammatories, etc reduce certain health conditions. Following are the benefits of using CBD for athletes.    

Facts you remember before trying CBD

Compared to THC, CBD doesn’t cause ‘high’ side effects. It has mild side effects and natural roots. However, you should talk with your doctor before you consume CBD products. If you are a person who takes regular medication should take extra care before you start consuming CBD because it can interact with other medicines and may lead to several complications. 

Dosage is another factor that you remember while taking CBD supplements. Each product contains a different amount of dosage. If you are a beginner, start with a low dosage and avoid using it before your workout or any athletic competition.  As aforementioned, CBD products are available in the market in different forms. Most people know about capsules and tinctures because they are the common forms of CBD that marketing. But besides that, you can consume it in different ways, such as CBD coffees, pre-workout drinks, and muscle balms.

How much CBD can you use?

There is no standard dose that delivers a consistent effect for all people. Each CBD product contains different amounts of CBD in it. However, the most effective way to consume CBD is through capsules. A capsule contains information on how many milligrams of CBD is in a given volume of a tincture. 

What are the health risks associated with CBD?

There isn’t a lot of data available on the health risks related to using CBD. Some studies showed that it has some complications while taking other medications with CBD. CBD can interact with some medications, such as anti-epileptic drugs, opioid analgesics, antidepressants, and THC.

CBD already has mild effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, drowsiness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, etc. But along with other medications, CBD can double the side effects. For example, consuming CBD with OTC or other prescription medications causes sleepiness and fatigue. CBD is not a recommended product during the pregnancy period. No scientific study has proven the health effects of using CBD products during pregnancy. Research conducted on animals has shown adverse effects.  Taking CBD with stimulants can decrease appetite. There is little evidence available to support the benefits of CBD. More studies are needed to understand the benefits of CBD and its potential side effects. 

Conclusion

The popularity of CBD products got the wide attention of customers. The benefits of CBD in pain management increased its demand among athletes. More research is needed to learn about how CBD works and enhances the performance of athletes. Many athletes are using this compound and gaining benefits from CBD products. Considering the side effects of CBD, it is not a highly recommendable product to athletes. If you’re considering any CBD products, approach your medical advisor before the actual use.